When you’re pregnant you’ll get a lot of advice from just about everyone, so it can be hard to filter out what’s important and relevant. We are going to look at what’s safe (and not safe) to drink when you’re pregnant so it’s one less thing for you to worry about.
Drinks That Are Safe When You’re Pregnant
Luckily there are far more things that are safe to drink when you’re pregnant than are not safe. So rather than feeling like you have to miss out, embrace all these healthy options.
Water
Not only is water safe, but it is beneficial for you and your baby. Drinking water helps you to absorb more nutrients from your diet and supplements. It can also help relieve things like cramp, constipation, UTIs and fatigue which can happen in pregnancy.
Sparkling Water
If plain water is a little too boring then try adding some sparkling water to your diet. You could even make some mocktails by adding some fruit juices. Add some grated ginger to help with morning sickness.
Milk
Drinking milk will give the baby the necessary calcium for building bones toward the end of pregnancy. You just need to make sure that the milk is pasteurized. For lactose intolerance try soy milk instead.
Herbal Tea
Herbal teas are a great option for pregnant women but be aware that green tea still contains caffeine. For morning sickness lemon balm, ginger and peppermint teas can help.
Vegetable Juice
Vegetable juice is a great alternative to fruit juices and if you make your own it’s even better. Just make sure to wash the veg before juicing them and drink the juice immediately after blending.
Flavored Water
Making your own flavored water lets you add the things you like such as cucumber, mint, citrus or watermelon. Again, make sure you wash anything you are adding to your water.
Fruit Juice
Store bought fruit juice should be pasteurized so it’s safe to drink when pregnant. You may want to limit yourself to a glass a day as a little goes a long way, and it still contains sugar.
Decaf Coffee
Although decaffeinated coffee still contains small amounts of caffeine you can enjoy a few cups to satisfy your cravings. Doctors recommend no more than 200 milligrams of coffee per day.
Smoothies
Drinking smoothies can help you get your recommended amount of fruit and vegetables per day. Avoid adding sugar as there’ll be enough coming from the fruit you’re using and of course, wash everything first.
Broth
On cold days a bowl of broth is very comforting, just make sure you are drinking low sodium varieties. For morning sickness you could add some ginger.
Sports Drinks with Electrolytes
Sports drinks with electrolytes can help to keep you hydrated and may even help with nausea symptoms or leg cramps. Enjoy them in moderation though.
Alcohol-Removed Wine
For an occasional treat you could have a glass of alcohol removed wine or alcohol free beer.
Drinks That Are Not Safe When You’re Pregnant
Below are some drinks that you should avoid while pregnant.
Alcohol
No amount of alcohol is safe while you are pregnant so you shouldn’t drink anything alcoholic during this time. Alcohol in your system passes to the baby via the placenta and can cause permanent damage.
Unpasteurized Milk
Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria in milk so you should never drink unpasteurized milk while pregnant.
Caffeinated Drinks
Caffeine can pass to the baby and cause its heart to beat at a higher rate than normal so avoid anything with caffeine in.
Freshly Squeezed Juices
Juice from juice bars should be avoided as you cannot be sure how safely the fruit has been handled prior to juicing. Make your own so you know it’s safe.
Diet Drinks
Diet drinks contain artificial sweeteners which you may want to avoid when you are pregnant or limit their consumption.
Sodas
Most regular sodas contain a lot of sugar which is not healthy for you or your baby so avoid these when you are pregnant.
Final Thoughts
We hope that you have enjoyed our guide to what’s safe and unsafe to drink when you’re pregnant.
