In life, there is a wide variety of beverages for us to choose from. However, due to physical changes, pregnant women have many dietary restrictions. Let's take a closer look at the beverages that are recommended and those to be avoided during pregnancy.
Beverages Pregnant Women Can Drink
1. Milk, Yogurt
In the later stages of pregnancy, calcium supplementation becomes even more important. Therefore, pregnant women can consume more dairy products, such as milk and yogurt. They are not only rich in calcium but also high in protein, which can promote the bone health of both the baby and the mother and strengthen the baby's tissues.
However, never treat milk as plain water to drink. Because milk also contains sugars, fats, and other components, drinking too much will increase the intake of calories and saturated fats. Moreover, excessive protein will lead to higher phosphorus intake, which can反而 hinder the absorption of calcium.
2. Fresh Juice
The juices available on the market are generally not made from fresh fruits and vegetables, but are fruit-flavored beverages made from various flavorings and refined sugar. It is recommended to buy freshly squeezed juice, and of course, making it yourself is the best option if you have the time. For example, apple, orange, and grape are all good choices.
However, it is still recommended that pregnant women eat whole fruits. This is because it's easy to accidentally consume too much juice when it's blended. The recommended daily fruit intake for a pregnant woman is about 300-500g. Excessive consumption can increase the risk of gestational diabetes.
3. Red Bean Water
Edema is inevitable during pregnancy. Drinking red bean water, mung bean water, or black bean water can help with urination and reduce swelling. However, because red beans are high in starch, be careful not to cook them until the skins break, to avoid consuming too much starch which can cause a sharp increase in weight. Mung beans are considered a "cooling" food, so it is not recommended to drink them during the first trimester.
4. Soy Milk
Pregnant mothers who are lactose intolerant can also choose to drink soy milk. Although the calcium content in soy milk is much lower than in milk, its iron content is four times that of milk, and it has a lower fat content. It is recommended to choose half-sugar or no-sugar options, so you don't have to worry about weight gain even if you drink it every day.
5. Lemon Water
Drinking only plain water every day can get boring. Why not add some flavor to your water? You can slice a lemon and let it steep in the water for a while. When the weather is really hot, add a few ice cubes, and it becomes very refreshing.
Besides lemon, you can use other fruits like lime or orange. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add a little honey to enhance the flavor.
6. Light Green Tea
Although tea contains caffeine, not all teas are off-limits for pregnant women. Green tea, for instance, is a good choice.
Green tea is rich in zinc and vitamin C, which can promote the baby's growth and development, aid digestion, and prevent gestational edema. However, it should not be consumed on an empty stomach. It's best to drink it one hour after a meal, and you should ensure it is not too strong.
5 Beverages to Limit During Pregnancy
1. Herbal Teas
Many people drink herbal teas to relax, such as lavender tea, which can indeed have a calming effect on office workers. However, some herbal teas have the effect of promoting menstruation, which is not suitable for pregnant women as it may cause uterine contractions, miscarriage, or premature labor.
2. Coffee
High doses of caffeine can pass through the placenta and directly affect the fetus's nervous system development. This could lead to a low birth weight, or excessive caffeine intake might cause uterine contractions, leading to premature labor or miscarriage. It is recommended to avoid coffee, especially before the 12th week. If a pregnant woman really wants to drink coffee, the daily limit should be 100-200 milligrams.
3. Strong Tea
Tea contains tannic acid, which can bind with iron in food to form a compound that cannot be absorbed. If a pregnant woman drinks too much strong tea, it may lead to gestational anemia, and the baby might also suffer from congenital iron-deficiency anemia. Furthermore, the stronger the tea, the higher its caffeine content, which will also affect calcium absorption. Therefore, if you drink tea, the weaker the better. It's also best to consult a nutritionist or doctor about the type of tea. However, many people love bubble tea, which uses coffee creamer and tea. If you really want to drink it, it's recommended to order fresh milk tea instead.
4. Carbonated Drinks
When phosphates in carbonated drinks enter the intestine, they combine with iron from food to form substances harmful to the human body. Moreover, most carbonated drinks contain a large amount of sugar, which may increase the risk of gestational anemia and gestational diabetes. Cola, in particular, also contains caffeine and should be avoided.
5. Alcoholic Beverages
If a pregnant woman drinks, it could lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in the baby. Drinking two or more drinks a day can lead to specific facial features and even deformities. Even drinking one small glass a day might not cause physical deformities but could affect the baby's behavior, leading to poorer learning abilities later in life. Basically, alcohol has a strong ability to penetrate and passes directly through the placenta to the baby. The baby's liver is not fully developed and lacks the enzymes to metabolize alcohol like an adult's liver. As you can see, the effects of alcohol on a baby's appearance, development, and behavior are profound, so it is best to avoid it.