Energy drinks are non-alcoholic beverages known for increasing alertness, fitness, and stamina. They are mostly caffeine-based and are most popular among the young generations for enhancing physical performance. Many times, they are available in shots or dissolving tablets labeled as “high in electrolytes” to provide rehydration. However, consuming these during pregnancy is an important question.
The journey of pregnancy is most sensitive, particularly when managing energy levels. Nowadays, many drinks, such as energy shots or supplements, have come on the market for pregnant women. However, it is equally important to understand the safety concerns and risks associated with taking energy drinks while pregnant.
In This Article
- Is It Safe to Consume Energy Drinks While You’re Pregnant?
- What Are the Risks of Having Energy Drinks When Pregnant?
- Can Energy Drinks Harm Your Baby?
- Healthy and Safe Energy Drinks to Take in Pregnancy
- FAQ’s
Is It Safe to Consume Energy Drinks While You’re Pregnant?
Health experts advise against consuming energy drinks or other beverages while pregnant because the FDA does not formally regulate them. The presence of substances such as caffeine, artificial sweeteners, soda, and other stimulants has shown links between acute symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, irritation, and anxiety and detrimental outcomes such as hypertension and kidney damage. (1)
What Are the Risks of Having Energy Drinks When Pregnant?
An energy drink is an admixture of different stimulants in varying proportions. Having this when pregnant can be harmful to her and the fetus inside. According to studies, drinking energy drinks can cause nausea, vomiting, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and an irregular heartbeat, in addition to raising systolic and diastolic blood pressure. (2)
Energy drinks while pregnant can be problematic due to high sugar or any artificial sweetener, resulting in weight gain and elevating blood sugar levels.
The B vitamins and electrolytes present in energy drinks surpass the recommended limits during pregnancy. Prolonged intake of these shows negative effects such as frequent urination, skin flushing, tachycardia, gastrointestinal problems, and nerve damage. (3)
Hence, it is suggested to be cautious regarding energy drink consumption and always consult with health experts.
Can Energy Drinks Harm Your Baby?
Many expectant mothers struggle to compensate for their energy needs via energy drinks due to unexpected harmful effects on their babies. Intake of these drinks may hurt fetal movement and sleep patterns. The stimulators and chemicals present are responsible for premature delivery and stillbirths. Babies may be born with congenital disabilities.
Healthy and Safe Energy Drinks to Take in Pregnancy
The energy drinks available in markets today are made artificially with ingredients potentially harmful to babies’ and mothers’ health. Some healthy and safe energy drinks are nutritious, taste good, and are safe to consume during pregnancy. However, it is advisable to keep track of portions taken and calories consumed.
1. Coconut Water
Coconut water is an excellent hydrating option, rich in electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. This natural, light, and refreshing isotonic drink promotes good digestion, regulates and maintains pH, increases the flow of urination, and prevents urinary tract infections. The ideal time to consume is in the morning after breakfast.
2. Water
During pregnancy, regulation of water intake is a must. A regular intake of 8–10 glasses of water per day improves the amniotic fluid index levels, improves morning sickness, increases blood volume, regulates body temperature, decreases constipation, and flushes out bacteria, leaving no waste.[4]
3. Fruit and Vegetable Juices
Freshly squeezed juices from fruits and vegetables are another great hydrating option that can be prepared at home without fuss. Prepared without sugar addition, this beverage provides phytochemicals that reduce inflammation to a great extent.
4. Buttermilk
This wonderful Indian beverage is rich in calcium and riboflavin, two important nutrients essential for bone, muscle, and nerve development. It is preferred to prepare this with pasteurized milk.
Energy drinks while pregnant continue to be a matter of concern and caution. These drinks, prepared artificially, contain caffeine and other hazardous substances. Hence, it is essential to look for suitable, healthy alternatives, thereby supporting the well-being of mother and child by seeking advice from healthcare professionals.
FAQ’s
1. Can Sports Drinks Be Safe During Pregnancy?
It is better to avoid energy drinks while pregnant due to their high sugar and caffeine content. Energy drinks adversely affect fetal movement patterns and also result in gestational hypertension, eclampsia, and several perinatal complications.
2. Can Energy Drinks Induce Labor?
Common myths about pregnancy and labor include that coffee and other caffeine-containing products cause rapid heartbeat, breathing, and anxiety, leading to preterm labor in some women. To reduce this risk, avoid these beverages and consult other pregnant women for their perspectives.
3. Which Drink is Safe For Pregnant Women?
Homemade, freshly prepared beverages such as buttermilk and fruit juices are safer options. Even coconut water available naturally is best to consume while keeping in mind the portions and cautions.
References:
- A review of energy drinks and mental health, with a focus on stress, anxiety, and depression –
[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4892220/] - Health Risks of Energy Drinks: What Nurses and Consumers Need to Know, Nursing for Women’s Health, 16(5): 423–428
[https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23067287/] - Intake of Energy Drinks Before and During Pregnancy and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes – [https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2812078]
- Nutrition Column An Update on Water Needs during Pregnancy and Beyond – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595116/]
