Top 4 Maternity Health Drinks — and What to Avoid

When you get pregnant, you will likely get lots of advice on what you should and should not drink. After all, you must take care of your body and the baby. There are plenty of things to keep track of, but contradictory information or false news is everywhere. This straightforward list will help you distinguish what drinks are best for your maternity health and what you should avoid.

Best Maternity Health Drinks

Always ask yourself whether beverages are natural or not. It’s best to avoid processed drinks as they adversely affect your physical health. Plus, the former has more nutrients than the latter.

1. Water

Water is necessary since your body primarily comprises this fluid, which is essential for helping it function and maintain organ health. There’s almost no way you can go wrong with this drink, so make it a priority in your fridge. The average person should drink around eight cups, but you can consume up to 12 cups daily during pregnancy. The increase is because the body needs to produce more fluids and improve the baby’s blood circulation.

2. Dairy Milk

Milk should also be a staple in your pantry. Calcium helps rebuild and strengthen bones throughout your pregnancy. While it is available in dairy foods and supplements, milk is one of the simplest ways to get your daily fix of this nutrient.

You must also think about your baby. Their bones and teeth grow throughout your pregnancy, so you should consume as much calcium as possible. A glass or two of milk can make all the difference. You can even heat it before bed to help you get to sleep.

Related read: Healthy eating during pregnancy

3. Fruit Shakes

Fruit shakes are another popular and delicious choice. You can blend your favorites and get various vitamins that improve your maternity health. Remember to add ice to water down the sweetness and balance out the sugars. Some fruits can alleviate pregnancy conditions. For example, lemons are a lifesaver because their scent and taste can help ease nausea and morning sickness. This typically happens during the first trimester but can vary from person to person.

4. Vegetable Smoothie

Vegetables are a great addition to your pregnancy diet, though they may not be as tasty as fruits. Blend a green smoothie and drink up. It’s perfect when you can’t eat anything else, as it is incredibly filling on an empty stomach. Spinach is one of the top picks for this. It offers several nutrients like fiber, folate, calcium and more to prevent diseases. To boost your immune system, blend it with coconut water, frozen pineapple, banana and avocado until well-incorporated and creamy.

Beverages to Avoid

The list of drinks to avoid while pregnant is much longer than what you can have. Here are some to avoid throughout your pregnancy.

1. Wine

Many people like to unwind with wine, and pregnancy symptoms can make it attractive. However, alcohol use during pregnancy is associated with miscarriage and sudden infant death syndrome. It is generally discouraged, along with beer and other spirits. Consider having a mocktail at social events instead. Non Alcoholic rose wine can mimic the general flavor without all the harmful ingredients, satisfying you while securing your baby’s growth. However, if you happen to consume an alcoholic beverage without realizing it, avoid panicking. Research shows how small amounts could be less risky to the mother and baby’s health during the first trimester. Consult your doctor to know whether a glass would be OK. You can also schedule a checkup to test for blood pressure complications afterward.

2. Caffeine

Caffeinated drinks are a staple during the morning for maximum energy. However, a study finds that women who consumed less than 200 milligrams of caffeine daily gave birth to slightly smaller babies. Forgo these beverages until the end of pregnancy. The list includes coffee, hot chocolate, herbal tea and more. There are speculations that you can limit your intake rather than giving it up altogether. For reference, 200 mg of caffeine is equivalent to at least two cups of joe.

3. Soda

Soda is another thing to remove from your maternity diet. If you want something carbonated, a seltzer is your best option since it mainly consists of water. Other branded drinks will have too much sugar and not enough hydration. Some may argue that diet sodas are void of those sugars, but they aren’t entirely safe..

4. Sports Drinks

Beverages with electrolytes are usually recommended to keep hydration levels high. Unfortunately, energy drink intake pre-pregnancy is associated with gestational hypertension, a study finds. The risks don’t seem to increase during pregnancy, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you want a burst of energy, focus on a well-rounded diet with enough carbs and other minerals. This mindset can lessen dependence on processed drinks and provide you with needed nutrition. Opt for a glass of water when you’re thirsty.

Prioritize Your Maternity Health

It’s tempting to have whatever refreshments you want during your pregnancy, but it’s vital to be vigilant about how they affect your health. Stick to natural options and avoid processed drinks with preservatives. Your body and baby will thank you. Speaking of natural, shop our organic plant-based postpartum care kit. Prepare for postpartum with safe, effective, and natural postpartum care products.

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