Very Thirsty During Pregnancy

When a fetus is to develop and be nourished, it requires a higher blood level in the body and thus also a greater fluid intake. It is, therefore, very common that during periods of pregnancy, you may feel thirsty all the time and that it cannot be turned off. However, it can also be a sign of gestational diabetes.

Increased blood volume

Many pregnant women experience a constant urge to urinate and an unquenchable dryness. This happens especially in the first trimester, when blood volume naturally increases, which requires more fluid. The increased blood volume also causes the kidneys to form extra fluid, which ends up in the bladder, which is why it will also contribute to an increased urge to urinate.

Symptoms of gestational diabetes

If you experience an unquenchable or increased thirst in late pregnancy, it may signify gestational diabetes. It is a mild form of diabetes that usually disappears again after birth.

It typically occurs in the latter part of pregnancy, when the amount of hormones in the body is most significant. Therefore, if you have increased thirst, increased urge to urinate, and feel tired and uncomfortable, you should contact your doctor to be examined for gestational diabetes.

Increased thirst does not have to be associated with gestational diabetes but can be your body's way of responding to pregnancy.

Salt balance and minerals

If you drink a lot more water than you usually do or have done earlier in pregnancy, you should also pay attention to your salt balance and other minerals. Consuming more than 2.5 liters of fluid a day can flush salt and other minerals out of the body, which is not healthy or appropriate.

Therefore, ask your doctor if you should take any supplements simultaneously so that it does not give rise to other symptoms or discomfort in the body. Through blood tests, your doctor will be able to see if you need a supplement of certain minerals.