Hydration Tips for Severe Nausea in Pregnancy

When Even Water Feels Impossible

If you’re pregnant and struggling to keep fluids down, you’re not alone. Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) can make the simple act of sipping water feel overwhelming. And for those living with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) - a severe, often debilitating form of pregnancy sickness - dehydration is a very real and constant threat.

As a midwife and lactation consultant, I’ve supported many women through these challenging months. This guide offers practical, evidence-based hydration tips tailored to those battling moderate to severe nausea in pregnancy. Whether you’re managing this at home or under medical care, we’re here to help you stay hydrated—without judgement and with deep understanding.

Why Hydration Matters in Pregnancy

Your body needs more fluid in pregnancy to support increased blood volume, amniotic fluid, and healthy circulation for you and your baby. But persistent vomiting or the inability to keep anything down can lead to dehydration quickly.

Signs of dehydration to watch for include:

• Dark yellow or minimal urine output
• Dry mouth or lips
• Headaches or dizziness
• Fast heartbeat
• Feeling weak or lightheaded

If you’re showing these signs and unable to rehydrate at home, please seek medical care. You may require intravenous fluids or anti-nausea treatment.

Hydration with Hyperemesis: Think Small, Often, and Creative

1. Sips, Not Gulping

Large volumes of fluid can trigger vomiting. Instead:

• Take small sips every 10–15 minutes.
• Use a teaspoon or straw if even sips feel like too much.
• Freeze drinks into ice chips or cubes to suck slowly over time.

2. Temperature Matters

Many find that ice-cold or room temperature fluids are easier to tolerate than warm drinks. Experiment to find what works for your body on any given day.

3. Try Electrolyte Support (That Doesn’t Taste Gross)

Electrolyte drinks can help replenish what’s lost through vomiting - sodium, potassium, magnesium, and glucose are key. Avoid high-sugar sports drinks that can worsen nausea.

Look for:

• Low-sugar, pregnancy-safe electrolyte options (like Hydramama, used in some Australian maternity hospitals)
• Coconut water with a pinch of salt (natural source of potassium)
• Homemade oral rehydration: 1L water + 6 tsp sugar + ½ tsp salt (WHO guidelines)|

Tip: Freeze your electrolyte solution into icy poles. Many parents say it’s easier to tolerate this way!

4. Natural Flavours

When you're already feeling nauseous, less is more. Choose clean, simple flavours instead:

• Lemon or lime water (try freezing lemon juice into cubes)
• Cucumber-infused water
• Hydramama uses natural flavours
• Very diluted apple or white grape juice
• Avoid anything with artificial sweeteners or intense scents.

5. Non-Fluid Hydration Options

If drinking is too hard, fluids from foods count too:

• Frozen fruit like watermelon or grapes
• Jelly made with electrolyte-rich fluids
• Ice blocks made from hydrating herbal teas like ginger or chamomile
• Plain ice cubes to suck slowly

Tip: Watermelon is around 92% water and easy to nibble when your tummy can’t handle much else.

When to Seek Help: Dehydration Isn’t Something to Push Through

If you’re vomiting multiple times per day, unable to tolerate any fluids, or showing signs of dehydration, it’s time to speak with your midwife, GP, or hospital.

You may need:

• IV fluids for rehydration
• Prescription anti-nausea medications
• A care plan including PUQE scoring and regular check-ins

You Are Not Failing. You Are Surviving.

Dealing with severe nausea in pregnancy—especially hyperemesis gravidarum—is more than “morning sickness”. It can feel lonely, frightening, and physically exhausting. Please know this: You are not doing anything wrong. You deserve support, rest, and real care.

If you’re not sure what’s normal anymore, or whether it’s “bad enough” to get help—reach out. Talk to your healthcare provider or visit Hyperemesis Australia for support, advice, and community.

Let’s Make Hydration a Little Less Awful

Try one new hydration idea at a time. Keep a small symptom log and celebrate the small wins. Even one extra sip, one hour without vomiting, or finding something that stays down is a success.

You’ve got this, and we’re right here with you.