Staying Hydrated During Pregnancy
Simple Steps Can Support Mom and Baby
7/28/2026
Liz Edinger, NP, Aspirus OB/GYN
Pregnancy brings many changes to the body, including an increased need for fluids. While drinking water may seem like a small daily habit, staying hydrated plays an important role in supporting digestion, circulation, amniotic fluid, temperature regulation and overall comfort throughout pregnancy.
Health experts recommend that pregnant patients make hydration a daily priority, especially during warm weather, illness, physical activity or periods of nausea and vomiting. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends drinking eight to 12 cups, or 64 to 96 ounces, of water each day during pregnancy.
“Hydration is one of the simplest ways pregnant patients can support their health and their baby’s development,” said Liz Edinger, NP, an OB/GYN at Aspirus. “Water helps move nutrients through the body, supports healthy blood volume and can help reduce common pregnancy discomforts such as constipation, headaches and overheating.”
Dehydration can happen when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. During pregnancy, that risk can increase because the body is working harder, blood volume expands and symptoms such as morning sickness can make it harder to keep fluids down. Warning signs may include dark-colored urine, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, infrequent urination or feeling unusually overheated.
Pregnant patients can take practical steps to stay hydrated by carrying a refillable water bottle, sipping throughout the day, adding fruit or citrus for flavor, choosing water with meals, eating water-rich fruits and vegetables, and increasing fluids during hot weather or after vomiting or diarrhea.
“A helpful goal is to make hydration part of your routine rather than waiting until you feel thirsty,” said Edinger. “Thirst is not always the earliest sign that your body needs fluids. Pale yellow urine is one simple indicator that you may be staying well hydrated.”
Patients should contact their pregnancy care team if they are unable to keep fluids down, have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, feel faint or confused, have a rapid heartbeat, notice decreased fetal movement, or are concerned about dehydration. Severe dehydration requires prompt medical care.
For more information about pregnancy care or to connect with an Aspirus provider, visit aspirus.org.
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