Coconut water is one of the most popular drinks for pregnant women to drink right now, but many women want to know if coconut water is safe for their pregnancy and if coconut water can provide adequate hydration during this time. As a general rule, coconut water can provide excellent hydration during pregnancy and will impart numerous health benefits on the body if consumed in moderation.
Coconut water offers a source of electrolytes, vitamins, and natural sugars that provide nutrition and enjoyment to a pregnant woman’s overall diet. Even though coconut water can provide many benefits to a pregnant woman; all foods and drinks must be considered thoughtfully by conducting research on the myths and truths about coconut water before incorporating into the pregnant woman’s daily diet.
What Are the Benefits of Coconut Water in Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, many doctors suggest using natural fluids for hydration. One such natural fluid is coconut water, which has huge benefits for pregnancy.
1. Coconut Water Helps to Keep Mom Hydrated During Pregnancy
Coconut water provides your body with natural electrolytes, including potassium, sodium, and magnesium. These minerals can help to keep you from becoming dehydrated if you experience any of the following during your pregnancy:
- Morning sickness
- Vomiting
- Excessive sweating
- Heat exhaustion due to summer weather
Being hydrated during your pregnancy will help to promote healthy blood flow in your body and your baby’s body, as well as healthy levels of amniotic fluid.
2. Coconut water may help reduce heartburn
Many expectant mothers suffer from indigestion and acid reflux, so drinking coconut water can help to settle the stomach and alleviate heartburn, acid reflux and bloating.
3. Drinking coconut water could reduce the chance of a urinary tract infection
Many pregnant women will develop urinary tract infections during their pregnancy, but drinking coconut water can help to remove toxins from the body by acting as a mild diuretic and reducing the risk of urinary tract infection.
4. Drinking coconut water will give you energy naturally
All pregnant women feel fatigue; however, drinking coconut water offers natural sugars which provide an immediate source of natural energy without caffeine.
5. Drinking coconut water will help to regulate your blood pressure
Potassium is present in coconut water and supports controlling blood pressure. This is particularly important for women who experience high blood pressure while they are pregnant.
How to Drink Coconut Water During Pregnancy?
Wondering about how best to drink your coconut water while pregnant to reap the most benefits possible? Here’s a few basic rules to follow:
- Best time to drink:
- First thing in the morning (on an empty stomach) for optimal absorption
- Mid-day (to stay hydrated)
- Choose fresh coconut:
- Always check the label on the can before purchasing as they may contain:
- Added sugar
- Preservatives
- Artificial flavoring
- Drink in moderation:
- On average, pregnant women can have 1 glass (200-250 ml) daily
- Don’t drink coconut water if:
- You have gestational diabetes and have not spoken to your health care provider first
- You have kidney problems
- You get bloated after drinking coconut water
- You have a high-risk pregnancy and are planning to make any dietary changes or have not spoken to your gynecologist first; always consult an Obstetrics & Gynecology specialist before changing any dietary habits during pregnancy..
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What Are the Common Myths About Coconut Water in Pregnancy?
Myths about coconut water in pregnancy have been around for a long time; we need to clarify some things regarding reality vs myth.
Myth 1: Does Coconut Water Influence The Color Of Your Baby’s Skin?
People assume that drinking coconut water while pregnant will cause their future child to have lighter colored skin. However, there is no scientific relationship between the consumption of coconut water and the skin tone of an unborn child. An unborn child’s skin color has already been predetermined by genetics and not by what the mother eats or drinks during her pregnancy.
Myth 2: Does Drinking Coconut Water Guarantee A Normal Birth?
While coconut water can help the mother maintain her hydration levels during pregnancy, consuming coconut water alone does not ensure that she will have a natural or surgical birth without complications.
Myth 3: It Can Take the Place of Water
Coconut water is a great way to keep the mother hydrated throughout the duration of the pregnancy, but it should be consumed in conjunction with water and not as a complete substitute for drinking plain water.
Myth 4: It Shouldn’t Be Consumed During the First Trimester
As of now, there is no information available from experts regarding the dangers of pregnant women consuming coconut water during the first three months of their pregnancy if they are otherwise healthy.
What Are the Scientific Facts About Coconut Water in Pregnancy?
The following are scientific evidence to support the above statements:
- Low-fat and contains no cholesterol
- Contains potassium, magnesium, calcium, and Vitamin C
- Contains natural sugars, but if consumed excessively can elevate blood glucose
- Supports hydration; however, is not a “miracle” solution to anything.
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How Much Coconut Water Is Recommended During Pregnancy?
Recommended Intake During Pregnancy
For the average, healthy woman’s pregnancy:
- Drinking 1 drink of juice (200-250 mL) daily will be safe.
- Drink juice when it’s fresh; avoid drinking too much.
Talk to your obstetrician before drinking coconut water regularly if you have any of the following health conditions:
- Gestational diabetes
- Hypertension
- Kidney problems
- Pregnancy at high risk
Why Is Pregnancy Hydration So Important?
- Supplying the developing fetus with nutrients
- Maintaining proper levels of amniotic fluid
- Helping to prevent or reduce constipation
- Preventing excessive swelling (edema)
- Regulating body temperature
How to Add Coconut Water to Your Nutrition While Pregnant:
- You can incorporate coconut water into your nutrition in many easy and healthy ways including:
- Drinking it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach
- Adding it to smoothies without adding sugars
- Adding chia seeds (which are high in fiber) to it or eating them with it
- Snacking on it with fruit
- Not mixing it with high sugar juices or syrups
You should avoid or limit coconut water if:
- Your doctor has advised you to avoid or limit potassium
- You have high blood sugar levels
- You are having gastrointestinal symptoms
- You listen to your body and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
Conclusion
Jaipur Hospital is supposed to educate mothers and babies about how to have enough food and drink during pregnancy. The pregnant mothers are expected to drink certain amounts of coconut water under the supervised care of a medical doctor because coconut water has many health benefits. Coconut Water is not a substitute for healthy food nor is it a means by which to obtain medical advice from a licensed medical provider. All pregnant mothers should work with their obstetricians to understand their individual needs so that they may have a happy and healthy experience throughout their entire pregnancy journey.
Our Einrichtungen will have knowledgeable professionals who will assist you with your food and drink needs and help you deal with high-risk pregnancies. We will give you the support and assurance to prepare you for being a mother.
FAQs
1. Can plumeria be eaten during first pregnancy?
Ans. Coconut water is safe for consumption during your first pregnancy because it helps maintain healthy pregnancies when you drink it in moderate amounts. You should talk to your doctor about coconut water intake when your pregnancy faces dangers from severe nausea and other health problems.
2. Can drinking coconut water help to increase the amount of amniotic fluid?
Ans. Coconut water helps keep you hydrated; however, there is no solid research to support the claim that coconut water is the cause of higher levels of water surrounding the fetus during pregnancy.
3. Is consuming coconut water healthy during gestational pregnancy?
Ans. Women need to consult their doctors about coconut water consumption during their pregnancy because coconut water contains natural sugars which affect their blood glucose levels related to gestational diabetes.