Fluids & Liquids Mothers Can Drink While Pregnant

Everything you eat and drink during pregnancy will be delivered to your baby through the umbilical cord. Some liquids are harmful for your unborn baby. It is important to know which liquids are safe to consume during pregnancy.

Drink only fluids that are known to be safe for your unborn baby. (Image: Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images)

Water

Water is the most essential fluid you need during pregnancy. Water is needed to remove waste products, absorb nutrients, regulate body temperature and perform metabolic processes. Drinking water is essential to help prevent dehydration. Elizabeth Somer, the author of "Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy," recommends drinking at least eight glasses of water every day. Consume even more after exercise and when it's hot.

Juice

Freshly squeezed or pasteurized juices are safe; they're good sources of vitamins and water during pregnancy. However, they also contain lot of sugar and calories. According to the Mayo Clinic, pregnancy increases your calorie need by only 200 to 300 calories per day. Drink juices during pregnancy in moderation.

Milk

Milk contains calcium and vitamin D; these nutrients are essential for your baby. Fortified soy and almond milk provides these nutrients as well. The calorie content of milk, soy or almond milk differs from 35 to 150 calories per cup depending on the fat content. Drink milk in moderation; pick a low-fat option, rather than whole milk.

Coffee and Tea

Although tea and coffee are acceptable beverages during pregnancy, limit your intake of caffeine. Caffeine may cause growth retardation, miscarriage and low birth weight. Elizabeth Somer suggests that you avoid all caffeinated beverages during your first trimester and drink them in moderation during your second and third trimester. Drink decaffeinated teas and coffee to limit your caffeine intake.

Fluids to Avoid

Few liquids should not be consumed during pregnancy. These include alcoholic beverages, tonic water and some herbal drinks. Tonic water contains guinine; it's not safe to drink during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol while pregnant can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome that can cause your baby to be born with physical deformities, mental retardation and behavioral problems. No cure exists for fetal alcohol syndrome. Do not drink herbal drinks that contain ginseng, cohosh, sage, juniper, mugworth and male fern; these ingredients can be unsafe for your baby. If you are unsure whether a liquid is safe for you, do not drink it until you consult your doctor.