Recommended Drinks for Pregnant Women

Dear moms-to-be, you’re likely aware of the importance of hydration during pregnancy. Water plays a vital role in helping your kidneys eliminate waste and toxins, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your body, and regulating body heat. As you nourish your growing baby, your need for water increases to meet both your needs and those of the developing fetus. Start prioritizing hydration now to provide the best for your baby! Explore recommended drinks for pregnant women to stay hydrated and nourished.

How much water do you need?

Pregnant moms are advised to consume at least 1200ml of fluid a day, equivalent to 8-10 glasses. Sufficient water intake aids in absorbing necessary nutrients and enhancing your baby’s development. Additionally, water helps alleviate common pregnancy discomforts such as swelling, leg cramps, constipation, haemorrhoids, urinary tract infections, and more.

Tips to stay hydrated

While water can quench your thirst, don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink. Especially in hot weather, pay attention to the water temperature. Warm water during pregnancy may help alleviate morning sickness or other stomach aches.

Healthy drinks for pregnant women

1. Water
   Water is the best drink for pregnant moms. Since your body contains 70% water, you need even more during pregnancy as you’re hydrating for two bodies now. It plays a crucial role in balancing your blood sugar levels and prevents excessive sugar intake, thereby reducing your risk of gestational diabetes.
2. Pasteurized Milk
   Milk is recommended for pregnant moms as it is rich in calcium and protein. Around 1000 mg of calcium is needed to support the growth of the baby’s bones and teeth. If you don’t enjoy plain milk, you can try milk-based drinks such as milkshakes or smoothies.
3. Coconut Water
   Coconut water is quite popular in hot weather, but you may not yet be aware of its benefits for pregnant moms. It can help lower blood pressure, alleviate muscle cramps, promote bowel movements, and improve constipation during pregnancy.
4. Fresh Fruit or Vegetable Juice
   If you don’t enjoy eating vegetables, blending them into a smoothie is a good option. To maintain a balanced diet during pregnancy, consider drinking a glass of carrot juice or any kind of fruit juice to help you obtain the necessary vitamins.

Strictly limit your intake of caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea if you have a caffeine addiction, with only 200mg a day allowed. Additionally, avoid alcohol altogether. It’s important to note that both caffeine and alcohol can pass through the placenta and harm your baby.

Dehydration

You may experience serious complications if you drink insufficient water or lose water more rapidly than you consume. Dehydration during pregnancy can lead to low amniotic fluid, neural tube defects, premature labour, and even birth defects. If you notice any of the following symptoms, make sure to increase your water intake:

Signs of Dehydration

1. The colour of your urine turns pale yellow.
2. Your mouth feels dry.
3. You experience nausea.
4. You have headaches.
5. You feel fatigued.

Last but not least, ensure the source of your water is safe to prevent drinking contaminated water, which is especially important during pregnancy. Accidentally consuming water with high levels of chemicals could harm your growing baby.