Coconut Water During Pregnancy: Side Effects and Benefits

Pregnancy comes with a lot of excitement and concerns about what is good for the growing baby as well as the mother. Including coconut water during pregnancy is one such concern. According to many fertility experts, coconut water is the best natural refreshing drink next to boiled water. It is widely recognised as the better alternative for artificially sweetened beverages, especially in sports. This is because of its low-calorie content along with natural sweetness.

Coconut water is often appreciated for its hydration and acid reflux properties; yet, many people are not aware of its real benefits and potential risks when consumed during pregnancy.

This blog may help you understand the detailed breakdown of this natural water during pregnancy.

Benefits of Coconut Water During Pregnancy

The benefits of including coconut water in the diet of pregnant women are numerous. This natural thirst-quenching drink has been recommended by many fertility experts as the drink contains manganese, riboflavin, vitamin C, calcium, and fibre. They also contain electrolytes, minerals, chlorides, proteins, potassium, and magnesium. According to the study, all these are the essential nutrients required for a healthy pregnancy.

It is essential to understand that coconut water, especially during pregnancy, has to be consumed in moderation to relish its real benefits. However, there are exemptions to consume this natural water. If the expectant mother is identified with a heart or kidney condition, high blood pressure, and diabetes, having a consultation with the healthcare provider before including coconut water in your diet is highly recommended. This is because the presence of high levels of carbohydrates and electrolytes in this drink may significantly worsen such conditions, according to a recent study.

You can move down to discover more about the benefits of coconut water in pregnancy.

Hydration

Coconut water is a hydrating beverage that offers numerous benefits. This is because of its naturally rich properties like electrolytes like potassium, sodium and magnesium. These nutrients are also essential to support maternal bodily functions such as elevated blood volume and the production of amniotic fluid. These electrolytes are also helpful to maintain hydration, especially during summer or after physical activity.

Weight Management

As the coconut water contains low-calorie content, it helps expectant mothers maintain their body weight as well as their cholesterol levels.

Morning Sickness Relief

Coconut water is often recommended by experts to alleviate morning sickness. This is because of the properties it contains to replenish electrolytes, soothe the throat and upset stomach, and the hydration it provides, which is lost in vomiting. This natural water can potentially prevent nausea and dehydration during pregnancy.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Prevention

Coconut water can primarily prevent expectant mothers from urinary tract infections. This is because water has the ability to increase the production of more urine in the kidneys. This increased urination can significantly help to flush out harmful substances and bacteria present in the urinary tract. Hence, the consumption of this natural water may be helpful to reduce the risk of infections like gum diseases, gonorrhoea, and UTIs.

Improved Digestion

The consumption of coconut water can predominantly help with improved digestion, especially during pregnancy. This is because the enzymes present in the water have the ability to break down the food, which may significantly ease digestion. Furthermore, the presence of mild laxative properties and fibre in the natural water can help with relieving constipation and bowel regularity. In addition, the neutralizing property in the coconut water can significantly help with easing heartburn.

Regulate Blood Pressure

Coconut water can benefit expectant mothers by regulating blood pressure. This is due to its increased potassium content. Potassium, in general, has the ability to restrain the effects of sodium. This may broadly help with relaxing the blood vessels and regulating the blood pressure, especially in the maternal body.

Boost Energy

Coconut water can significantly be an energy booster as it contains electrolyte properties and a few amount of natural sugars. Experts advise considering coconut water as the healthier alternative for sweetened beverages as it can maintain energy levels and manage fatigue all through the pregnancy.

Amniotic Fluid Levels

Coconut water does not directly help with increasing the levels of amniotic fluid in the maternal body. However, the electrolyte balance and hydration it provides are essential contributors to fluid production. Adequate hydration can significantly help with maintaining amniotic fluid levels, which is crucial for nourishing the growing baby.

Hope the above-listed benefits have been helpful for pregnant women who may have had the concern of “Can pregnant women drink coconut water”.

Side Effects of Coconut Water During Pregnancy

While generally known for its beneficial properties, excessive consumption of this natural water may primarily lead to numerous potential side effects. They are:

Increased Blood Sugar

The excessive consumption of coconut water may contribute to the development of increased blood sugar in pregnant women. This is because of its natural sugar content and electrolyte imbalance, especially potassium. Even though it is widely recognised for providing several benefits, moderate consumption is highly suggested, particularly for women diagnosed with gestational diabetes or those with existing diabetes.

Allergic Reactions

Some individuals may develop allergic reactions towards coconut water, especially those with existing coconut allergies. Even though it is rare, but significantly possible. Experts suggest avoiding coconut water in pregnancy altogether if they are already known to have allergies to coconut. The symptoms of the allergic reaction may include hives, swelling, and itching.

Electrolyte Imbalance

Due to its high potassium content, coconut water when consumed excessively can develop hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is a disorder where the amount of potassium in the blood is abnormally increased. This, in turn, may primarily disrupt the electrolyte balance in pregnant women, especially those with kidney disorders. This imbalance may negatively impact the health of both the mother and the baby. Hence, the excessive consumption of coconut water during pregnancy is strictly prohibited.

Gastric Discomfort

Again, the coconut water may develop gastric discomfort if consumed excessively. This is because of its electrolyte imbalance, which can cause diarrhoea and upset stomach. This may lead to loss of hydration in the body and potentially worsen pregnancy-related digestive problems.

Low Blood Pressure

While coconut water is familiar for regulating blood pressure, too much consumption may lead to a drop in the levels of blood pressure significantly. This may result in low blood pressure due to the elevated amount of potassium content in the natural water. Potassium, in general, has the ability to counteract the effects of sodium. However, too much consumption can contribute to the development of low blood pressure, causing weakness and dizziness.

Kidney Problems

Kidney problem is one of the significant side effects of coconut water during pregnancy. Individuals with existing kidney problems may not be able to flush out the excess potassium from the blood. Being told that coconut water contains a rich source of potassium, its consumption might be a concern, especially among pregnant women due to this reason. Too much consumption of coconut water may lead to the development of the condition known as hyperkalemia, which can contribute to pregnancy-related issues.

Summary

Coconut water can be a nourishing and refreshing addition to the expectant mother’s diet. However, consuming it in moderation can significantly allow us to enjoy its benefits. When we say moderation, one or two cups of coconut water is safe and recommended to consume during pregnancy. For individuals with existing conditions like diabetes, kidney problems, high blood pressure and high blood sugar, having a consultation with the healthcare provider before including them in their diet is highly recommended. Tender coconut during pregnancy can predominantly contribute to overall well-being if consumed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can coconut water help with labour?

A: There is no scientific proof to support that coconut water can induce and ease labour. Also, they identified that the water has no compounds that can induce labour. However, the nutrients it provides may significantly help with hydration, which can be indirectly beneficial during labour.

Q: How much coconut water can I drink in a day during pregnancy?

A: During pregnancy, experts suggest taking 1 or 2 glasses of coconut water a day. This may primarily help with hydration without overwhelming the maternal body with electrolytes and sugars.

Q: Can I drink coconut water during pregnancy?

A: The answer to the question is obviously yes. You can drink coconut water all through your pregnancy. However, preferring to choose the fresh and unpreserved ones is highly recommended. Also, consuming coconut water not exceeding two glasses in a day can be beneficial, especially during pregnancy.

Q: Can sugars in the coconut water raise blood sugar in the body?

A: Even though coconut water is considered a safe and healthy drink, it does contain natural sugars. Too much consumption of water can predominantly increase blood sugar levels, especially in the maternal body. Hence, individuals with gestational diabetes and already existing diabetes should monitor their consumption levels of coconut water to prevent complications.

Q: Does coconut water have the ability to make my baby’s skin fairer?

A: The answer to the question is no. A baby’s skin colour is not determined by the diet but by genetics. Hence, coconut water does not affect the baby’s skin.