can you drink too much water?

[boobesque]

i am 24 weeks pregnant and suffering in the heat (it can only get worse :-( ) i am drinking 3 litres or more of water a day, can drinking too much have a detrimental effect or is it ok to drink it when i think i need it?

[Hermit]

Given that you are pregnant, I don't think there's any room for unqualified advice so I would recommend that you call NHS direct. I have used them a few times and they are exceptionally good; they'll take your query and usually arrange for a nurse or doctor to call you back which is very prompt.

In the meantime, I wouldn't have thought it likely that you could do any damage by drinking a lot but could being thirsty be more meaningful than just the heat? Call them, its what they are there for and unlike your doctor you can't possibly think you are wasting anyone's time etc and it will probably be quicker than getting an appointment.

[smudge]

Although I would go along with Hermit's sentiments, this is a helpful link too.

Congrat's & good luck boobesque.

[Drusilla1S]

It is possible to drink too much water, but you would have to drink a lot more than you are drinking to be in trouble. People who suffer from excessive intake also consume vast quantities in one sitting. In the course of a day, three litres is nothing to worry about.

Hope the link helps.

http://chemistry.about.com/cs/5/f/blwaterintox.htm

[jaq1964]

3 Litres is not a large amount.

If you are very worried, go and see your midwife/GP. It could be a sign of gestational diabetes. However, in warmer weather we all need to drink more, thirst being a sign of dehydration.

There is a condition that causes someone to drink a lot, but I don't know what it is called. My uncle had it and drank a VAST amount, and I mean VAST. It caused his body to be flushed of potasium (needed for a healthy heart). He had to take supplements to control it.

Congratulations! enjoy your pregnancy.

Best wishes, Jacqui

[boobesque]

i dont actually feel thirsty, as i know it isnt good to dehydrate whilst pregnant and feeling thirsty is one of the last symptoms of dehydration, i feel fine, just one of those things you worry about lol, thanks guys

[2nosey]

wow 3 liters sometimes i don't even have 3 glasses a day. once i didn't drink water for 2 whole days i'm not joking. but now i keep running to the loo because i've been advised to drink more water by the doctor.

i bet you have lovely skin boobesque i heard its the best thing to do if you want glowing skin.

[boobesque]

i bleeding wish nosey,i have teenage spots cos of the heat and hormones and i just look tired! comes with having a seven year old as well as being pregnant!

I am constantly complaining at my partner that he doesnt drink enough water! I always had my 2 litres a day before baby, then i had good skin!

[2nosey]

i know this weather is getting on my nerves too.i feel so lazy and my head feels heavy i feel like a slob!

it's really humid where i am and when i went out it stank!

goodluck with the baby!xx

[boobesque]

i dont go out while its this hot, strange smell out there round here as well, i noticed it last night!

thanks for the luck!

[Backdrifter]

Sounds like a healthy amount - and if taken in relatively small quantities throughout the day, it will mean you're doing a good job of keeping hydrated.

As has bene said, yes it's possible to have too much water but you'd have to be constantly downing gallons and gallons of it (I've heard of people doing that and it can cause problems). I'd say, carry on doing what you're doing - but to be certain, as Hermit said, check with your doctor.