I get asked this question a lot. Recently, a patient asked me, ‘I drank a can of fever ginger beer, knowing it was labelled non-alcoholic, but I felt a little bit tipsy minutes after drinking it.
Am I safe?’ At least two more women in my prenatal class have asked about this, so I felt it was important to share my knowledge with my readers.
Ginger beer is a well-known drink known for its invigorating taste and the kick of ginger spice it offers. It’s non-alcoholic and made from ginger, sugar and carbonated water, although some brands might have tiny amounts of alcohol, similar to other fermented beverages like kombucha.
But is it really safe? This article looks into the safety aspects of drinking ginger beer while pregnant. We’ll examine the benefits, possible risks, and how to safely enjoy it if it is allowed.
Is it okay to drink non-alcoholics like ginger beer while pregnant?
Sure, you can usually drink ginger beer while pregnant but you should take small amounts. Ginger beer is generally non-alcoholic; despite its name, it doesn’t contain alcohol like regular beer does.
That’s one reason why we can reaffirm that it is a good choice when you’re expecting. Ginger itself can actually help morning sickness, and that’s a plus, too. However, you should always choose brands that don’t have a lot of sugar to avoid extra calories.
Some ginger beers also come with added flavors and preservatives, which are stuff you might want to stay away from when pregnant. Nonetheless, even though ginger can be helpful, eating too much isn’t recommended at this time.
So,as said initially, make sure you heed to drinking small amounts; one small can once in a while, or two cans a week maximum(if you feel addicted), should be fine.
Potential benefits of ginger beer for pregnancy symptoms
Here’s the perks ginger beer might offer your journey:
Soothes your stomach
You know those queasy, uneasiness that accompanies morning sickness? Well, the ginger in ginger beer is like a gentle remedy that can help make your stomach feel better. But only have a small amount now and then, and be sure to chat with your doctor to make sure it’s a thumps up for you.
Helps with digestion
Pregnancy, just sometimes slows digestion a bit out of whack. The ginger in this drink is kind of like a friend for your digestive system. It helps things move along such that you don’t feel stuffed or bloated. It’s a tasty way to give your tummy a little bit of help.
Freshens up your taste buds
It’s got a spicy kick that can really shake up your taste buds, especially if other foods start to seem blah. If you’re craving something tasty and zippy, a little ginger beer might be just the ticket to make your mouth happy.
Tips to safely drink ginger beer during pregnancy
Drinking ginger beer during pregnancy can be a tasty way to ease that persisting nausea and queasiness, but it’s important to do it safely. Here are some tips to help you enjoy without worries:
Check the label:
There are several brands out there and they all aren’t created equally. The label tells you what you need to know to make a safe and healthy choice.
Let’s start with sugar content. A lot of these drinks I’ve come across pack in quite a bit of sugar. While it might taste great, too much sugar isn’t good during pregnancy. It can lead to unwanted weight gain and other health problems, so looking for an option with less sugar is a savvy move.
The second thing I wanted to emphasize is the artificial ingredients. You should recheck the labels to ensure what you’ve got doesn’t contain artificial flavors and preservatives. We advise that you stick with more natural and simple ingredients to rather to keep you and your little one in good shape.
Also, even though ginger beer is seen as non-alcoholic, some brands can have very low levels of alcohol due to the way they’re fermented. While these levels are usually minimal, during pregnancy, you might want to be absolutely certain you’re choosing a non-alcoholic version.
So ensure it is labeled zero alcohol content, If there isn’t any alcohol listed as part of the ingredients, then you can be sure it’s alcohol-free.
And finally, if one of the reasons you’re interested in ginger beer is its potential to help with nausea, you’d want to ensure the brand you’re opting for contains real ginger. Some brands only use artificial ginger flavoring. And that won’t give you the same benefits as the real mccoy.
So, taking a few minutes to read the label can help you select the best brand that suits your needs now.
Home made is the best
Making ginger beer at home lets you control and track exactly what goes into it, ensuring you’re safeguarding you and your baby.
You get to decide how much sugar is added. Store-bought ginger beers can sometimes be high in sugar, which isn’t ideal. So, by making it yourself, you can adjust the sweetness to what suits your liking and situation.
I prefer rather opting for healthier sweetener options like stevia, monk fruit sweetener, agave or maybe honey. Then there’s this question of ingredients. You steer clear of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives found in commercial brands, once you make it yourself.
You also are able to adjust the ginger content. Ginger can be quite beneficial. Thus, you can make sure there’s enough to help your situation without overdoing it.
Lastly, homemade ginger beer is non-alcoholic. Some store-bought versions have trace amounts of alcohol due to the fermentation process. Once you’re making yourself, you can ensure it is completely free from alcohol.
Moderation is key
I’ve already talked about most of this under previous categories. I just felt to re-emphasize. Too much of anything isn’t usually a good idea. Ginger beer can be quite sugary, and too much sugar isn’t great when you’re expecting.
It can make you put on extra weight, which isn’t what you and the pretty little one wants. Also, even though ginger can be helpful for the queasy feeling, too much might not be good.
Health experts suggest only 1 gram of ginger per day for pregnant women managing nausea. Stick within these guidelines to make sure you and your baby is safe.
So how can you enjoy ginger beer in moderation? Try to have just one small glass at a time, perhaps the small can, which is about 150 to 200ML, and not every single day. Twice a week should be fine for those who are very addicted.
Also, remember there are other drinks you can have too, like water(heavy on this), milk and unsweetened fruit juice. So, mixing it up is both fun and good for you.
Consult your doctor
Your doctor knows all about your health and what’s best for you and your baby, making them the perfect person to give you advice on what to drink and eat while you’re expecting.
Each pregnancy is unique, and what’s okay for one person might not be right for another. That’s why a ten-minute conversation with your doctor beforehand is so helpful. They can let you know if it fits your situation.
You might be managing gestational diabetes or other health conditions and sugar should be something to stay far away from. So, your doctor would advise accordingly. And if you should skip, they might suggest other healthy drink options for you.
Stay hydrated with water
Ginger beer can be that tasty and helpful, no two ways about it, but you shouldn’t replace it with water. Water is the best at keeping you hydrated, which is good for your body and your baby.
It can help with stuff like keeping your temperature normal, helping digestion and even minimizing the chances of having a UTI, which can be a bother for some pregnant women.
Think of ginger beer as a special treat, like a dessert you have from time to time. Since it often has sugar and other artificial ingredients, it’s never same as drinking pure water.
Can i drink ginger beer during pregnancy? – Final Say
Drinking ginger beer in moderation during pregnancy can offer some pleasant perks like easing your tummy, correcting indigestion and freshening up your taste buds. It pacls a ginger punch that’s not just enjoyable but can also tackle some pregnancy malaise.
Always check the labels to ensure it doesn’t have even the tiniest amount of alcohol, and enjoy it in moderation, too. Your doctor should, however, not be excluded in your decision to embark on this long-term, especially if your pregnancy is considered a high-risk. So, yes, you can sip on some ginger beer during pregnancy, but as with all things, a little goes a long way.
