Beverages during pregnancy

Every beverages entry, with a verdict

Sorted with the ones worth knowing about first. Avoid means skip it entirely; take care means it depends on how it was prepared.

• Soda

  Avoid

  Soda is not recommended during pregnancy for different reasons. It contains caffeine (blood pressure, insomnia, dehydration, etc.), lots of sugar (insulin burst), it's highly carbonated (washes out calcium from your bones, causes back pain, and intestinal problems), artificial sweetener (it's contained in diet soda and can badly harm your baby), flavoring agent (also fights with calcium in your bones, and unfortunately wins this fight). So soda drinks are obviously not kind to a pregnant mama, especially if you overconsume them.

 What to drink instead: fresh juices and smoothies, they are sweet, too.

• Alcohol

  Avoid

  Alcohol and pregnancy don't mix, sorry. Yes, there is some research that says otherwise, for example, in 2012 Danish researchers published studies that found no major problems among children younger than 5 whose mothers had 1-8 alcoholic drinks a week. This could inspire future moms that like to have a glass of wine with dinner, but there are still very harmful side effects result from alcohol intake. It increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth, can raise the odds of having a baby with a low birth weight, and raises your child's risk of problems with learning, speech, attention span, language, and hyperactivity. The most severe result of alcohol use during pregnancy is fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), a lifelong condition characterized by poor growth (in the womb, after birth, or both), abnormal facial features, heart defects, and damage to the central nervous system. Babies with FAS may also have abnormally small heads and brains as well as anatomical defects, especially of the heart and spine. Damage to the central nervous system may include intellectual disability, delays in physical development, vision and hearing problems, and a variety of behavioral problems. Still think a small drink is worth it? We say no. Note: non-alcohol wine and beer still CONTAIN alcohol, but in smaller doses, so they are not recommended either. What to drink instead: water, always water!

• Non-alcoholic brew

  Avoid

  Not recommended for many reasons. Drink water instead.

• Aloe vera juice

  Avoid

  Although more research is needed, some organizations, like the American Pregnancy Association, recommend avoiding aloe vera juice during pregnancy. This is due to concerns that it may increase uterine contractions, as well as lower electrolyte levels. It's probably best to avoid it unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.

• Wine for cooking

  Take care

  When cooking with alcohol you must be cautious as during the cooking process alcohol mixes with water and steam and may not evaporate off, so the dish will be a little bit "drunk".

 Alcohol is not recommended during pregnancy because of increased risks of miscarriage and possible birth defects that can cause lifelong harm to your child.

• Coffee without caffeine

  Take care

  You can drink some coffee without caffeine, but don't overdo it, as caffeine is still contained in decaf (up to 30 mg for a cup). As a general rule, caffeine should be limited to fewer than 200 mg per day during pregnancy.

• Coffee and tea

  Take care

  Both tea and coffee contain caffeine. Yes, even your favorite green tea is rich with caffeine, even more than black tea! Although most studies show that you can consume small amounts of caffeine, there are others that show increased caffeine intake may be related to pregnancy problems like premature birth and low birth weight, sometimes even miscarriages. You should definitely avoid caffeine during the first trimester. As a general rule, caffeine should be limited to fewer than 200 mg per day during pregnancy (that's a cup of coffee or 3 cups of tea).

 Don't forget that caffeine is a diuretic, which means it helps eliminate fluids from the body. You will rush to the toilet much more often if you drink tea or coffee, and moreover, this can result in dehydration and calcium loss. 

You'd be better to drink pure water, juice, and pasteurized milk instead of tea and coffee. You can also replace your favorite caffeinated tea with herbal ones. Consult your doctor to make sure the herbal teas you choose are approved.

• Peppermint tea

  Take care

  Peppermint tea during pregnancy can cause the uterus to relax, and this can increase the risk of miscarriage. Be aware though that there is actually no scientific evidence to show a link of peppermint tea with miscarriage. However, if you had miscarriages in your medical history, it is better to avoid peppermint tea. You should also remember to stay away from peppermint tea during breastfeeding as it can do harm to the baby. You should also remember to stay away from peppermint tea during breastfeeding as it can do harm to the baby, so better exclude peppermint tea on the last months of pregnancy.

• Non-alcoholic beer and wine

  Take care

  You can drink some. Sometimes. If you really want it! Do not indulge often and definitely not in large amounts! Non-alcohol wine and beer still CONTAIN alcohol, but in smaller doses, so they are not recommended either.

 Alcohol is not recommended during pregnancy because of increased risks of miscarriage and possible birth defects that can cause lifelong harm to your child.

 What to drink instead: water, always water!

• Herbal beverages

  Safe

  It's okay to have herbal tea and beverages during pregnancy. There are also some herbs that were proven to induce contractions and cause other problems. Better discuss it with your doctor and choose the best herbal drinks for you.

 Avoid peppermint tea, especially if you’ve had miscarriages in your medical history.

• Hot chocolate

  Safe

  Enjoy your hot chocolate during pregnancy, but don't overdo with it as it still contains caffeine and sugar.

• Juices

  Safe

  Juices often contain the same vitamins as raw fruit do. Fresh squeezed juices you prepare yourself are better, but if you want to buy one in the store, choose a well-packed one without chemical additions or sugar.

• Water

  Safe

  The most perfect beverage for pregnancy! Try to drink 8 to 10 glasses a day. Preferably pure bottled water.

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