# How much water should I drink while pregnant? | Clever Mum

> Around 8–10 glasses (roughly 1.6–2 litres) a day, more in hot weather or if you're active. Pregnancy increases your blood volume and amniotic fluid needs, and

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#  How much water should I drink while pregnant? 

    
 
Quick answer — How much water should I drink while pregnant? 

 
Around 8–10 glasses (roughly 1.6–2 litres) a day, more in hot weather or if you're active. Pregnancy increases your blood volume and amniotic fluid needs, and good hydration also helps with constipation, UTIs and headaches — three common pregnancy complaints. Dark urine is the simplest sign you need more; pale straw-coloured is the target.

   
## Why needs go up

Blood volume increases by up to 50% in pregnancy, amniotic fluid needs replenishing, and extra fluid supports digestion at a time constipation is already more likely. Dehydration in pregnancy is also linked to more frequent headaches and can trigger Braxton Hicks contractions.

## Simple ways to check you're drinking enough

Urine colour is the easiest gauge — pale straw is well-hydrated, dark yellow means drink more. Water, milk and diluted squash all count; tea and coffee count too, but keep caffeine under 200mg a day (roughly two mugs of instant coffee) regardless of how you hit your fluid target.

## When it matters most

Hot weather, exercise, sickness (vomiting increases fluid loss) and the later stages of labour are all times to consciously top up. A bottle you refill through the day is easier than remembering to drink at intervals.

   
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