As a mother-to-be, you want your pregnancy journey to be safe and sound. This good news might excite you to search for safe nutrition where water comes first. A woman may think, can I drink alkaline water while pregnant?
The evidence has not claimed any harm from taking alkaline water. Regular purified water is good to use. Although, alkaline water with limited minerals is a super option for the growth of your fetus. It can be a perfect solution to your morning sickness and dehydration.
If you try it, you must know the facts about alkaline water. Stay connected!
- Why is Drinking Tap Water Unsafe for a Pregnant Woman?
- Is Alkaline Water Safe During Pregnancy?
- Importance of Water Intake for the Development of a Growing Baby
- 12 Health Benefits of Drinking Alkaline-Ionized Water In Pregnancy
- Alkaline Water Vs. Tap Water?
- Common Side Effects of Alkaline Water For Pregnant Women
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is Drinking Tap Water Unsafe for a Pregnant Woman?
Drinking tap water can be unsafe for a pregnant woman because it can contain harmful contaminants that can harm both the woman and her developing fetus.
Can you consider what toxic particles such as arsenic and fluoride can do to your unborn baby? In a study of the reproductive age group of women, the researchers found arsenic exposure resulting from abortion, stillbirth, and preterm birth rates as a pregnancy outcome.
Similarly, fluoridated water is observed to cause skeletal and dental fluorosis in the Atri and Tarbalo areas.
However, some common contaminants in tap water include lead, pesticides, and chemicals like chlorine that can cause congenital disabilities, developmental problems, and other health issues. Some tap water also contains microorganisms like bacteria and viruses that can cause illness.
It’s recommended that pregnant women drink only treated alkaline or bottled water to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful contaminants. It’s also a good idea to test your tap water to determine the presence of pollutants, contaminants, and the best filtration options to reduce exposure to these particles.
Is Alkaline Water Safe During Pregnancy?
As alkaline water gains more ions (Hydroxide ions) make is electrolyzed or ionized. The safe pH level of alkaline water for everyone, including pregnant women, is between 7 and 8.5. However, it is important to note that drinking water with a pH level outside of this range can be potentially harmful.
There is limited scientific research on the safety of drinking alkaline water, specifically during pregnancy. In this safe range, it helps improve digestion and neutralize acid reflux.
It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before changing one’s diet or beverage intake during pregnancy. Experts provide expectant mothers with information on healthy prenatal nutrition, including recommended foods, foods to avoid, and diet advice.
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Importance of Water Intake for the Development of a Growing Baby
Water is crucial for the development and health of a growing baby. Here are a few ways in which adequate water intake is important for a developing fetus:
1. Amniotic Fluid:
Adequate water intake by the mother helps maintain the volume and composition of the amniotic fluid, which is essential for proper fetal development.
2. Placental Function:
The placenta provides oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, and adequate hydration helps maintain proper placental function.
3. Temperature Regulation:
Adequate water intake helps regulate the mother’s body temperature, which is important for the proper development of the fetus.
4. Constipation Prevention:
Pregnancy can cause constipation, which can be uncomfortable and even painful. Adequate water intake can help prevent this issue by softening the stools and making them easier to pass.
5. Tissue and Organ Formation:
Adequate water intake is necessary for forming and developing the fetus’s tissues and organs, including the brain and muscles.
Pregnant women should drink at least 8-12 cups of water per day, or as directed by their healthcare provider, to ensure proper hydration and support the healthy development of the growing baby.
12 Health Benefits of Drinking Alkaline-Ionized Water In Pregnancy
Here are the drinking alkaline water benefits for pregnant women during pregnancy
1. PH Balance
Alkaline water has a higher pH than tap water, typically neutral or slightly acidic. Pregnant women should drink alkaline water to stay hydrated and support the healthy development of the growing baby.
2. Fight Free Radicals
are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of various diseases. Some proponents of alkaline water claim that it can help fight free radicals in the body by neutralizing acidity and balancing the body’s pH levels.
3. Keeps Hydrated
Alkaline water can help keep pregnant women hydrated, as it is a source of fluid that can be consumed to meet daily fluid requirements. Adequate hydration is important for the health of both the mother and the developing fetus during pregnancy,
4. Increases Energy
Alkaline water helps to improve or maintain the energy level during pregnancy. The healthcare provider recommends taking alkaline ionized water within a controlled pH of 7.5 to 8.5
5. It helps with Heartburn and Indigestion.
Alkaline water helps decrease symptoms of heartburn and indigestion, common in pregnancy, as it neutralizes stomach acid and maintains body pH.
6. Eases Constipation
As I mentioned earlier, Adequate water intake can help prevent this issue by softening the stools and making them easier to pass.
7. Leg Cramps
there is limited scientific evidence to support the claim that alkaline water effectively treats leg cramps during pregnancy caused by various factors. In contrast, there is less evidence that alkaline water helps to improve leg cramps symptoms
8. Gestational Diabetes
It is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and can affect the health of the mother and the developing fetus. It is reported that alkaline water can help lower gestational diabetes symptoms.
9. Strengthen Your Bones
Alkaline water helps to maintain the body’s pH and prevent the leaching of calcium from the bones. Hence it improves the strength of the bones as well immunity.
10. It helps with Morning Sickness.
Hence alkaline water helps neutralize the acid in the body, which tends to lower morning sickness in terms of maintaining body pH and temperature.
11. Strengthens the Immune System.
The immune system is a complex network that helps to protect the body against infections and diseases. Alkaline water strengthens the immune system by maintaining the body’s pH level.
12. Help in Pre-Eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a condition that affects some women during pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. These symptoms can be lowered by staying hydrated.
Watch the video embedded below from SciShow, to understand more about alkaline water.
Alkaline Water Vs. Tap Water?
Here’s a comparison table between alkaline water and tap water:
| Feature | Alkaline water | Tap water |
| pH level. | Alkaline (typically 7.5-9.5) | Neutral to slightly acidic (typically 7.0) |
| Mineral content | It can contain high levels of minerals, such as calcium and potassium, that are claimed to be beneficial for health. | It can contain minerals, but the mineral content varies depending on the source. |
| Antioxidant properties | It has higher antioxidant properties than tap water. | No antioxidant properties |
| Cost | Typically more expensive than tap water | Generally less expensive than alkaline water |
| Availability | Often sold in specialty stores or online. You can also install an alkaline filter, | Widely available in the tap or in bottled form. |
| Safety | The long-term safety of drinking alkaline water is not well established and may depend on the specific product. The individual’s health status | Tap water is generally considered safe when it meets quality standards set by regulatory agencies. |
It’s important to note that the specific mineral content and pH levels of alkaline and tap water can vary depending on the source and treatment processes. Additionally, limited scientific evidence supports many of the health claims made by proponents of alkaline water.
It’s always best to consult a healthcare provider before changing your fluid intake, especially if you have health concerns. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your individual needs and health status.
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Common Side Effects of Alkaline Water For Pregnant Women
Consuming alkaline water in moderation is generally considered safe for most people. However, some people may experience side effects from drinking alkaline water, especially if they consume high levels of minerals from alkaline water.
Common side effects of consuming alkaline water in excessive amounts include:
- Nausea and upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Cramping
- Headaches
- Fatigue
In rare cases, consuming high levels of minerals from alkaline water, such as calcium and magnesium, can also lead to kidney damage, as the kidneys may not be able to excrete excess minerals efficiently.
It’s important to note that the specific side effects of alkaline water can depend on individual factors such as age, health status, and medication use, among others.
If you experience any adverse effects after consuming alkaline water, you should stop drinking it and consult a healthcare provider. They can evaluate your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment or dietary changes.
In general, choosing a safe and reliable water source and drinking enough fluid to meet daily requirements, whether tap water, bottled water, or alkaline water. The most crucial factor is choosing a water source that meets your needs and preferences and drinking enough fluid to support proper hydration and overall health.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Some other questions and answers for our readers might be helpful for reading.
Does Alkaline Water Help Nausea?
Nausea during pregnancy is common and may have multiple causes. Alkaline water is claimed to not help nausea during pregnancy as medical use.
Can Alkaline Water Cause a Miscarriage?
Limited scientific evidence supports the claim that alkaline water can cause a miscarriage. Drinking moderate amounts of alkaline water during pregnancy is generally considered safe. However, it’s always best to consult a doctor if anyone is at risk of a miscarriage.
Can Alkaline Water Help with Getting Pregnant?
Drinking moderate amounts of alkaline water may support overall health and hydration, but it’s unclear if it has any specific impact on fertility. If you’re trying to conceive, it is best practice to follow the instructions from healthcare experts.
