Coconut water is rapidly becoming a household item among health-conscious consumers. It makes for an excellent poolside drink or post-workout beverage. Natural and rich in nutrients, it is a rich source of many vital nutrients, which our body requires. However, with all of the benefits it offers, is coconut water good for pregnancy? Let’s find out.
Is It Safe to Drink Coconut Water in Pregnancy?
Pregnant women are generally advised not to eat or drink foods that have the potential for dangerous bacterial growth. It's for this reason that many of them wonder if they can consume pasteurized or unpasteurized tender coconut during pregnancy.
However, this is no longer a concern since many commercially available coconuts are pasteurized, making them safe for consumption by pregnant women. Even some of the unpasteurized "cold-pressed" coconuts are microfiltered to remove bacteria, making them safe for all. Nonetheless, it needs to be kept fresh and consumed before it expires. Therefore, even doctors suggest drinking coconut water or nariyal pani in pregnancy.
Coconut Water Nutrition
Coconut water is rich in potassium and magnesium, electrolytes that are vital to human health. It has a naturally sweet taste and is considered a healthy, natural beverage that is rich in antioxidants and amounts to 95 calories in 0.5 litre of it. Following are the nutrition contents of coconut water:
Benefits of Coconut Water in Pregnancy
The physical and psychological changes of pregnancy can cause you to become thoroughly exhausted and dehydrated easily, which are known to be aided by drinking coconut water.
It is good for both the mother and child to drink coconut water during pregnancy due to the following reasons:
1. Keeps Hydrated
Besides keeping hydrated, coconut water is also a source of electrolytes. Some find it more enjoyable than normal water since it's composed of 95% water. In addition to being sugar-free, coconut water is also a healthier alternative to sugary beverages and juices.
2. Aids in Morning Sickness
Coconut water can assist in coping with morning sickness and fatigue in the first trimester of pregnancy. Also, for patients suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, which is a severe form of morning sickness, the body may require more electrolytes to compensate for the losses associated with excessive vomiting. Coconut water can provide these electrolytes and help stabilize the body.
3. Improves Digestive Health
Coconut water improves digestion, promotes intestinal health, prevents constipation, and maintains and regulates body PH levels. This leads to improved metabolism and body detoxification.
4. Soothes Acid Reflux
In pregnancy, your stomach valves become relaxed due to increased progesterone levels, resulting in unpleasant sour burps to occur. Coconut water may offer some relief from acid reflux during pregnancy.
5. Promotes Fetal Development
In the same way, vitamins and minerals are vital to your health; nutrients are vital to the development of your unborn child. This is why your doctor recommends prenatal vitamins to you. Besides that, you can supplement your diet with coconut water to get calcium, potassium, and magnesium, among other helpful nutrients.
6. Relieves Joint Pain
During pregnancy, women undergo many physical changes, which often cause joint and muscle pain. In coconut water, there is a significant amount of magnesium. Magnesium is an excellent nerve and muscle relaxant, thus helping to relieve muscle and joint pain.
7. Lowers Blood Pressure
Because coconut water is a potassium-rich beverage, it may be a wise choice for those who experience high blood pressure while pregnant since potassium helps to regulate blood flow and blood pressure.
8. Protects Against Infections
The natural diuretic properties of coconut water assist in preventing infections of the urinary tract by increasing urine production, which in turn decreases the chances of UTI. You decrease UTI chances by increasing the amount of urination and flushing out more toxins from the body. Furthermore, coconut water prevents kidney stones from forming and infection.
9. Provides Natural Energy
Physical fitness and light workouts are recommended for pregnant women. As an energy drink low in sugar and high in dietary fibre, coconut water is just what you need after putting in a good workout.
10. Boosts Immunity
Its rich vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant content boosts immunity in expecting mothers and children, thus protecting them from various diseases. Lauric acid, a key component in the production of monolaurin, prevents illnesses such as the flu and HIV.
Also Read: Kesar (Saffron) in Pregnancy Benefits, Uses Side Effects - Bodywise
Side Effects of Coconut Water During Pregnancy
Coconut water should, however, be consumed in moderate quantities because too much of anything is never good. It shouldn't be used as a substitute for regular water since it can upset your body's electrolyte balance.
When it comes to packaged coconut water, some brands include sweeteners, which can cause weight gain or may cause blood sugar problems for women with gestational diabetes. The best option for a healthy drink is coconut water without sugar, and be mindful of the portion size.
Also, if you have an allergy or tendency to develop an allergy to coconut water, you should not experiment with its consumption during pregnancy. It is better to seek help from a healthcare professional before adding anything new to your usual diet.
Myths And Facts About Consuming Coconut Water During Pregnancy
Coconut water is beneficial in many ways. However, there are many myths floating around its efficacies during pregnancy. Following are some myths and facts that should clear everything up.
1. Myth: Coconut water brightens the skin of babies and makes them seem beautiful
Fact: The health and colour of your baby's skin depend exclusively on their genetics and cannot be changed simply by drinking coconut water.
2. Myth: Coconut water strengthens and thickens the hair of a baby
Fact: The strength and texture of your baby's hair are also determined entirely by genetic factors. There is no evidence that coconut water affects hair growth in babies.
3. Myth: Coconut water during pregnancy increases the size of the baby’s head
Fact: Drinking coconut water does not influence the size of your baby's head whatsoever.
4. Myth: Coconut water during pregnancy will lead to acidity
Fact: The only reason you might experience acidity during pregnancy is because of the expansion of the belly, which interferes with digestion and coconut water has nothing to do with it.
5. Myth: Coconut water provides pregnant women with all the necessary nutrients
Fact: Despite the fact that coconut water contains vital nutrients, it does not provide all the nutrients your body needs while pregnant.
6. Myth: Coconut water during pregnancy is the best source of hydration
Fact: Water is the best hydrator, not sports drinks or coconut water. So, you must drink at least 8-12 glasses of water every day to stay hydrated.
Should You Drink Coconut Water in the 9th Month of Pregnancy?
Anything you consume becomes crucial as you approach your third trimester of pregnancy. There has been some speculation as to whether pregnant women can consume coconut water during the 9th month of pregnancy. The answer is yes. Coconut water has high potassium, magnesium, as well as calcium, vitamin C, and fibre contents, so if consumed in moderation, it can be considered healthy during that time of the pregnancy.
Does Coconut Water Help With Labor?
Some anecdotal evidence suggests that the consumption of coconut water can affect the progress of labor. While no study supports the same, yes, it may help manage an increased level of stress resulting from labor pains in the 3rd trimester. However, it should not be used in the place of pressure-reducing medications.
Best Time to Drink Coconut Water During Pregnancy
Throughout the day, your body works differently, which should be kept in mind while planning out your diet, especially during pregnancy. The best time to consume coconut water is in the early morning hours when its natural electrolytes and nutrients are most easily absorbed. Thus, drinking coconut water in the morning is the way to go!
So Is Coconut Water Good for Pregnancy?
Yes, coconut water is good for pregnancy. Despite what you might read online, coconut water won't fade stretch marks, cure constipation, or prevent mood swings during pregnancy. Most of the benefits of coconut water in pregnancy have not yet been proven by science, but it certainly tastes good and is refreshing.
The benefits of consuming coconut water during pregnancy are known to go far beyond its delicious taste, as mentioned above. Therefore, when consumed in moderation, coconut water can be an excellent addition to the diets of pregnant women for their health as well as the health of their unborn children.
FAQs
Is Coconut Water Good When Trying to Conceive?
Although not proven scientifically, coconut water is consumed by many women all over the world to improve fertility and encourage a healthy pregnancy.
Can Coconut Water Cause Miscarriage?
Coconut water is not known to cause miscarriage. However, consuming too much of it during pregnancy can cause complications, as mentioned above.
Is Coconut Water in Early Pregnancy Safe?
Yes, Coconut water is safe for early pregnancy and also healthy for pregnant women no matter how far along their pregnancy is. Pregnant women can benefit from the drink's natural vitamins and minerals, and many other advantages, as mentioned above.
What Happens if You Drink Coconut Water Every Day?
For pregnant women, drinking coconut water every day can be beneficial in terms of health and wellbeing, especially as it can reduce many pregnancy discomforts. Drinking moderate amounts of coconut water can reduce dehydration associated with morning sickness, thanks to the inherent nutrients it contains. Moreover, it provides both mother and baby with several essential nutrients. However, during pregnancy, you should drink a maximum of 1 cup of coconut water every day or 2 cups of it every alternate day to keep the portion size in check.
References
- Mt. Auburn Gynecology, The Benefits of Coconut Water During Pregnancy - https://mtauburnobgyn.com/2021/08/the-benefits-of-coconut-water-during-pregnancy/
- Babycenter, What are the benefits of drinking coconut water during pregnancy? - https://www.babycenter.in/x1019315/what-are-the-benefits-of-drinking-coconut-water-during-pregnancy
