Benefits of Coconut Water During Pregnancy

Table of content

1. Introduction

2. 9 Benefits of Coconut Water During Pregnancy

3. When To Drink Coconut Water During Pregnancy

4. Side Effects of Coconut Water During Pregnancy

5. Take-Home Points

6. FAQs on Benefits of Coconut Water During Pregnancy

Introduction

Pregnant women need to make a safe and sound decision when choosing any food or beverages, as any wrong decision might harm them. Coconut water contains electrolytes, calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin C. Proper nutrition for the mother is important for growing a baby. Coconut water during pregnancy can be an excellent source of nutrients which can provide electrolytes and nutrients for both the baby and the mother.

Coconut water is a clear fluid present inside the young coconut. It is sweet in taste and has hydrating properties. Potassium content and other electrolytes, along with Vitamin C are the main reasons for the beneficial effect of coconut water in pregnancy.

If you or your loved one is expecting a baby, you might be wondering if coconut water in pregnancy is safe or not. You are at the right place. In this blog, we will cover the benefits of coconut water in pregnancy and its potential side effects.

9 Benefits of Coconut Water During Pregnancy

Coconut water during pregnancy is beneficial because it is a fat-free, healthy, refreshing and cool drink that can be used as a hydrating beverage as electrolyte content in the coconut water can replenish the fluid loss. Coconut water in pregnancy is beneficial for both mother and baby, Here are 9 benefits of coconut water during pregnancy.

1. Hydrates and maintains electrolytes: Hydration during pregnancy is important as dehydration can lead to urinary tract infections and Preterm labour. Coconut water contains sodium, potassium and magnesium which not only hydrates the mother during pregnancy but can also maintain the electrolyte level in the body.

2. Rich in nutrients: Consuming beverages rich in sugar during pregnancy predisposes the pregnant mother to gestational diabetes, which can cause further complications to the fetus. Coconut water during pregnancy comes into play as it is low in calories and fat and also rich in nutrients like Vitamin C, calcium and manganese. Therefore, coconut water becomes a great alternative to sugary beverages during pregnancy.

3. Helps in digestion: Pregnant women experience digestive issues like reflux of gastric content, constipation and bloating as the growing foetus pushes on the stomach. Coconut water has a mild laxative effect and can help with these symptoms. Therefore, it can be used as a digestive aid during pregnancy. Pregnant mothers can also try walking some distance after a meal to avoid digestive issues.

4. Coconut water helps in blood pressure regulation: Coconut water contains potassium which is an excellent electrolyte to maintain blood pressure. Some women are predisposed to developing hypertension during pregnancy which is called gestational hypertension. Coconut water during pregnancy can provide adequate potassium which can help regulate blood pressure levels.

5. Low in calories: Sugary beverages are high in calories, which can lead to increased unhealthy weight gain during pregnancy. In contrast, coconut water is low in calories and contains some amount of dietary fibre and healthy omega acids, which can be beneficial to pregnant mothers. Coconut water during pregnancy can help pregnant mothers to enjoy a delicious beverage while not worrying about weight gain.

6. Promotes weight loss: Coconut water during pregnancy can not only hydrate pregnant women, but can also promote weight loss as coconut water has zero cholesterol and can increase good cholesterol while eliminating bad cholesterol from the body. This prevents fat cells from accumulating in the body. It is important to note that physiological weight gain during pregnancy is normal. It does not require weight reduction during pregnancy.

7. Improves immunity: Coconut water during pregnancy can help in improving immunity as it contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which can help boost the immune system, protecting the mother and the baby. Coconut water in pregnancy can help prevent flu and HIV as it contains lauric acid which produces monolaurin responsible for boosting immunity to fight against diseases.  

8. Tackles morning sickness: Coconut water in pregnancy can help in relieving morning sickness and fatigue during the first trimester. Coconut water can be consumed in the first trimester as it can replenish the electrolyte loss during vomiting as well as it is easily digestible.

9. Serves as exercise drink: Coconut water can serve as an exercise drink for pregnant mothers as it can help in hydration and maintaining electrolyte balance. Coconut water is ideal for light workouts but not for strenuous exercise.

When To Drink Coconut Water During Pregnancy

Consuming coconut water during pregnancy can provide a lot of benefits and if we compare it with other sugary beverages, it is far superior and beneficial. It is low in sugar, low in calories, fat-free, and provides essential antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. You may be wondering what is the best time to drink coconut water during pregnancy.

Here are some points to consider about when to drink coconut water during pregnancy.:

1. Moderation is crucial: One should always keep in mind that coconut water cannot replace normal clean filtered water and consumption of coconut water should be in moderation.

2. Best time to drink coconut water during pregnancy: Drinking coconut water in the morning and in moderation is quite recommendable. Coconut water should be consumed as soon as coconut is cut when it is fresh and rich in nutrients. 

3. Choose fresh and natural sources of coconut water: Many brands deliver packaged coconut water with a label of fresh and organic, but it is not always the case to choose natural coconut water, which is not processed. Packaged ones may contain preservatives and added sugar, which can harm pregnant mothers.

4. Monitor blood glucose: If you are having gestational diabetes it is important to talk to your doctor before starting to consume coconut water and monitor blood glucose levels regularly.

It is important to keep in mind that coconut water cannot fulfil all the nutritional requirements during pregnancy. Supplements given by your doctor and other whole fruits should be included in your diet to meet the nutritional requirements during pregnancy.

Side Effects of Coconut Water During Pregnancy

Coconut water is safe during pregnancy for most women. The important thing is moderation. There can be some potential side effects which are as follows:

1. Causes blood sugar spikes: Excessive consumption of coconut water can cause blood sugar spikes as it is not completely sugar-free. It contains natural sugar compounds.

2. Allergies: While allergy to coconut water is not so common, it is important to keep symptoms in mind like itching, swelling, hives, and stomach upsets. Pregnant women who are allergic to coconut water should not consume it during pregnancy.

3. Electrolyte disturbances: Consuming excess coconut water during pregnancy can lead to electrolyte imbalances like hyperkalemia and hyponatremia. Therefore moderation is the key when opting for coconut water during pregnancy

Take-Home Points

1. Coconut water is a clear fluid present inside the young coconut. It is sweet in taste and has hydrating properties.

2. Potassium content and other electrolytes, along with Vitamin C, are the main reasons for the beneficial effect of coconut water during pregnancy.

3. Coconut water during pregnancy is beneficial because it is a fat-free, healthy, refreshing and cool drink that can be used as a hydrating beverage as its electrolyte content can replenish the fluid loss that most expectant mothers experience.

4. The benefits of coconut water during pregnancy include it is rich in nutrients that hydrate and maintain electrolytes, helps in digestion, helps in maintaining blood pressure, is low in calories, improves immunity, etc.

5. The best time to consume coconut water during pregnancy is taking it in the morning, and in moderation.

6. It is important to keep in mind that coconut water cannot fulfil all the nutritional requirements during pregnancy.

7. Coconut water is safe during pregnancy for most women. Potential side effects of coconut water during pregnancy include allergies, blood sugar spikes, and electrolyte imbalance, if not consumed in moderation.