What is allowed and what is forbidden to drink in time during pregnancy? Water is extremely good for our bodies.
It is a great help if you have morning sickness and dizziness which are common symptoms in the first trimester of pregnancy.
But water is not the only useful drink that you can drink carelessly during pregnancy.
Today we reveal to you which drinks you should drink during pregnancy and which you should avoid.
The best drinks to drink during pregnancy
Water number one drink in pregnancy
The best drink during pregnancy is certainly water. You probably already know very well that it is important for the body to be hydrated to be healthy and you may follow the old rule – drinking eight glasses of water a day.
But what about when you are pregnant? Do you need to drink more?
Experts answer all these questions.
How much water should we drink during pregnancy?
“The suggestion for drinking water during pregnancy is about six to eight glasses of water a day,” explains Dr. Edward Marut, a reproductive endocrinologist at the Illinois Fertility Center.
While the office of Women’s Health, which is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services, recommends that pregnant women drink about 10 glasses (or about 2 liters) of fluid during the day, a little more than the standard 8 glasses.
But the exact amount you need varies according to your body type, size, and your level of activity.
Therefore, it is best to consult your doctor if you are looking for more accurate information about the amount.
Water does not contain artificial sweeteners or dyes, does not contain additional calories, and is a great source of hydration.
If you want to increase and change its taste, then you are free to add a few drops of lemon.
Water will help with your morning sickness and lack of energy.
It is also extremely important to drink enough drinks during pregnancy so that the bloodstream can function properly in the new conditions, especially if you had low blood pressure before pregnancy.
It is best to drink plain water and mineral water that contains less sodium.
How will you know if you do not drink enough water?
In addition to feeling thirsty, other signs of dehydration include dark-colored urine (pay attention to colors), infrequent urination (less than 3 times a day), dry, sticky mouth and eyes, dizziness or dizziness, constipation, headache, as well as increased anxiety, fatigue, mood swings, and decreased memory.
Also, if you experience morning sickness, you lose fluid very quickly, so it is recommended that you drink extra water.
Also drink water at room temperature, as you may be more sensitive to extreme temperatures during pregnancy – drinking water that is too cold or too hot can increase your stomach aches and make you nauseous.
What are the benefits of drinking more water during pregnancy?
By increasing your water intake, you will help your body absorb nutrients by flushing out harmful waste and toxins, transporting vitamins, minerals, and hormones to blood cells.
What is the best way to make sure you drink enough water?
To make sure you drink enough fluids throughout the day, add water-rich fruits such as watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers, cabbage, and melons to your diet.
You can also eat semi-liquid foods for snacks, such as yogurt (which provides you with extra calcium), smoothies, and ice cream on a stick.
Soup (as long as it is low in sodium), mineral water and decaffeinated tea are also in the group of liquids that can help.
Milk for a healthy pregnancy
Milk is a great choice because it reduces thirst and at the same time supplies our body with vitamin D and calcium which are important for the proper development of the baby.
It will give you strength, reduce the risk of osteoporosis and other bone problems that pregnant women are prone to.
If you want, you can consume yogurt as a good substitute for milk. Milk can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes Milk is a vital source of calcium during pregnancy.
Getting the right amount can help meet your baby’s need for vitamins and minerals. It has been proven that a woman in her pregnancy needs to consume between 1000 and 3000 mg of calcium per day.
Many scientific studies prove that moderate consumption of milk during pregnancy contributes to a better gestation process.
The US Department of Agriculture recommends that pregnant women consume at least 3 glasses of milk a day.
Benefits of drinking milk during pregnancy
- To reduce the risk of osteoporosis;
- To improve brain development;
- It can help relieve the symptoms of stomach and gingival problems that are common during pregnancy;
- It can help supply the body with fluids and hydrate the body;
- To reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis.
- May help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes;
Low-fat milk
Low-fat milk is a good choice for those who do not want to eat a lot of calories during pregnancy.
This type of milk contains fewer calories because it is obtained after the milk goes through a process in which fat is removed.
But this process also reduces the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and C that are necessary to take during pregnancy.
- One glass of low-fat milk contains 305 mg. calcium;
- One glass of low-fat milk contains 83 calories;
Drinking 2 to 3 glasses of low-fat milk a day will help meet your daily calcium needs during pregnancy.
Whole milk
Whole milk has almost 3.5% more fat than low-fat milk. One glass of whole milk contains about 5 g of saturated fat, which is 20% of the required daily dose. One glass of whole milk contains 149 calories.
Pasteurized milk
Whether you are a fan of full-fat or low-fat milk, it is important that the milk is pasteurized because:
In the pasteurization process in which the milk is warmed to a certain high temperature and then cooled, it slows down, destroys the microorganisms, and preserves the nutritional properties of the milk;
Drinking unpasteurized milk during pregnancy can be dangerous because of the rapid growth of bacteria that can cause infections in the mother or baby.
The US Department of Agriculture and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that pregnant women avoid foods made with unpasteurized milk.
Unpasteurized milk
In the process of pasteurization of milk, the microorganisms that can contribute to the disease from various diseases and infections are destroyed.
Listeriosis is one of the infections caused by microorganisms that can be dangerous to the baby’s health.
Cow’s milk
Cow’s milk, which can be full-fat, low-fat or completely skimmed, is among the most sought-after milk in the world.
The amino acids contained in cow’s milk are essential for the formation of cells in the mother’s womb.
The vitamins and minerals contained in cow’s milk have many benefits for the health of mother and baby, including vitamin D protects against the development of gestational diabetes, vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, vitamin A is good for eyesight and the development of a strong immune system in the baby. , while calcium strengthens bones.
One glass of cow’s milk contains 285 mg. calcium.
Goat’s milk
Many people do not prefer goat’s milk because of its unusual taste and smell, but it contains more protein and more vitamin B2 than cow’s milk.
Goat’s milk also contains dietary fats that help lower cholesterol and speed up metabolism.
One glass of goat’s milk contains 283 mg. calcium.
Soy milk
Soy milk is prepared by grinding previously dried and filtered soybeans.
Milk can be made whole, low-fat, and fat-free, as well as fortified with fiber or calcium.
Soy milk contains almost the same amount of protein as cow’s milk, but it also contains antioxidants that help reduce the risk of cancer.
One glass of soy milk contains 300 mg. calcium.
Rice milk
Rice milk is made from rice and water and can be obtained fortified with protein or calcium.
This milk contains a large number of B vitamins.
Rice milk is not recommended for diabetics because it contains 4 times more carbohydrates than cow’s milk.
One glass of rice milk contains 20 mg. calcium.
Almond milk
Almond milk is made from almonds and water, is low in calories, and does not contain saturated fat or cholesterol.
This milk is rich in folic acid, fiber, protein, vitamin B, vitamin E, calcium, and iron.
The antioxidants contained in almond milk can help boost immunity in the mother and also in the acquisition of strong immunity in the baby.
One glass of almond milk contains 7.5 mg. calcium.
Fruit teas, yogurt, juices, and smoothies for pregnancy
You are free to drink mild fruit teas during pregnancy, but you must be careful when choosing herbal teas, as not all are allowed. Avoid adding sugar to tea and other beverages.
If you still want to sweeten your tea, the best and healthiest option is to use honey. However, you should not overdo it with teas either.
Doctors advise not to consume more than four cups of herbal or green tea a day during pregnancy.
One sachet of green tea contains about 50 milligrams of caffeine.
If you ever happen to drink more caffeinated beverages, make sure you drink more water that day.
As for the juices, with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice in the morning you supplement your dose of folic acid, potassium, and vitamin C.
You have probably heard many times about the benefits of folate and folic acid.
They are crucial for preventing certain birth defects early in pregnancy, but also for maintaining a healthy pregnancy afterward – so try to get the recommended dose of 0.4 mg of folic acid a day.
Potassium from orange juice is important for maintaining muscle function, good metabolism, and general health.
Pregnant women have a greater need for potassium due to increased blood volume, and vitamin C prevents colds and contributes to maintaining the immune system, better absorption of iron in the body, and the health of the bones of the child and the mother.
It should be mentioned that broccoli, tomatoes, red peppers, and mango, which contain as many as 20 different vitamins and minerals, are an excellent source of vitamin C.
But daily consumption of freshly squeezed orange juice ensures the intake of vitamin D, which improves blood circulation in the bed and contributes to better absorption of potassium.
Yogurt is great during pregnancy
Yogurt is great during pregnancy and should be consumed. To many, it may come as a surprise to say that plain yogurt contains more calcium than milk.
In addition, it is rich in protein, vitamin B, zinc, and nutrients that are responsible for building bones.
Calcium is the basic nutrient for healthy bones and teeth and helps the baby develop bone mass.
Fresh seasonal fruit and / or vegetable smoothie is a delicious drink that supplies your body with vitamins and minerals. So feel free to drink it during your pregnancy.
What drinks to avoid during pregnancy
1. Caffeinated beverages
Avoid coffee as much as you can, especially in the first period or in the first trimester.
If you still can not do without this drink, you are just used to drinking coffee several times a day, try to at least reduce the amount. You can still enjoy a cup of morning coffee.
But too much caffeine increases the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. Here is what the doctors say:
coffee can be drink during pregnancy, which is good news for expectant mothers who can not function without the morning dose of caffeine.
The daily limit should be limited to 200 milligrams of caffeine. To make it easier, here is a calculation:
- – a cup of instant coffee has about 100 milligrams of caffeine,
- – a cup of filter coffee has about 140 milligrams,
It is not known how caffeine affects babies, but what is known so far is that it slightly increases blood pressure, heart rate, and the amount of urine your body produces.
You can be especially sensitive to caffeine during pregnancy because it takes longer to clear from the body than when you are not pregnant.
If this is not enough for you, it is not bad to switch to tea or some decaffeinated coffee during pregnancy, although you can drink ordinary coffee in moderation
2. Energy and carbonated drinks
Energy drinks are a source of high amounts of sugars and caffeine, which allows you to quickly increase energy.
But their effects on pregnant women have not been thoroughly researched, so it is better not to take risks, so you should avoid them. You should especially avoid soft drinks, ie drinks containing quinine.
Carbonated drinks and artificial juices contain a lot of sugar and empty calories, artificial sweeteners, and dyes, so do not consume them often and in large quantities.
They may temporarily quench your thirst, but in the long run, they can make you very dehydrated.
3. Alcohol
The list of unwanted drinks also includes alcohol, so you should avoid alcohol. It can adversely affect the development of the unborn child.
Why should not you drink alcohol during pregnancy?
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can negatively affect your baby’s weight and cognitive function, according to scientific studies.
In a study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, researchers at the University of Bristol investigated the effects of drinking alcohol on a baby during pregnancy.
The research team published 23 studies on women who consumed alcohol during pregnancy and found evidence that there is definitely a risk that the baby will lose less weight but also less developed cognitive functions.
The research methods also included babies whose mothers stopped drinking or reduced their alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
Scientists have concluded that women should follow medical advice and not drink alcohol during pregnancy.
In October 2019, London scientists discovered 23 companies that finance the production of alcohol, which did not inform the public about the consequences of the condition in which the baby may find himself if the mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy.
Even the smallest amount of alcohol in pregnancy can have dire consequences.
How much alcohol is allowed in pregnancy?
Studies have shown that even the smallest amount of alcohol can harm the fetus.
This fact undoubtedly causes fear in all pregnant women who occasionally drink a glass of wine.
What can happen are fetal alcohol syndrome – a condition that results from prenatal alcohol exposure and can lead to learning problems, heart, and lung problems.
Those women who occasionally drink a glass of alcohol during pregnancy should pay more attention to the fact that even the smallest amount does harm and can develop problems.
These problems are with: growth and development, learning, concentration, attention, hyperactivity, motor and balance, liver, kidneys, heart, but also some other organs of hearing and sight.
Also, the baby’s head, eyes, and lips may be smaller than usual.
4. Egg punch (Eggnog)
During pregnancy, great care must be taken in the choice of food and fluids we consume.
Of course, you should avoid drinks that contain thermally unprocessed eggs, and as an example is this popular punch.
There is a danger of salmonella infection in these eggs, which can be extremely dangerous for both the woman and the baby.
Conclusion
During pregnancy, expectant mothers should pay close attention to their diet, and of course, to the fluids they ingest.
With each wrong ingredient, they can only increase the chances of problems for themselves and their baby.
Although they have a desire for more food and fluids during pregnancy, the right choice is still very important.
The best and healthiest fluids to consume during pregnancy are water, milk, fresh juices, yogurt, and the like.
Alcohol, coffee, carbonated and artificial juices should be avoided.
So use today’s tips for consuming healthy fluids, and good luck to every new mom.
