Have any of you been told this when something serious health-wise is going on with you? Thinking back on my experiences the last couple of years, I have been told this multiple times. It is honestly one of the most dismissive statements I think I have heard from a medical professional. I understand that water is essential for daily life, but come on, that is not the solution to every problem we have medically. I am honestly curious if this is said because the answer to what is wrong is unknown, or if this is a genuine response.

The first time I was told this was a couple of days after Caia was born. I had been attempting to breastfeed Caia, and I thought I was doing a good job. At her pediatrician’s office, I found out she had been eating nothing and almost had to be hospitalized for low weight. I was shocked. The first question I was asked was “Are you drinking enough water?” I had no idea what I was doing at this point and was frustrated this was the question asked. I didn’t find out until her first dental appointment, that Caia had a lip tie and that is why it was difficult. I wish her doctor had checked the first time.

More recently, I have been dealing with it during my second pregnancy. When I started experiencing the dizzy spells, I reached out to my doctor’s office. I was told it was normal, and that I needed to drink more water. I kept thinking I was already drinking enough water, but I tried to consume more. The dizziness persisted, leading me to passing out with my one year old daughter and dog in the car. Luckily I had pulled over in time and was able to call my mom. Once again, I called the labor and delivery department to explain what happened, and I was told to again drink more water. I was really upset after that call. I knew something was wrong.

I called again a day later and was told to come in to the hospital. I was once again told to make sure I was drinking enough water. I couldn’t believe it, but this time they did order my one-hour glucose test. I went to do that test and did not pass. My sugar was high. I had to schedule the three-hour glucose test. In between that time, I had another dizzy spell. I called the OBGYN’s office crying because I was alone with my daughter. A nurse yet again, told me to “drink more water, sweetie”. I had enough of this. I was so angry. How could that be the only problem causing this?

Finally, I took my three-hour glucose test and found out I had gestational diabetes. It was nice to know that I wasn’t crazy and that something actually was wrong. I went to a diabetes class for how to manage it during pregnancy seeing as I have never been diabetic before. It was with the same nurse who answered the phone when I was crying to tell me to “drink more water, sweetie.” I thought I would get an apology or at least just be acknowledged that it wasn’t the water that was wrong with me. Instead I got nothing. I was just told how to manage my diabetes. I wish I had said something, but I didn’t.

A healthy mom and healthy pregnancy is so important for your baby. I have never felt so dismissed by medical professionals when I knew something was seriously wrong with my pregnancy. I put all of my trust in their care because I am not in the medical field. I expect them to know what is wrong with me. Experiencing the symptoms I did for weeks, and being told to drink more water is infuriating. I am glad I kept calling though to make sure I let them know about my symptoms or I might still not know what is wrong. If someone tells you to drink more water, but you know something is wrong, never let that stop you from getting the care you deserve.