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What should you drink during pregnancy?

We have always been advised about how important it is to drink regular fluids to stay hydrated but during pregnancy, it is more important now than ever to do so. Staying hydrated not only helps you feel amazing, but it is extremely important for a child’s development. 

What drinks are good during pregnancy?

 

Liquids are required to support the expanding blood volume and a healthy fetal circulation. Furthermore, water helps to ease and manage common pregnancy symptoms like excessive sweating, tiredness, constipation and urinary track infections.

It is advised to consume 80 ounces of water daily and this activity can be made fun by not confining yourself to plain water. Your water diet may include fruits & veggies high in water content like watermelon and cucumber or other healthy drinks like smoothies and lemonades.

Here is what we suggest to ensure you get your whole dose of hydration and not just in its most plain form.


Water during pregnancy

No guesses for this one – the best choice of drink for a pregnant woman (or any other woman for that matter) is water. Water keeps the body hydrated and replenishes the amniotic fluid which helps the baby in many ways. For mothers who want to breastfeed, it is considered extremely necessary for lactation as it is a key component of breast milk.

Water helps the blood to absorb key nutrients from food for the placenta and eventually your baby. It also helps you steer clear from sugary beverages, keeping your blood sugar in control and preventing the risk of gestational diabetes.

For those who stress out by the thought of having to consume so much plain water, go ahead and infuse it with mint, citrus fruits or even some berries to make it tastier.

Coconut water during pregnancy

Apart from being a rich source of multiple nutrients, coconut water is extremely refreshing. It prevents dehydration caused due to morning sickness by providing necessary electrolytes. It’s a diuretic, thereby relieving the body of toxins and balancing uric acid levels. It is also a rich source of potassium, sodium and calcium which are necessary for a baby’s growth and development. Coconut water is known to regulate heartburn, acidity and prevent constipation. With a multitude of benefits, this should be a go-to drink for all the mommies-to-be.

Lemonade during pregnancy

A rich source of Vitamin C, freshly squeezed lemons not only make for a great drink when added in water but also have multiple other benefits. Just the mere aroma of lemons helps relieve nausea caused due to morning sickness. It prevents bloating and enhances the digestion. Apart from helping in the absorption of iron, adding a little salt to this drink maintains electrolyte balance in the body.

If you are worried about bacteria from the lemon, you can thoroughly wash it from the outside before squeezing it. You may also bring the lemonade to a boil and then cool it down before consumption.

Do not forget to steer clear of alcohol – no amount is safe. Unpasteurized juices that harbour bacteria are a complete no-no. 

Herbal teas during pregnancy

Herbal teas are great calming drinks that help you relax and de-stress. With a plethora of herbs available in the market you can choose the flavour of your choice while benefitting from the unique effects of each. For instance, peppermint and ginger tea help reducing nausea and make morning sickness easy to bear. It is believed by mid wives that red raspberry leaf tea could help in efficient contractions by toning the uterine muscle. Ginger tea can soothe an unsettled stomach and Rooibos tea is a rich source of antioxidants.

Kick the caffeine and switch to herb-infused teas. If you are unsure of buying commercial teas, these drinks can be easily prepared at home.

Smoothies during pregnancy

For those of you who are unable to consume the desired five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables daily, smoothies are your saviours. A smoothie is a delicious way to stay hydrated and get your daily nutrients all at once. For a more wholesome drink, you may add heathy fats like almond or peanut butter. This is one thing you may not get bored of as the flavour combinations are immense; however be sure not to add artificial sweeteners and stick to bases like yoghurt and milk rather than juices to prevent increased sugar in the blood. This ‘vitamins and minerals’ packed drink can be the healthy start to your day.

Pasteurized Milk during pregnancy

Milk gives the baby the calcium required for the growth of bones and teeth – it is infact one of the main sources for a pregnant woman to obtain her and her baby’s calcium. Furthermore, the protein in milk satisfies the body and prevents the need to consume a snack, thereby acting as a smart filler in between meals. Milk based drinks and products such as buttermilk and yoghurt are a great way to keep you hydrated and cool. For women who are lactose or dairy intolerant other alternatives such as soy milk with added calcium are easily available.

Seltzer during pregnancy

For those of you who miss your champagne and raising an occasional toast – the seltzer is here to rescue you.  A sparkling water spritzer with some added fruits for colour and flavour, maybe a splash of juice is a perfectly nutritious alcohol-free alternative. Be sure about the number of fruits being added and ensure the juice is pasteurized – you don’t want that bacteria or the extra sugar.

A small note on what not to consume when you are pregnant

We have spoken about smart hydration for a pregnant you, but let’s use this opportunity as a quick reminder of the forbidden drinks. Do not forget to steer clear of alcohol – no amount is safe. Unpasteurized juices that harbour bacteria are a complete no-no. There are few beverages like coffee that can be consumed in very limited amounts – 200 mgs of caffeine. Juices and soda can be avoided altogether to prevent intake of empty calories and sugar.

Don’t be disheartened by what you can’t drink but focus on grabbing that glass of water or refreshing smoothie and drink along!!!

Don’t forget to check out our list of superfoods that are good for you during pregnancy.

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