Alkaline water is usually known for its slightly higher pH value. It’s said to neutralize acid in the blood, improve metabolic activities and absorb nutrients effectively.
However, it’s critical to assure whether such benefits extend to pregnant women and if there are any potential risks. This article will delve into these questions.
We’ll as well provide some benefits, and if any, the risks associated with drinking alkaline water while pregnant.
Can I Drink Alkaline Water While Pregnant?
Yes, you can drink alkaline water while pregnant, regardless of the trimester you find yourself. This water type has a higher pH level higher than regular tap water, generally around 8 or 9 on the pH scale whereas regular tap water has a pH of around 7 – which also means it is less acidic.
Drinking alkaline water is not only safe during pregnancy, but it might also offer some health benefits, which we’ll discuss in detail at the next subsection.
That being said, it’s important to note that the body does not significantly benefit from alkaline water over regular water.
Even though it may help to stabilize the body’s pH level, it should be pointed out that the body’s normal mechanism typically maintains a stable pH balance.
So while you can safely drink it during pregnancy, it’s not necessarily superior to regular water.
Benefits of drinking alkaline water while pregnant
In fact, drinking alkaline water in pregnancy is a topic of debate and has not been conclusively proven to provide any extra health benefits than you’re getting from your balanced diet meals and your regular water intake.
Here are some proposed benefits:
Hydration
It may be less acidic and more savory to some people, making it easier to stay sufficiently hydrated during pregnancy. Proper hydration is very important for overall health of you and the little one.
Calcium content
It contains natural calcium, which can contribute to the health of both the mother and the baby. This promotes healthy bones in preggy moms and reduces calcium loss as well as perhaps developing healthy baby teeth and bones.
Antioxidants
Some alkaline waters are marketed as harboring antioxidant properties due to their higher pH levels. Antioxidants can help protect the body cells from free radical damage, which is very crucial for general health.
Reduced acid reflux
Some sources also suggest that when pregnant women drink alkaline water, it helps to minimize symptoms of acid reflux, which is a common pregnancy condition due to the hormonal changes and increased pressure on the belly.
Mineral content
Depending on where you’re getting your alkaline water or the brand, it may contain essential nutrients like potassium and magnesium, both of which are a requisite for bone and muscle health.
Maintenance of healthy body pH balance
Alkaline water might be helpful in maintaining a healthy pH balance in the body. This is particularly important during pregnancy given the body’s difficult task to support the growing baby.
Potential role in restoring pH balance during early pregnancy
In the first few months of pregnancy, most of the mother’s alkaline minerals are directed to the placenta for nourishing the growing baby.
This may result in an acidic discharge from the fetus, leading to the mother’s blood becoming acidic. Alkaline water potentially helps restore the pH balance.
While these potential benefits may sound promising, it’s important to bear in mind that scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited, and the effects of alkaline water predominantly vary for every pregnant woman.
Can alkaline water help morning sickness?
In fact, we can’t tell because there’s no direct evidence that suggest that that alkaline water can specifically help with morning sickness during pregnancy.
Morning sickness, which is characterized by nausea and frequent vomiting is a common thing, and its exact causes are not fully understood.
While several women may find relief from morning sickness through various methods like ginger supplements, acupressure or prescription medications specified by healthcare experts, there is no strong scientific basis to support that the idea that alkaline water – with its higher pH level – is an an effective remedy for morning sickness.
If you’re experiencing morning sickness during pregnancy and are seeking relief, it’s important to chat your doctor as they can provide better recommendations and suggest other modifications that are most appropriate for your specific situation.
Can alkaline water cause miscarriage?
Again, there is no evidence to suggest that drinking alkaline water in reasonable and moderate amounts would cause a miscarriage.
Miscarriages, which are oss of pregnancy before 20 weeks gestation, typically occur due to factors which are unrelated to the pH of the water you consume.
Common causes may include abnormalities in genetics, imbalances of hormones, infections and overly abusing drugs and alcohol.
That said, it’s important to ensue that the water you drink is always safe. Most tap water is safe, but if you have some concerns about the quality of your water source, then you should chat your doctor or local health department for guidance.
Additionally, overly drinking alkaline water can have negative effects on your health, but it’s unlikely to be a direct cause of miscarriage.
What is the best water to drink while pregnant?
Staying well hydrated during this journey is important for the health and well-being of both you and the baby.
And the best water to drink is a clean, safe and well balanced water. Here are some considerations:
- Tap water: In many developed countries including the US, tap water is safe to drink during pregnancy. It’s typically routinely treated and monitored for contaminants by local authorities. But you can go ahead and use a water filter if you have concerns about the taste or quality of your tap water.
- Filtered water: If you have doubts about the standard of your tap water, then you can install a whole house water softener to help the removal of impurities, such as chlorine, heavy metals, and other potential contaminants.
- Bottled water: if bottle water is what you prefer, then choose brands with a known source and a good reputation for the water quality. Ensure that the bottles are manufactured from BPA-free materials.
- Mineral water: Some women also choose this because they contain essential nutrients like calcium and magnesium, and that’s fine. Just be mindful of the sodium content in some mineral waters.
- Non-caffeinated beverages: Try to limit sugary drinks like soda and excessive caffeine during pregnancy. Water is the healthiest choice for staying hydrated.
Can I drink alkaline water while breastfeeding?
Drinking alkaline water while breastfeeding is considered safe in moderation, but should be in very moderate amounts. While this water ionized water won’t harm you or your breastfeeding baby, it’s important to rather maintain a balanced diet and avoid extreme dietary changes during this period.
Your body naturally regulates the pH levels in your bloodstream, and consuming alkaline water is unlikely to have any significant impact on your body’s pH balance.
It’s rather worth it if you prioritize a well-rounded diet that includes variety of foods to ensure you and the baby are getting all the good nutrients while helping you produce more milk.
But if you’re still interested in drinking alkaline water, then you ought to talk to your doctor, especially if you have specific health conditions.
What does alkaline water do for babies?
Alkaline water is not recommended for babies, toddlers or young children. Infants typically have a specific dietary and hydration needs. And their digestive systems are not fully developed to process certain substances.
Here are some important considerations regarding alkaline water for babies
Breast milk or formula
For the very first six moths of life, breast milk or formula should be the primary source of nutrition and hydration for babies. These sources are carefully balanced to meet their nutritional requirements, including the appropriate pH levsls.
Tap water
If you need to supplement your baby’s diet with water, it is generally recommended to use plain and filtered tap water that is safe for drinking. There is basically no need to provide alkaline water because it does not offer any specific benefits for infants.
Avoid alkaline water
Alkaline water can have a higer pH than what is required for babies’ digestive system. Giving it to a baby may disrupt their body’s pH balance and potential cause digestive discomfort or other issues.
Consult with a pediatrian
If you have concerns about your baby’s die and hydration needs, it’s important to talk to a pediatrician or healthcare expert. There can offer the right guidance on the most appropriate timing abd introduction of water and other liquids to your baby’s diet.
Remember that staying hydrated is very necessary while nursing, ubut you can achieve this by drinking regular, clean water. The most important thing is to maintain a healthy and balanced diet to support your health and the little one’s growth.
Who should avoid alkaline water?
While this water is generally safe for most people when taken in moderation, there are some people who may have to exercise strict caution or limit their intake altogether:
- People with kidney issues
- People on certain medications like antacids
- Infants
- People with gastrointestinal conditions
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding moms
- People who have specific dietary needs
Is alkaline water good for fertility?
There is no proof to support the impression that drinking alkaline water has an impact on fertility. Fertility is rather influenced by factors relating to genetics, hormonal balances, environmental factors and lifestyle options.
While some proponents of alkaline water claim it can improve fertility by creating a more alkaline environment in the body, it is worthy of note that know that the body’s pH leels are tightly regulated by the kidneys are respiratory system. So drinking alkaline water is unlikely to significantly change the body’s pH system.
Conclusion – Can Pregnant Women Drink Alkaline Water?
While pregnant women can safely drink alkaline water in moderation, it is important for them to prioritize their overall hydration and maintain balanced diet rich in these essential nutrients.
The pH level of water, whether it is alkaline or neutral, is not a critical factor in the health of expectant moms and their babies.
And there is even limited scientific proof to support these health claims associated with alkaline water. It should in no way substitute a proper prenatal care and nutrition.
While pregnant, focus on staying sufficiently hydrated with clean, safe drinking water which may include tap or filtered water. And as always, your doctor shouldn’t be left out in your decision to incorporate this vichy water.
References:
Webmd ( What Is Alkaline Water?) & Forbes (Alkaline Water: Benefits, Side Effects And Dangers – Health)
