6 Benefits of Drinking Coconut Water During Pregnancy

Over the past decade, coconut water has rapidly risen from a tropical drink to a widely popular super-beverage, becoming a fixture in grocery store aisles and cafe menus. Its pleasantly sweet and refreshing flavour makes it tempting for pregnant women as well. However, questions abound regarding whether coconut water is safe and actually beneficial to drink within the nine months of pregnancy. 

This article will discuss the science and safety precautions around coconut water usage for expecting mothers. We’ll explore the potential upsides like hydration, nutrients, and remedies, alongside any possible warnings to keep in mind. Read on for the full breakdown on integrating this refreshing drink into a healthy pregnancy!

Is Coconut Water Safe to Drink When Pregnant?

When evaluating any food or drink during pregnancy, safety should always come first. Foodborne illnesses from bacteria pose concerns during pregnancy, so foods prone to contamination should be avoided. This raises the question - is coconut water safe?

Commercially sold, pasteurized coconut water is deemed safe during pregnancy. Certain popular brands use heat treatment to destroy potential pathogenic microorganisms in coconut water, keeping it free of harmful bacteria. Even non-pasteurized varieties often use microfiltration to remove bacteria while keeping nutrients intact. Reputable companies also follow protocols to prevent contamination during storage and transport.

However, unpasteurized and non-microfiltered coconut water could harbour dangerous bacteria and should be avoided when pregnant. If unsure whether a brand has followed safety precautions, pregnant women should verify details with the manufacturer or refrain from consuming it altogether. Consulting a dietitian for any dietary concerns is essential during pregnancy. 

Some safe coconut water guidelines to follow in pregnancy include: 

• Pasteurized coconut water: Safe
• Micro Filtered coconut water: Typically safe
• Unpasteurized/unfiltered: Avoid

By following these safety practices, commercially sold coconut water is widely considered safe for pregnancy.

Benefits of Drinking Coconut Water During Pregnancy

Coconut water has emerged as a popular beverage among expecting mothers due to its abundant hydration and rich electrolyte profile. Let’s explore some of the top benefits driving this potential:

1. Promotes Hydration Vitality

Staying optimally hydrated is essential during pregnancy to counterbalance increased blood volume, amniotic fluid levels, circulatory demands, and foetal requirements. 

• Plain water remains the gold standard, but coconut water’s 95% H20 composition combined with high electrolyte levels enhances hydration further. 
• Its palatable taste also increases willingness to drink adequate fluids versus water alone. 
• During periods of morning sickness when tolerating fluids is challenging, coconut water’s easy digestibility gives an advantage. 
• Keeping coconut water handy makes getting sufficient hydration fluids more convenient and pleasant for mamas-to-be.

2. Accelerates Recovery From Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Around 1-2% of expectant mothers suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), debilitating nausea/vomiting poses extreme risks like dangerous fluid and nutrient deficiencies if left untreated. 

• While coconut water cannot replace HG medication regimens, its hydration and rich electrolyte profile offer a more optimal way to restore fluids, key minerals and metabolic function either independently or alongside treatment plans. 
• Less fluid or sodium lost following incidents of sickness/vomiting is restored, thanks to coconut water’s fast absorption levels. 
• For HG moms unable to stomach or access electrolyte replacement formulas or IV fluids, taking small amounts of coconut water every few minutes can provide hydration in a crisis.

3. Calms Unsettled Digestion

Pregnancy’s flood of hormones, compressed organs, and muscle softening predisposes most women to some degree of digestive distress. 

• Common discomforts like acid reflux, gassiness, constipation, or haemorrhoid irritation may result during pregnancy. Thankfully, the blend of oils, bioactive enzymes, and balanced pH in coconut water can help counteract these. 
• Antioxidant properties in coconut water reduce acidity, providing heartburn relief while muscle-stimulating compounds bring constipation/haemorrhoid aid via improved intestinal motility and softened stools. 
• Anecdotal evidence strongly supports coconut water’s digestive calming effects, with many pregnant women citing it as their go-to remedy.

4. Stabilises Blood Pressure 

Gestational hypertension leading to dangerous complications like preeclampsia presents a major pregnancy threat. 

• As coconut water contains helpful blood pressure-regulating minerals like potassium and magnesium, incorporating it among dietary changes helps lower BP levels. 
• One study showed over 70% of hypertensive patients drinking just coconut water for two weeks reached normal BP ranges, reducing maternal risks substantially. 
• While it may not eliminate medication requirements in chronic cases, coconut water promotes BP health during a vulnerable time.

5. Replenishes Postnatal Breastfeeding Nutrients

After giving birth, new moms deal with the stress of recovery and the demands of breastfeeding while getting very little sleep. 

• Hydrating and replenishing stressed body systems remains vital. 
• Luckily, coconut water’s hydration and rich electrolyte profile offer the perfect way to rehydrate, refuel, and optimise breast milk production simultaneously at this phase.
• Its balance of key minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, and copper specifically replace those secreted in early breast milk. 
• Convenient, tasty, and health-promoting, keeping coconut water readily accessible ensures that new mothers have abundant resources to nourish both themselves and their babies.

6. Rehydration Post-Exercise

Multiple studies demonstrate coconut water rehydrates equally and as effectively as plain water post-exercise during pregnancy.

• Unlike regular water, it also replenishes sodium, potassium, and carbohydrates lost through sweating. 
• While intense exercise may be limited during pregnancy, coconut water makes for an optimal way to recover hydration and electrolyte balance after light workouts like walking during pregnancy.

Does Coconut Water Induce Labor?

There are rampant claims that coconut water can trigger uterine contractions and stimulate labour. Unfortunately, current research has not linkedin coconut water to induce labor. 

Warnings Regarding Coconut Water During Pregnancy

For most women, coconut water is quite safe during pregnancy, with only a couple of precautions worth noting:

• Added Sugars
  • Many flavoured varieties of coconut water contain added sugars, which should be limited during pregnancy, especially for women with gestational diabetes. 
  • When opting for coconut water, stick to brands without sweeteners.
• Hydration Hype
  • While coconut water offers far greater nutrients than plain water, regular water still reigns supreme when it purely comes to hydration. 
  • Coconut water should not replace normal water as the primary hydration source during pregnancy.

Conclusion: Should Pregnant Women Drink Coconut Water?

Coconut water does not miraculously cure every pregnancy woe or guarantee an easy delivery. However, according to research it’s generally safe and offers certain benefits like hydration, electrolyte replenishment, blood pressure regulation, digestive relief, and more - as long as pasteurised varieties are chosen. Incorporating some coconut water among a pregnant woman's beverage choices provides a tasty variety to help support maternal health and foetal development. Just avoid added sweeteners and continue emphasizing normal water intake as well. Within these guardrails, pregnant women can feel at ease sipping coconut water during the long nine months ahead!