Quick answer
Yes. Dehydration can make Pregnancy Sickness feel worse, creating a difficult cycle. Feeling sick can make it harder to eat and drink, but not getting enough fluids can increase feelings of nausea, tiredness and dizziness. Recognising the signs of dehydration early and seeking support if you're struggling to stay hydrated can help prevent symptoms from becoming more severe.
Why does this happen?
Pregnancy Sickness often makes eating and drinking difficult. If you're vomiting, or simply can't face drinking enough fluids because of constant nausea, it's easy to become dehydrated.
Even mild dehydration can leave you feeling tired, lightheaded and generally unwell. It may also make nausea feel more intense, making it even harder to drink - creating a cycle that's difficult to break.
During Pregnancy, your body also needs more fluids than usual to support your growing baby and the changes taking place. That means it can be easier to become dehydrated than you might expect.
What can help?
If you're struggling to drink enough, try not to focus on drinking large amounts all at once.
Instead, you may find it easier to:
- Take small sips throughout the day.
- Try drinks at different temperatures to see what feels most comfortable.
- Eat water-rich foods such as melon, grapes or cucumber if you can tolerate them.
- Rest when possible, as fatigue can make Pregnancy Sickness feel worse.
- Speak to your GP or midwife if you're worried you're becoming dehydrated.
Remember, you don't have to wait until you're severely unwell to ask for help. If drinking has become a daily struggle, it's worth discussing your symptoms with a healthcare professional.
When should I seek medical advice?
Contact your GP, midwife or maternity assessment unit if you:
- Are unable to keep fluids down.
- Pass very little urine or notice it's dark in colour.
- Feel dizzy, faint or unusually weak.
- Have a dry mouth or extreme thirst.
- Think you're becoming dehydrated.
Severe dehydration may require treatment in hospital, so it's always better to seek advice early.
From someone who's been there
"I remember feeling trapped in a cycle. I felt too sick to drink, but the less I drank, the worse I seemed to feel. It wasn't until I spoke to my healthcare team that I realised dehydration could actually be making everything harder. Looking back, I wish I'd asked for help sooner instead of trying to push through on my own."
Laura, Founder of Replenish
How Replenish may help
Replenish is a food supplement. It is not a medicine and is not intended to treat, prevent or cure Pregnancy Sickness. However, it has been designed specifically for women experiencing Pregnancy Sickness who are struggling with their normal diet, large drinks and tablets.
Each 28ml liquid sachet contains electrolytes, glucose, vitamin C and B vitamins, including bioavailable folic acid (5-MTHF), in a small format that many women find easier to manage than large drinks or tablets.
Key takeaways
- Dehydration can make Pregnancy Sickness feel worse.
- Nausea and dehydration can create a difficult cycle.
- Small, frequent sips may be easier than drinking large amounts.
- Learn to recognise the early signs of dehydration.
- Speak to your healthcare professional if you're struggling to stay hydrated.
References
- NHS. Morning sickness.
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). The Management of Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy and Hyperemesis Gravidarum.
- Pregnancy Sickness Support.
- Fejzo MS et al. Research into nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and Hyperemesis Gravidarum.
If you found this article helpful, you might also like...
- Why does water make me feel sick during Pregnancy?
- Is it normal to have constant nausea but not be sick?
- Why electrolytes matter during Pregnancy Sickness
- Understanding the difference between Pregnancy Sickness and Hyperemesis Gravidarum
- Living with Pregnancy Sickness: Breaking down the new NHS guidelines and what they mean for your care
