Drinking coconut water during pregnancy, good or bad?

Coconut water is a refreshing, healthy drink and replenishes water for the body. Coconut water contains chloride, electrolytes, riboflavin, calcium, magnesium and vitamin C. This drink is considered a useful source of nutrients from nature. So should you drink coconut water during pregnancy or not? This is a question asked by many people. Let's answer this question with SignsSymptomsList.  

Drinking coconut water during pregnancy is good for the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus for the following reasons:

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• 1. Benefits of coconut water during pregnancy
• 2. Is it safe to drink coconut water during pregnancy?
• 3. Myths and facts about drinking coconut water during pregnancy

1. Benefits of coconut water during pregnancy

• Supply of water and electrolytes:

Coconut water contains a moderate amount of sugar, protein and sodium. Electrolyte requirements increase because morning sickness, nausea, and diarrhea dehydrate the body. Coconut water provides all five essential electrolytes: minerals, sodium, calcium, potassium and phosphorus. Therefore, coconut water helps maintain the daily amount of water and electrolytes required by the body. These electrolytes also support muscle function, maintain pH, and control blood pressure.

Coconut water is useful during pregnancy

• Protection against infection:

There are studies that show that drinking coconut water during pregnancy boosts immunity. Coconut water is considered a natural diuretic. It stimulates urination because of the presence of potassium, magnesium and other minerals. They aid in the elimination of toxins and cleanse the urinary tract. Therefore, the anti-cancer properties of coconut water can prevent kidney stones and infections. Coconut water prevents urinary tract infections and reduces the risk of premature birth.

• Supports the maintenance of a healthy weight:

Coconut water is fat-free and low in calories. So, drinking coconut water helps to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy. Coconut water helps control total calories consumed and control hunger during pregnancy.

• Improves digestion:

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to heartburn, constipation and indigestion… Coconut water helps strengthen the digestive system, prevent constipation, maintain and regulate pH. Coconut water improves metabolism and detoxifies the body. As a natural acid neutralizer, coconut water also soothes and prevents heartburn during pregnancy. Coconut water is a natural acid neutralizer and, therefore, can prevent heartburn.

• Strengthens the immune system:

Coconut water is rich in essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system. Since then, coconut water protects mother and child from diseases. The lauric acid in coconut water is responsible for the production of a disease-fighting acid called 'monolaurin'. Monolaurin kills harmful bacteria and prevents infections like flu, HIV, keeping good bacteria.

• Drinks to support fitness:

Coconut water is a drink that aids in exercise for pregnant women. Pregnant women are advised to drink coconut water and do light exercise to stay healthy and fit. This drink helps to replenish water after a workout. The hydrating properties of coconut water improve skin elasticity, limiting stretch marks.  

• Limit morning sickness:

Drinking coconut water in the first trimester of pregnancy helps pregnant women reduce morning sickness and reduce fatigue.

• Helps maintain heart health:

Low electrolyte levels increase blood pressure. Drinking coconut water can help improve levels of potassium, magnesium, and lauric acid, which help regulate blood pressure. It also improves good cholesterol and fights bad cholesterol to help maintain heart health. A glass of coconut water a day is said to be helpful during the last trimester. Stress during labor can increase blood pressure.

• Natural drinks: 

Coconut water is a delicious natural drink that contains no artificial flavors or harmful ingredients. 

• Supports fetal growth:

There is research that suggests that coconut water contains several bioactive compounds and growth promoting factors. In addition, coconut water provides all the necessary nutrients that are believed to help with the growth and development of the fetus.

• Improve the amount of amniotic fluid:

During the third trimester, drinking coconut water increases the amount of amniotic fluid and increases blood circulation.  

Coconut water has many benefits

2. Is it safe to drink coconut water during pregnancy?

The answer is yes. Coconut water is a safe drink that can be drunk during pregnancy. Its natural vitamins and minerals are suitable during pregnancy Pregnant women are prone to exhaustion and dehydration due to physical and psychological changes. To prevent dehydration, vomiting, constipation and infections, coconut water is the best choice.

There are many benefits of drinking coconut water but here are two important things to keep in mind:

• You should always remember – moderation is key. Clean, filtered water is always a priority. Coconut water should not be consumed as a substitute for mineral water and other beverages. Both have different benefits in your body.
• It is advisable to drink coconut water as soon as the coconut is fresh and rich in nutrients. When buying coconut water, be sure to choose a clean place and make sure the seller washes his hands. Choose a soft green coconut. Drink coconut water as soon as it is opened and sweet coconut water. Test by pouring water into a glass for the color of coconut water and drink it with a clean straw.

Note: 

• During the first trimester, coconut water helps combat dehydration caused by morning sickness. Due to its high fiber content, a glass of coconut water in the morning can help relieve constipation.
• During the second half of pregnancy, coconut water can also aid in blood pressure control as it is rich in potassium. However, because the drink is high in calories, women who tend to gain weight should exercise caution. Because it is diuretic, pregnant women may need to go to the bathroom more often. Women who are taking blood pressure medication should be careful while consuming coconut water as the potassium concentration in the drink can lower blood pressure.
• Excessive consumption of coconut water can lead to too much potassium in the blood. This condition is called hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can lead to changes in heart rhythm, which can be fatal. During pregnancy, this electrolyte imbalance can lead to more serious complications. 

Coconut water contains all the nutrients needed for pregnancy?

Some people believe that drinking coconut water can meet all the nutritional needs of a pregnant woman. That is definitely not true. No single food can contain all the essential nutrients. Pregnant women should have a diet that combines fruits, vegetables and protein… A diet full of essential nutrients with adequate amounts is necessary.

Nutritional value for a cup of coconut water:

• Calories – 46
• Sugar – 6.26 grams
• Calcium – 6%
• Fiber – 2.6 grams
• Sodium – 252
• Micro carbohydrates – 8.9 grams
• Potassium – 600 micrograms

Coconut water contains many substances necessary for a healthy body

When is the right time to drink coconut water?

You can drink coconut water at any time. But the best time to drink coconut water during pregnancy is in the morning. Then, electrolytes and nutrients can be easily absorbed when the stomach is empty.

How much coconut water should you drink during pregnancy?

The amount of coconut water you should drink during pregnancy is controversial. The ideal amount consumed should be limited to one drink per day. One glass a day is ideal for a pregnant woman and can provide essential nutrients daily. It's best to avoid coconut water if you don't like the taste to avoid vomiting or any unpleasant sensations.

Besides the benefits of coconut water, coconut oil, coconut milk and copra also bring certain benefits to pregnant women during pregnancy. 

3. Myths and facts about drinking coconut water during pregnancy

Myth: Coconut water makes baby's skin more beautiful and makes baby look more beautiful

Fact: Your baby's health and skin color will completely depend on genetics. That cannot be changed just by drinking coconut water.

Myth: Drinking coconut water makes your baby's hair grow thicker and stronger

Fact: The strength and texture of your baby's hair is completely dependent on genetics. Drinking coconut water did not show any effects on baby's hair growth. 

Myth: A pregnant woman can get all the nutrients she needs by drinking coconut water

Fact: As noted above, there is no single food that contains all the nutrients. Although coconut water has essential nutrients, it alone does not provide all the nutrients needed during pregnancy.

Myth: Coconut water creates acid if taken during pregnancy

Fact: Coconut water does not cause acidity during pregnancy. Acidity can be caused by the expansion of the abdominal cavity, which interferes with the digestive process.

Myth: Drinking coconut water during pregnancy makes the baby's head "like a coconut"

Fact: There is no link between drinking coconut water and baby's head size.

Myth: Coconut water could be the best hydration drink during your pregnancy

Fact: Without any drink, coconut water has better hydrating properties when compared to plain water. Therefore, it is recommended to drink at least eight to twelve glasses of filtered water every day to stay hydrated.

Coconut water is useful during pregnancy

There is no denying the benefits that coconut water brings during pregnancy . Coconut water is a refreshing natural drink and supports the health of pregnant women. However, do not abuse coconut water and ignore other foods.

Remember, coconut water cannot completely replace filtered water. Coconut water also does not contain all the nutrients needed for pregnancy. It is necessary to maintain a nutritious diet for pregnant women and fetuses to develop healthy.

Through this article, SignsSymptomsList hopes to provide readers with useful information. However, each pregnant woman will have different hormonal changes and accompanying pathologies. Therefore, pregnant women should have regular prenatal check-ups and consult their doctors about drinking coconut water individually.