How Much Water Should a Pregnant Woman Drink?

Dehydration is the result of your body losing water faster than you are taking it in.  When you’re pregnant you need more water than the average person, at least 8-12 glasses a day. Water plays an important role in the healthy development of your baby such as helping to form the placenta, which is what your baby relies on to receive nutrients during pregnancy. Water is also used to form the amniotic sac later in your pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to avoid dehydration during pregnancy.

Other Ways to Avoid Dehydration

Avoiding products that contain caffeine is a good idea, as caffeine can increase your urine output, thus leading to dehydration.
Another way to prevent dehydration is to avoid activities that can cause overheating, such as strenuous exercise or spending a lot of time in a hot environment. Exercise is considered healthy for expecting mothers, but strenuous exercise and lack of water intake can lead to dehydration.

Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration During Pregnancy

A common sign of dehydration is “maternal overheating.” Having adequate water in your system will help you regulate your body heat; however, if you are not drinking enough water during pregnancy, you can be prone to overheating. A sign of being well-hydrated is having a clear urine color, as opposed to dark yellow.
If your urine is dark yellow, that’s a sign you need to increase your water intake.

Want to Know More?

• Pregnancy Exercise Guidelines
• Exercise Warning Signs
• Prenatal Vitamins

Sources:
Mayo Clinic – Dehydration. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/basics/symptoms/con-20030056
Livestrong The Effects of Dehydration in Pregnant Women on the Baby: https://www.livestrong.com/article/505961-the-effects-of-dehydration-in-pregnant-women-on-the-baby/

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How Long Does Implantation Bleeding Last?

Implantation bleeding should last only between a couple of hours to three full days. If the bleeding you are experiencing is bright or dark red blood, lasts more than three days, and is a full flow in that you are filling up pads/tampons, it it very unlikely you are experiencing implantation bleeding.

Women who are going through their first pregnancy will likely spot or bleed a little bit more than women who are used to the egg attachment. (It is similar to dental flossing of the gums as the first time the gum line is aggravated, it will bleed more, while subsequent times bleeding is lessened.)

However, if your menstruation cycle is shorter than normal (< 3 days), you did not fill up pads or tampons, it was more pinkish/brownish than red, and you had less cramping than normal, it is possible that you are having implantation bleeding.

Why Does Implantation Bleeding Happen?

About 10-14 days after conception (when the sperm joins with the egg), the embryo will implant itself into the wall of the uterus. This movement may break down some blood vessels within the uterus wall and cause some bleeding.

Menstruation occurs around 11-14 days after ovulation (when an egg is released & conception is possible), which is another reason why the two are often confused with one another. Some women may simply believe their period is a few days early. Implantation bleeding typically happens within the week before the expected period.

For example, if you are sexually active and expect your period on January 25th, then you might question any spotting you have between Jan. 18th – Jan. 25th as possible implantation bleeding. It is not common that implantation bleeding would occur before this time or after a period is expected or missed. However, if one experiences ovulation early in the fertility window and the implantation process is quick, or one experiences ovulation late in the fertility window and the implantation process is slow, it is possible.

Women know what their normal menstrual flow looks like, and as long as they are not on any kind of new medication (including birth control and emergency contraceptives) or have a change in stress level, then their menstrual blood flow, color, and consistency are usually the same. So, when this lighter, pink spotting occurs, it will appear a bit out of place.

Implantation Bleeding Concerns

Implantation bleeding should not be a cause for concern and should pose no real risk to the developing baby. If you experience bleeding or spotting more than a few days after your missed period, it is not likely to be implantation bleeding. True pregnancy concerns rarely come from implantation and usually occur after the missed period.

Though this post-implantation light bleeding during pregnancy is not considered normal, there are a few main reasons it may occur:

• Irritation of the cervix (especially following OBGYN exams)
• Irritation or small tears from intercourse
• Heavy or excessive lifting or exercise/exertion
• Vaginal infection.

At least 50% of women that experience spotting/bleeding (other than implantation bleeding) will go on to have a normal, healthy pregnancy.
Extended bleeding can be a sign of something more serious, especially further on during the pregnancy. Molar pregnancy or miscarriage are two concerns, which is why whenever visiting the OBGYN or other doctors, it is necessary to inform them of current or recent bleeding (especially if it is heavy), as well as any other symptoms you are experiencing.

In your first trimester, be sure to let your healthcare provider know about any spotting.
Let your healthcare provider know immediately about any spotting in your second or third trimesters.
If at any point during your pregnancy you experience heavy bleeding, contact your healthcare provider immediately or consider seeking emergency care.

For women going through nausea/vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain (especially one-sided pain), it is possible you are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, so inform your doctor right away. Cramping is normal during pregnancy, yet if the level of pain during cramping increases, it is recommended to contact a doctor.

Still Not Sure?

If you are not sure which type of bleeding you are having, we recommend waiting three days after the bleeding/spotting stops before taking a pregnancy test. You are welcome to contact our toll-free helpline at 1-800-672-2296 to speak with a pregnancy educator.

Often, taking a pregnancy test before the missed period or during implantation bleeding is just too soon for tests to offer conclusive results. Ideally, waiting a week after the spotting or missed period is most desirable as the results should prove more accurate.

Next Steps

Implantation bleeding is a sign of a potential pregnancy. If you have waited until after your period was due and taken a pregnancy test that delivered a negative result, there is a good chance you are not pregnant. Watching for implantation bleeding while trying to get pregnant is fine, but many women do not experience nor notice implantation spotting even when it does occur.

Want to Know More?

• Early Symptoms of Pregnancy
• Getting Pregnant After Ovulation
• Bleeding During Pregnancy

Compiled using information from the following Medical sources:

1. March of Dimes: “Pregnancy Complications.”

2. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: “What Are Some Common Signs of Pregnancy?”

3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: “Abnormal Uterine Bleeding,” “Early Pregnancy Loss.”

4. Norwitz ER, et al. Overview of the etiology and evaluation of vaginal bleeding in pregnant women.

5. Moore KL, et al. Answers to clinically oriented questions. In: Before We Are Born: Essentials of Embryology and Birth Defects. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2013.

6. Frequently asked questions. Pregnancy FAQ038. Bleeding during pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Bleeding-During-Pregnancy

7. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Months 1 and 2. In: Your Pregnancy and Childbirth Month to Month. 6th ed. Washington, D.C.: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; 2015.

8. Mayo Clinic FAQs

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If you’re researching your options you probably need to talk. You can talk to us. There will be no judgement, no guilt, only a friendly caring person ready to listen and talk. Our registered nurses and pregnancy educators are very knowledgeable about abortion procedures, and the physical and emotional side effects.

We can also share with you your options for parenting or choosing your baby’s parents through adoption. Our conversation will be confidential. Again, there’s no judgement, only caring hearts who truly care about you and how this decision will affect your life. Click the chat button below, or call us toll-free at 1-800-672-2296.

When we talk, we’ll share suggestions about how to talk to your family about your unplanned pregnancy; how to get financial help; how to select medical services, and other important things.

Call us toll-free helpline at 1-800-672-2296 or click the chat below.

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Weather your period is late and you are hoping the breast tenderness and nausea are pregnancy symptoms and not PMS or vice versa, the surest way to know for certain that you may or may not be pregnant is to take a pregnancy test.

There are two types of pregnancy tests; one uses a urine sample, the other a blood sample.

Understanding Pregnancy Tests

Urine tests can be performed in two different ways and these can be performed at home or in a clinic. One way involves collecting your urine in a cup and dipping a stick into the urine or putting urine into a special container with an eyedropper. Another option involves placing a stick into your urine stream and catching your urine in midstream.

Tests vary in how long you have to wait to get a result. You will be looking for a change in color, a line, or a symbol (like a plus or minus) or the words “not pregnant” or “pregnant”.

How accurate are urine tests?

Urine tests or home pregnancy tests are around 97% accurate when done correctly. The key is to take the test first thing in the morning, with your first urination. The pregnancy hormone, hCG, if there is any, will be at its highest concentration making it more likely that the test will detect it.

Home pregnancy tests are great to use because they are convenient, inexpensive, private, they give a fast result, and are easy to use.

However, if done incorrectly or taken too early, the result can be inaccurate. If you get a negative result and still have symptoms of pregnancy (missed period, nausea, breast tenderness, and fatigue), wait a week and take another test or ask your doctor for a blood test.

Blood Tests

There are two types of blood tests. A quantitative blood test measures the exact amount of hCG in the blood, and a qualitative hCG blood test gives a simple yes or no answer to whether you are pregnant or not.

Advantages of having a blood test done:

• Can detect a pregnancy earlier than a urine test at about 7-12 days from possible conception (but if a negative result is received, a test should be repeated if a period is missed.)
• Can measure the concentration of hCG hormone in your blood (this is useful information for your healthcare provider in tracking certain problems in pregnancy)

Disadvantages of having a blood test done:

• More expensive than a urine test (price depends on the cost of doctor’s visit and lab fees)
• Takes longer to get the result
• Must be done in a doctor’s office

How does a pregnancy test work?

Both pregnancy test types detect the presence of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone is produced by the placenta shortly after the embryo attaches to the uterine lining and builds up rapidly in your body in the first few days of pregnancy. It is this rapid shift in hormones that trigger most of your pregnancy symptoms.

When is the earliest I can take a home pregnancy test?

Most at-home tests state you can test as soon as the first day of your expected period. It’s the experience of our nurses and pregnancy educators that when women test within a day or two of their missed periods they may get an inaccurate negative result. We recommend testing after being seven days late.

This is because it’s considered normal to start your period anytime from seven days before to seven days after it’s due and still be within the “normal” time frame. Pregnancy tests work best when the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has built up in your system. This usually happens around 11 – 12 days after ovulation. Most women get their period around 14 days after ovulation.

If your test is positive

If your potential pregnancy is unplanned, no doubt you have many questions and possible concerns. Please call us at 1-800-672-2296 or chat with us by clicking the chat window. Our pregnancy educators can provide advice about your options plus locate the pregnancy center closest to you. They can provide a free pregnancy test to verify your pregnancy, plus provide multiple resources and support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy Tests

If I get a positive result on a home pregnancy test, does that mean I am pregnant?

A positive result from a home pregnancy test shows the presence of the hormone hCG in your system. When an egg is implanted in a woman’s uterine lining, hCG hormones begin to develop and multiply. This is a sign that you have become pregnant.

If I get a negative result on a home pregnancy test, does that mean I am not pregnant?

A negative result can mean that you are not pregnant, you took the test too early, or you took the test wrong. Pregnancy tests vary in their sensitivity (how soon they can detect the hormone hCG), and you may not have given your body enough time to produce enough hCG hormones that will show up on the test.

Also, if you let a test sit for too long (after the instructions on the box tell you), the test is invalid. It is best to follow the instructions and wait until you have missed a period before taking the test. Most pregnancy tests come with two in a box, and it is a good idea to take both.

When is the earliest I can take a home pregnancy test?

It is recommended that you wait until you have missed a period to take a home test. A missed period is often one of the first signs of pregnancy. If you cannot wait that long to find out and you know the day you may have conceived, then the earliest you can take a test would be 14 days from possible conception.

What if I take a couple of home pregnancy tests and get different answers?

If you have received different answers on multiple pregnancy tests, it is recommended that you get a blood test done to get an accurate answer.

Want to Know More?

• 7 Discomforts of Pregnancy
• Morning Sickness Relief
• Pregnancy Nutrition: Eating Healthy for Two
• 16 Ways to Bond With Your Baby While Pregnant

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If you’re reading this, you’ve chosen to step into a world of information. The American Pregnancy Association website offers a wealth of details about pregnancy and birth. And, for parents expecting multiples, there’s another essential resource: a connection with someone who’s “been there, done that.”

“Two or more is hard,” said one mother of multiples from California. “Support is key.”

Some moms of multiples find that connection through an online chat room; others discover becoming part of an in-person network through Multiples of America offers support that spans pregnancy, early parenting and beyond.

“In person clubs give the opportunity to be around someone in our shoes,” said a Multiples of America member from North Carolina. “I know there are clubs for many different things out there, but nothing beats being in an in-person club for parents of multiples! You will laugh together, cry together, fellowship together, and just be together!”

Multiples of America connects parents with support, information, and research specific to parenting twins, triplets or more through a network of local clubs across the nation. Belonging to the national organization brings access to member exclusive toolkits for those expecting multiples and educating multiple birth children. Members also receive an e-magazine filled with tips, personal stories, and inspiration, as well as monthly chances to connect live online for learning and fun.

Local clubs further personalize that support through in-person meetings that feature speakers on topics such as child development, self-care, or family finances. Some also provide individualized mentoring for new moms, meal trains, preemie clothes closets, or clothing sales.

“I know moms who are googling everything and asking single birth friends who don’t get our crazy world,” said one mom of multiples from Florida. “But when they get to one meeting, they get it! They’re like, “Where have you been all my twin life!’”

“These awesome women support each other in good times and through the more challenging times we travel throughout our life,” adds one mom of twins from Ohio.

Check out the Multiples of America website for more information about the organization. Use Find a Club to connect with a local club near you or consider affiliate membership.

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