When you’re pregnant, you have to make many changes, including what you eat and drink. It’s important to be aware of what you should (or shouldn’t) be consuming during pregnancy to ensure the safety and health of your baby. Pregnant women must drink more fluids than those who are not expecting, especially during the summer when the weather is hot.
It’s fair to wonder justwhich drinks are safe to consume during pregnancy. Obviously, you should avoidalcoholic beverages as even drinking them in moderation raises your baby’s riskfor fetal alcohol syndrome. However, while some drinks are questionable, theycan safely be consumed during pregnancy. You may not have to give up yourfavorite drinks like you might think.
Water
Water is the single mostimportant drink you should have throughout your pregnancy. You should drink atleast six eight-ounce glasses of water per day, in general, but when you arepregnant, you should have at least one extra glass each day. If you were a bigwater drinker before you became pregnant, it can be very beneficial for bothyou and your baby as you will regularly be sipping.
Orange Juice
Orange juice is good todrink while you’re pregnant, but you should only have it when it is pasteurizedand fortified with calcium. This is especially good to consume if you have highblood pressure or your obstetrician has told you that you are at risk for it—alsoknown as preeclampsia—during your pregnancy. Orange juice contains potassium,which can help lower your blood pressure. However, avoid orange juice or anyother type of fruit juice that’s raw or freshly squeezed during pregnancybecause these can be unsafe.
Tea
Certain herbal teas can beconsumed during pregnancy. However, it’s important to note that not all aresafe and that some can actually be toxic. Rooibos tea is caffeine-free and richin antioxidants while peppermint and ginger tea can help soothe the symptoms ofmorning sickness. You can also drink green tea but only in moderation whilepregnant as it tends to have caffeine. However, there are some decaffeinatedgreen teas you can buy, such as those sold at health food stores.
Coffee
Pregnant women arefrequently told they can’t consume coffee due to the caffeine content. However,it’s safe to drink in moderation as long as your caffeine intake is limited to200 milligrams per day. Instant coffee tends to have less caffeine than ground,so you may want to switch to that during pregnancy if you must have your dailycup of joe.
These drinks are generally safe to have during pregnancy. However, always speak with your doctor to confirm what’s best to consume to ensure the safety of your baby.
Do you have more questions aboutmaternity care in Salem Oregon?Contact our friendly staff at WFMC Health or become a new patient today!
