Quick answer
If you're experiencing Pregnancy Sickness, you're not imagining it - even plain water can make you feel nauseous.
Many women find that drinking water triggers gagging, worsens nausea or even causes vomiting, especially during the first trimester.
Although the exact reason isn't fully understood, hormonal changes, heightened sensitivity to taste and smell, and the way pregnancy affects your digestive system are all thought to play a role.
Why does this happen?
One of the most frustrating things about Pregnancy Sickness is that everyone tells you to "drink plenty of water" - yet for many women, water is the very thing that makes them feel worse.
During pregnancy, hormones such as hCG and GDF15 are thought to affect the parts of the brain involved in nausea. At the same time, many women develop a heightened sense of taste and smell. Water, particularly if it's warm or has a strong mineral taste, can suddenly become unpleasant or even trigger nausea.
Pregnancy also slows digestion, meaning fluids may sit in the stomach for longer than usual. For some women, this sensation of fullness can make nausea worse.
The important thing to remember is that this experience is common. If water suddenly becomes difficult to drink, it doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong.
What can help?
Every woman is different, but you may find it easier to:
- Sip small amounts regularly rather than drinking a full glass.
- Try ice-cold water or water with plenty of ice.
- Add a slice of lemon, lime or cucumber if you can tolerate the taste.
- Try sparkling water if still water feels unpleasant (or vice versa).
- Eat water-rich foods such as watermelon, grapes or cucumber.
- Speak to your GP or midwife if you're struggling to stay hydrated.
If you're finding both large drinks and tablets difficult to manage, it can also help to look for alternatives that are easier to tolerate.
When should I seek medical advice?
If you're unable to keep fluids down, are passing very dark urine, feel dizzy or faint, or think you're becoming dehydrated, contact your GP, midwife or maternity assessment unit as soon as possible.
Early treatment can help prevent symptoms from becoming more severe, so don't wait until you feel extremely unwell before asking for help.
From someone who's been there:
One of the things I found hardest was that everyone kept telling me to drink more water. I wanted to - I was thirsty all the time - but every sip made me feel even more nauseous. It made me feel guilty, as though I wasn't trying hard enough, when actually my body just couldn't tolerate it. Looking back, I wish someone had simply told me that this can happen with Pregnancy Sickness. It would have made me feel far less alone.
How Replenish may help
Each small 28ml sachet contains electrolytes, glucose, vitamin C and B vitamins, including bioavailable folic acid (5-MTHF), in a format designed to be easier to tolerate when you're feeling sick.
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.
Key takeaways
- Water making you feel sick is a common symptom of Pregnancy Sickness.
- Hormonal changes and increased sensitivity to taste and smell may contribute.
- Small, frequent sips or colder drinks may be easier to tolerate.
- Signs of dehydration should never be ignored.
- Speak to your healthcare professional if you're struggling to keep fluids down.
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.
If you found this article helpful, you might also like...
- Is it normal to have constant nausea but not be sick?
- Why electrolytes matter during Pregnancy Sickness
- Surviving Pregnancy Sickness: The foods that may help your nausea, and why
- Living with Pregnancy Sickness: Breaking down the new NHS guidelines and what they mean for your care
- Understanding the difference between Pregnancy Sickness and Hyperemesis Gravidarum
