Is It Safe To Drink Coconut Water During Pregnancy?

Drinking coconut water during pregnancy has numerous health and wellness benefits for the expecting mum and reduces many of their pregnancy discomforts. Safe to drink in moderate amounts, the inherent nutrients in coconut water regulate the digestive tract, and ease morning sickness and constipation in pregnancy.

Known as an organic diuretic, tender coconut during pregnancy also prevents urinary tract infections and the expectant mums in the third trimester often become fond of its refreshing qualities. Read on to know more.

Nutritional Value Of Coconut Water

Is coconut water good for pregnancy?

Yes, it is. Drinking coconut water in early pregnancy has a host of benefits. Here’s the nutritional value for one cup of coconut water:

• Calories – 46
• Calcium – 6%
• Sugars – 6.26 g
• Sodium – 252 mg
• Dietary fibre – 2.6 g
• Potassium – 600 mg
• Carbohydrates – 8.9 g

How Can You Include Coconut Water In Your Diet During Pregnancy?

Being a fat-free, healthy, cool and refreshing drink, coconut water in first trimester helps to keep the body hydrated by replenishing natural salts that are lost during perspiration.

You can buy it from the local market and have the water. It is advisable to choose the green variety as it contains water that is sweet and loaded with essential nutrients that are integral for the expecting mum’s health.

How Much Coconut Water Should You Take In Pregnancy?

Although there’s no ideal quantity of consumption of coconut water, it is advisable to consume one glass of coconut water per day. Such a quantity is ideal for an expecting mum as it provides essential daily nutrients.

It is recommended to consult a doctor before drinking nariyal pani during pregnancy.

When Should You Start Drinking Coconut Water During Pregnancy?

Coconut for pregnancy resonates well and can be consumed throughout the pregnancy, However, anything a pregnant woman consumes become crucial as she approaches her third trimester of pregnancy.

Plus, there has been some speculation as to whether expecting women can drink coconut water in 9th month of pregnancy. Well, if consumed in moderation after consulting a doctor, coconut water in pregnancy, even in the 9th month can be a healthy choice.

13 Benefits of Coconut Water In Pregnancy

There are a host of benefits of coconut water in pregnancy when consumed in moderation. 

Some benefits of drinking coconut water during pregnancy are:

1. Enriched with vital vitamins and antioxidants, drinking coconut water in pregnancy increases the expectant mum’s immunity levels.
2. It also aids digestion and helps to ease constipation due to its high fibre content.
3. A natural diuretic, drinking coconut water during pregnancy balances the uric acid levels in the body, flushes out toxins and clears out the urinary tract.
4. The content of magnesium, potassium and other minerals helps in the increased output of urine that’s vital during pregnancy. This also reduces the risk of kidney stone formation.
5. Coconut water in second trimester is recommended as it is loaded with necessary electrolytes that prevent dehydration caused due to vomiting and loose motion during pregnancy.
6. It is a storehouse of potassium and phosphorus that enhances energy levels.
7. Low in cholesterol, it also aids in removing the bad cholesterol from the body by preventing the accumulation of fat in the body. An ideal replacement for sugary drinks for sure!
8. Coconut water in pregnancy also regulates heartburn during pregnancy caused by hormonal changes.
9. The presence of lauric acid in coconut water also helps in the production of anti-virus that kills harmful bacteria.
10. Coconut water has low sugar content. Therefore, it lowers the risk of gestational diabetes.
11. Drinking coconut water during pregnancy hydrates the body. This increases the elasticity of the skin and aids to reduce stretch marks, a common complaint of pregnancy.
12. Coconut water is also recommended as a great exercise drink for the expecting nums who are advised to stay physically fit and engage in light workouts.
13. Coconut water increases amniotic fluid and enhances blood volume and circulation.

Precautions When Drinking Coconut Water During Pregnancy

Drinking coconut water during pregnancy is recommended by doctors as the body requires essential nutrients during this period. However, there are some precautions that should be kept in mind while drinking coconut water in pregnancy:

1. Coconuts should not be left cut for a long time. The water should be consumed immediately after they are cut as they are ripe with nutrients and fresh at this point.
2. It is advisable to consume coconut water in moderation as too much ripe coconut can also lead to constipation and might increase a person’s body fat.
3. Plus, excessive coconut during pregnancy can lead to an overdose of sodium or potassium.

Side Effects of Coconut Water During Pregnancy

Often, mums ask questions like: is coconut water good for pregnant women?

Coconut water has amino acids which are building blocks of proteins and is a great source of natural energy.

There are no side effects of coconut water during pregnancy. However, excess of anything can be harmful, especially during this crucial time.

Coconut water is not recommended for expecting mums experiencing preeclampsia as it contains sodium.

As coconut water has a diuretic effect on the body, its overdose can also cause uneasiness in expecting mums as the urge to relieve themselves will increase.

Conclusion

To enjoy the nutritional benefits of coconut water, you must know how to select one. A fresh coconut will be light and sweet and devoid of coconut meat, the white, fleshy, tender substance. A stale coconut will have a sour taste. You can pick medium-sized, clean, and green-coloured coconuts as they contain large amounts of water. It is not advisable to choose coconuts that have hard brown shells and grey patches as they signal mature nuts.

FAQs

Can coconut water cause miscarriage?

No, it is just a myth. However, drinking too much coconut water during pregnancy can be a problem, as mentioned above.

Is coconut water good when trying to conceive?

Many women drink coconut water to improve fertility and encourage a healthy pregnancy. However, this is not scientifically proven and requires studies.

Is coconut during pregnancy safe?

Coconut during pregnancy is safe as it is rich in potassium, sodium, dietary fibre, vitamins, and protein.

Does coconut water harm pregnancy?

Coconut water does not harm pregnancy. However, excess of anything can be harmful, especially during this crucial time.

When should I start drinking coconut water during pregnancy?

The best time to drink coconut water during pregnancy is in the morning as the nutrients and electrolytes it contains get easily absorbed in an empty stomach.
Here lies the benefits of drinking water on empty stomach during pregnancy.