You probably already know that it’s a good idea to limit your alcohol intake while you’re pregnant. After all, drinking during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), a collection of lifelong conditions that are caused by the mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Moreover, even if it is a small amount of alcohol, it could have negative effects on the development of the fetus. However, not everyone who is pregnant is ready to give up their favorite alcoholic drinks just yet… Luckily, there are several non-alcoholic drinks that are also perfect for pregnant women and those trying to get pregnant. These beverages include grape juice, which comes with many benefits while being safe to drink while pregnant. Let’s take a look!
What Is Grape Juice?
Grape juice is created by extracting the juice from grapes that have been fermented to create wine. The sugar in grapes is turned into alcohol when grapes are fermented. This is why you can’t drink grape juice if you’re pregnant – it could contain trace amounts of alcohol. Grape juice is one of the most popular types of juice available on the market. It is mainly made from grapes but can also contain other ingredients, such as water. It is made from red or purple grapes, which contain anthocyanin, a plant pigment that is thought to have a lot of health benefits. Grape juice has many health benefits, including helping to prevent cancer and diabetes, promoting heart health, and improving cognitive function. It also contains a large amount of Vitamin C, which is great for immunity. When you’re pregnant, you’ll need more Vitamin C than usual because your baby will get a portion of it from your blood. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron better, which is important since you’re likely to be anemic while pregnant.
Benefits of Drinking Grape Juice While Pregnant
There are a lot of advantages when you drink grape juice while pregnant. First and foremost, it can replace alcohol in your diet – it’s a great substitute for wine or champagne. Drinking grape juice while pregnant is safe and will not harm the fetus. It can boost your energy levels and prevent tiredness since it contains a lot of Vitamin C. You can drink grape juice while pregnant to prevent blood clots, heart disease, and preterm contractions. Grape juice can lower the risk of diabetes in pregnant women. The high amount of Vitamin C can reduce the risk of preeclampsia, which is a complication that pregnant women can develop that causes high blood pressure and can lead to serious health issues for both the mother and the fetus.
How Much Can I Drink While Pregnant?
The amount of grape juice that pregnant women can safely drink varies depending on the brand. If you’re worried about drinking grape juice while pregnant because you’re not sure how much is safe to drink, you can always do a quick search on the internet. You’ll most likely find a list of the brands that are safe to drink while pregnant, including how much is safe to drink per day. Remember, drinking grape juice while pregnant is not necessary, so you should only drink it if you want to replace alcohol or are craving it. Keep in mind that the GDAs (guidelines daily amounts) are not 100% accurate. They were designed as a general guideline, meaning that they are not meant to be taken as a strict rule. And if you’re worried about grape juice affecting your baby’s development, don’t be. If you drink grape juice regularly, you’ll be getting additional vitamins and minerals in your diet that will help your baby grow and be healthy.
Should You Worry About Folic Acid in Grape Juice?
You may have heard that grape juice contains folic acid, which is important for your baby’s development. You may be worried that you won’t have enough folic acid in your diet if you drink grape juice, but you don’t have to. First off, pregnant women need a lot more folic acid than non-pregnant women. The amount of folic acid that you need while pregnant is 600 mcg per day. Second, grape juice isn’t one of the best sources of folic acid. There are many other fruits and vegetables that you can eat while pregnant that are better sources of folic acid than grape juice. Folic acid is found in leafy green vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and asparagus, as well as citrus fruits like oranges and melons. You can also find folic acid in enriched bread and cereals. If you’re still worried that you won’t have enough folic acid in your diet, you can always take a supplement.
The Negatives of Drinking Grape Juice While Pregnant
As we’ve already discussed, the only negative thing about drinking grape juice while pregnant is that it doesn’t contain any alcohol. Drinking grape juice can help you get your daily recommended intake of Vitamin C and replace alcohol in your diet while pregnant. It also contains anthocyanins, which can help prevent cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Of course, there are some people who may not be able to drink grape juice while pregnant. If you have allergies or if you’re allergic to grapes, you should avoid drinking grape juice. Pregnant women with acid reflux may be more likely to have complications if they drink grape juice, so you should avoid it if you have this issue.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of drinking grape juice while pregnant, it’s time to decide if it’s right for you. In order to do that, you need to be honest with yourself about why you want to drink grape juice. If you’re craving a non-alcoholic drink and grape juice sounds good to you, then go for it! However, if you’re hoping that grape juice will provide you with folic acid and other vitamins, you may be better off eating a piece of fruit instead. While grape juice is great for pregnant women, it’s not the only drink out there that can replace alcohol while pregnant.