Some women might need an extra of about 300 calories per day to sustain their pregnancy. This post on the best energy drink during pregnancy will give you more information in this context. On the other hand, women who are obese or overweight do not need any extra calorie during the first trimester (1). The common sources for these calories include food and drinks. But giving readymade energy drinks to pregnant women is not ideally advised as it might have adverse effects on the baby. We bring you a list of healthy homemade recipes of energy drinks that will give expectant mothers the required energy boost.
12 Homemade Energy Drinks You Can Have During Pregnancy
These drinks are safe to consume because you are making them at home, and you know about the ingredients that are going into them. Also, they satiate your taste buds.
1. Water
We need 1–1.5ml of water for each calorie consumed. It means increased calorie intake during the second and third trimesters increases the need for water. Water(2):
Prevents dehydration and fatigue.
Helps ease up the symptoms of a headache and nausea.
Reduces the risk of urinary tract infection during pregnancy. Helps in the formation of amniotic fluid. Keeps the blood cells healthy.
2. Lemon water
Lemon-infused water keeps you hydrated and replenishes electrolyte in your body. It:
Is high in vitamin C content. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron better for the formation of RBCs.
Helps deal with morning sickness. It can be consumed with mint and ginger for better relief.
Controls blood pressure (3).
3. Coconut water
Coconut water is a natural isotonic drink. It:
Is rich in electrolytes, potassium, chloride, and magnesium (4).
Is an excellent source of calcium, dietary fiber, manganese, riboflavin, and vitamin C (4).
Prevents dehydration and restores the salts in the body.
Aids in lowering the blood pressure (5).
4. Buttermilk
The natural coolant is rich in calcium. In hot summer, this energy drink keeps you hydrated. It also:
Consists of probiotic bacteria that help maintain a healthy digestive system.
Helps in reducing gastric problems that arise during pregnancy.
5. Fresh pressed juices
Consume the fresh fruit juices immediately after preparing them. Wash the fruits before making the juice; pregnant women should ideally drink pasteurized juices (6).
Fresh fruit juices are rich in vitamin C, potassium, immune-boosting antioxidants, and essential micronutrients like folate (6).
They help in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in your body. Avoid packaged juices as they contain artificial flavors, added preservatives, and high sugar.
Fresh fruit juices like pomegranate help you avoid pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia (7).
Make a mixed fruit juice by blending seasonal fruits such as watermelon, musk melon, and sweet lime, so that you can reap the benefits of all those fruits. However, drink them without adding any sugar or salt. Also, remember that fruits are always a better choice than fruit juices.
6. Herbal tea
Kickstart your day with herbal tea, as it is free of caffeine. You can go for any of the following herbal teas: i. Rooibos tea (8) is rich in antioxidants. Preparation: Boil a teaspoon of rooibos leaves in a teapot. Steep it for three to five minutes, strain and enjoy the tea. ii. Mint tea reduces symptoms of morning sickness. Preparation: Put fresh mint leaves in boiling water. Steep the tea for two minutes and add mint and sweetener to taste. The tea is ready to drink. iii. Red raspberry leaves tea regulates contractions during labor (9). Preparation: Take one teaspoon of red raspberry leaves and add a cup of boiling water to it. Steep it for 10 to 15 minutes, strain and drink it.
7. Vegetable juices
Drink the juices fresh, immediately after making them and do not store them for later. Fresh vegetable juices help meet your daily nutrient intake during pregnancy.
They are rich in vital nutrients and give a good dose of fiber.
They are a good source of folic acid, which helps prevent neural tube defects in your baby.
Carrot juice is rich in beta-carotene that aids in developing your baby’s vision, building body cells and tissues, and immunity function.
Cruciferous vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and cabbage are rich in proteins and folic acid.
Just like fruits, vegetables eaten as solids are better than juices.
8. Dairy drinks
Milk or non-dairy milk alternatives are sources of vitamin B12, calcium, and protein, making it a must-have drink during pregnancy. You may drink fresh sweetened yogurt (lassi) or chilled skimmed milk, which help keep your body cool.
9. Chia-infused water
The drink is a great alternative to caffeinated drinks. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants. Preparation:
Soak some chia seeds in a jar of water and stir well.
Leave it for ten minutes till the seeds swell up.
Add fresh lime juice to taste.
10. Smoothies
Smoothies make fruits easy to consume, especially if you do not like fruits. Make them for breakfast or as a snack and top it up by blending in spinach or kale and add a few nuts or seeds.
Fruit smoothies are packed with calcium, protein, and fiber, which are essential to keep your body nourished during pregnancy.
You can make smoothies with fruits like bananas, chickoo, strawberries, and mangoes or you can opt for green smoothies infused with spinach.
11. Iced tea
Have it in limited quantities — one cup a day — as it contains caffeine. Preparation:
Place a teabag in the teapot. Add two cups of boiling water and steep it for three to five minutes. Remove the teabag and add a little amount of sugar to it to enjoy the drink.
You can also add a few sprigs of mint or a slice of lemon for the flavor. Moreover, it helps in curbing morning sickness during pregnancy.
12. Traditional drinks
There are a variety of traditional herbal drinks to choose from during your pregnancy. Jal-jeera (mint and cumin seeds) and aam panna (raw mango drink) work best for you in hot summer months.
These drinks have a unique taste and are easy to consume.
The natural coolants keep your body hydrated.
For preparing these drinks, use organic and fresh ingredients. Wash the fruits and vegetables properly before making juice or smoothie. Wash your hands and all the utensils before using them for making these drinks. There is no doubt that you take utmost care while preparing drinks at home.
Are Readymade Energy Drinks Safe during Pregnancy?
Readymade energy drinks contain common ingredients such as taurine, caffeine, guarana, ginseng, gingko biloba, B vitamins, sugar, L-carnitine, antioxidants, creatine, yerba mate, milk thistle, and glucuronolactone.
Energy drinks contain caffeine in a high amount that can lead to miscarriages and low birth weights (10). Caffeine can pass through the placenta and reach the baby, who cannot metabolize the complex compound. It interferes with the baby’s breathing patterns and heart rate.
For a pregnant woman with gestational diabetes, the excess sugar content found in energy drinks can pose problems. Also, it adds extra calories to your diet.
Similarly, branded energy drinks contain vitamins and could lead to overconsumption of vitamins.
Intake of ginseng could pose problems to the fetus.
References:
Growth retardation Increased heart rate Shaking and faster breathing Inability to sleep for longer periods after birth
