What to drink during pregnancy: all drinks allowed and prohibited

What to drink during pregnancy: all drinks allowed and prohibited
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What can you drink during pregnancy and what is absolutely forbidden? Let's find out together.



In this article

 



Waterfall? Yes, in abundance

If hydration is always important - hence the classic advice to always drink about two liters of water a day - during pregnancy it becomes essential. The water, therefore, is there drink par excellence for the months of waiting.



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"In pregnancy, water is used for both help the vascularization of the placenta, Both for support the increase in blood volume, which accompanies this period and helps the child's growth. Also, it serves to build one reserve that will be useful in the immediate post-partum period, considering that a lot of fluids are lost during childbirth. "Word of, expert in the pathology of pregnancy and lactation, gynecologist at the Buzzi Hospital in our city. drink about 2,5 liters per day: a couple of glasses more than usual.



Sure, so it increases the urge to pee, but that's good too: "Urinating a lot - moreover very diluted urine - helps keep the urinary tract clean, which decreases the risk of infections"specifies Cristiano Crotti, expert in medical hydrology at the Center for Medical Bioclimatology and Thermal Medicine of the University of our city. And again, a good level of hydration helps prevent the risk of minor ailments such as constipation and hemorrhoids.

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But what water to drink? Unless there are particular pathologies, there are no stringent indications: tap water is fine but it would be better avoid using filter jugs, which remove useful minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. Indeed, in some cases it may even be worth using mineral waters, naturally rich in particular minerals that can lend a hand to alleviate certain small annoyances of pregnancy: "For example - explains Crotti - waters rich in magnesium are suitable for constipation while those rich in calcium bicarbonate are for heartburn. "And if you prefer sparkling water? No problem, that's fine too.

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No to wine, beer and alcoholic beverages

The great majority of official sources agree: in pregnancy and even before conception, no alcoholic beverages or spirits. For example, our Ministry of Health and Higher Institute of Health, the Del Paesena Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics and, in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, say so.

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We are well aware that ingesting large amounts of alcohol can lead to severe abnormalities in fetal development, giving rise to the so-called fetal alcohol syndrome, and we know that any amount of alcohol introduced into the mother's organism crosses the placenta and reaches the fetus.

On the other hand, it is not yet clear what - if any - is the minimum amount of alcohol potentially capable of causing harm. Or, in other words, the maximum amount that can be drunk without affecting the baby. Some studies suggest that even small amounts can have, possibly minor, consequences on children's cognitive development. Other studies, however, deny it. And the whole thing is complicated by the fact that there may also be other factors at play, such as intrinsic ability of the woman to metabolize alcohol introduced, so it may be that a single glass of wine has different effects on different women (and their children). In short, when in doubt, the authorities say it is better to abstain altogether, even when you start thinking you want a baby.

For this reason, he also discourages the non alcoholic beer: "Even if it is called non-alcoholic, usually there is always a minimum quantity of alcohol, so it is better to avoid it".

Coffee and tea in moderation

Again, a precautionary principle. There are many studies on the effects of caffeine consumption in pregnancy (and even earlier) and although not all are considered very solid, the results seem to indicate that, at certain doses, caffeine leads to an increase in risk of miscarriage, but also of restrictions on fetal growth, which probably depends on effects on the vascular activity of the placenta.

Therefore, the advice of the medical and scientific authorities is of do not exceed 200 mg of caffeine per day, which roughly corresponds to 2/3 cups of espresso, 2/3 cups of black tea or 3/4 cups of green tea. Obviously, we are talking about physiological pregnancy: in the presence of complications or particular risk factors it is always better to ask your doctor for advice.

And what about caffeinated sodas like cola or similar? In reality, their content of this substance is very minimal, but these drinks are mostly avoided for other reasons.

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Sweetened and carbonated drinks in great moderation

For some mothers they are a do-it-yourself remedy for nausea, while others are used to drinking them since before pregnancy, but you have to be careful because they contain a lot of sugar: a can can contain about 35-40 grams, and remember that according to the indications of the World Health Organization, ideally an adult should consume a maximum of 25 grams of added sugars per day!

Same goes for fruit juices that contain added sugars: ok, therefore, only for occasional consumption, once in a while.

100% fruit juices and juices in moderation

Freshly squeezed juices and fruit juices with no added sugar are a much better choice than other sugary drinks, but even in this case it is good not to overdo it: the point is that Juice and juice are not the equivalent of a fruit, because in fact they contain a concentrate of sugars, however natural, and are free of fiber.

Various herbal teas - it depends

Lemon balm, chamomile, mint, mallow, fennel, ginger, rooibos: even on supermarket shelves it is now very common to find various types of herbal teas. But can they be consumed safely during pregnancy? "If we talk about a physiological pregnancy and moderate consumption (one or two cups a day) the answer is yes: for these common products there are no problems. Indeed, those with ginger could help alleviate a slight nausea "says Alfredo Vannacci, researcher in pharmacology at the University of the city and expert in phytotherapy and phytovigilance.

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Which advises some extra caution for products containing substances such as cinnamon and licorice, which can be present in digestive teas: "It is true that the quantities are minimal, but in some circumstances they could affect hormonal balances and pressure, so better to take them in moderation. A cup every now and then is certainly not a problem, but it is better to avoid regular use "continues Vannacci. Finally, no laxative herbal teas or with plants containing essential oils, such as anise, sassafras, sage, unless you take them after consulting your doctor. On the other hand, these are typically curative herbal teas, taken as part of Phytotherapy.


Other sources for this article: How much water should I drink while I'm pregnant ?, article on BabyCenter.com; Guidelines for healthy and proper nutrition.

Read also: Nutrition in pregnancy

Questions and answers

Can coffee and tea be drunk when pregnant?

The advice of the medical and scientific authorities is not to exceed 200 mg of caffeine per day, which roughly corresponds to 2/3 cups of espresso coffee. Obviously, we are talking about physiological pregnancy.

Can I drink wine, beer and spirits when pregnant? 

No. During pregnancy and even before conception, no alcoholic beverages or spirits.

Updated on 05.01.2022

TAG:
  • water and children
  • water in pregnancy
  • tea
  • coffee
  • tea in pregnancy
  • herbal teas during pregnancy
  • fruit juices in pregnancy
  • drinks during pregnancy
  • pregnancy feeding
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