Is Coconut Water During Pregnancy Beneficial?

Drinking coconut water during pregnancy can be a pleasant, hydrating choice for most people. It is not a substitute for plain water, though, and it has no special healing powers. Here are some useful tips on how to drink it safely.

When buying coconut water, choose packaged coconut water that has been pasteurized, or a fresh green coconut opened in front of you with clean tools. The FDA advises pregnant women to avoid untreated (unpasteurized) juices, because they can carry harmful bacteria.

Drink fresh coconut water soon after the coconut is opened, and keep packaged coconut water refrigerated once it is open. Check labels for added sugar.

Yes, coconut water can be part of a healthy pregnancy diet, but don't believe the myths that surround it. It is simply a hydrating drink with some potassium and electrolytes, not a magic potion. Be wary of claims that it detoxifies your body or guarantees a healthy baby.

You can drink coconut water at any time of day. There is no good evidence that it is absorbed better on an empty stomach in the morning.

Coconut water contains potassium, some sodium, a little fiber and natural sugar. According to USDA FoodData Central, one cup (240 ml) has about 46 calories, 600 mg of potassium, 250 mg of sodium and 2.6 g of fiber.

Sipping fluids can help when morning sickness makes it hard to keep water down. Coconut water is one option, but see your doctor if you can't keep fluids down, because severe vomiting in pregnancy needs treatment.

Coconut water is fairly low in calories compared with juice or soda. Its small amount of fiber won't do much on its own for constipation. Plenty of fluids, fiber-rich foods and activity help more.

Diets rich in potassium can help keep blood pressure healthy. If you take blood pressure medicine or have kidney disease, ask your doctor before drinking a lot of coconut water, because of its potassium content.

Benefits of Drinking Coconut Water during pregnancy

With all these qualities, is coconut water a good choice during pregnancy?

Yes, in moderation. Coconut water is a safe drink you can have for the duration of your pregnancy as long as it is pasteurized or freshly opened.

Pregnancy can make you tired and dehydrated more easily. Coconut water can help you stay hydrated, but plain water should remain your main drink.

Some of the advantages are:

• It helps you stay hydrated.
• It provides potassium and other electrolytes.
• It is a lower-sugar alternative to many juices and sodas, if you choose a brand without added sugar.
• It can be a refreshing option when plain water feels hard to drink.

Coconut water does not boost immunity, detoxify the body or treat heartburn or constipation. There is no good evidence for these claims.

Is there any side effect of coconut water if taken during pregnancy?

For most pregnant women, moderate amounts of coconut water are safe. If you have high or low blood pressure, kidney disease, or take medicines that raise potassium levels, talk with your doctor before drinking it regularly.

Although coconut water is generally safe during pregnancy, there are certain points to consider.

1. Coconut water contains sodium. If you have pre-eclampsia or high blood pressure, ask your doctor or midwife whether it fits your diet.
2. Coconut water isn't an alternative to regular water. Drink it in moderation.
3. Choose plain coconut water without added sugar, especially if you have gestational diabetes.
4. If you drink from a fresh coconut, make sure it is opened with clean tools and the straw or glass is clean.
5. Avoid coconut water if you are allergic to coconut.

Best Time to Drink Coconut Water when Pregnant In A Day

You can drink coconut water whenever you like. There is no best time of day.

Some people drink it after exercise, because it contains electrolytes, such as potassium, that the body loses in sweat. For most light or moderate exercise, plain water is enough.

How to Choose the Right Coconut For Pregnancy?

If you buy fresh coconuts, young green coconuts hold the most water. Mature brown coconuts have less water and more of the thick, white flesh.

There is no evidence that water from brown coconuts causes constipation. The more important point is food safety: buy pasteurized packaged coconut water or drink fresh coconut water right after opening. Shake the coconut; you should hear the water sloshing inside.

As with any change to your diet in pregnancy, check with your doctor or midwife if you have questions.

HP Thoughts: Coco water contains elements that are good for the body but what about common tap water? How would you know if there are unwanted elements in it? What would you do to remove them? Read our article: Remove Chloramine From Water.

Sources

• What You Need to Know About Juice Safety, FDA
• Nuts, coconut water (liquid from coconuts), FDC ID 170174, USDA FoodData Central
• Foods to avoid in pregnancy, NHS