Doctors never stop offering valuable health advice to expectant mothers — from the first months of pregnancy and all the way through to delivery. They constantly emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet and drinking plenty of fluids.
Some of these fluids, whether in the form of fresh juices or herbal infusions like tea, can be especially beneficial for both the mother and the developing baby — provided they’re consumed wisely and within safe limits. Among these drinks is ginger tea, which can be a helpful remedy when used correctly.
To better understand which fluids are most beneficial for pregnant women — and how to consume them safely — Nadormagazine spoke exclusively with Dr. Zekra Abu Al-Saeed, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She highlighted five daily healthy drinks every expectant mother should make part of her routine: water, milk, ginger tea, mint tea, and orange juice.
1. The Benefits of Water During Pregnancy
Think of drinking water during pregnancy as watering a plant — it’s vital for every cell and organ in your body. Water keeps you hydrated, helps your system function properly, and prevents the complications of dehydration — which, in pregnancy, can be as harmful as drought to plants.
Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. In the last trimester, your intake should be between 2.4 to 3.6 liters daily (about 10–15 cups). Earlier in pregnancy, a range of 1.9 to 2.8 liters is sufficient.
Water helps keep your body hydrated and reduces symptoms of morning sickness, constipation, and indigestion. It also boosts energy levels and lowers the risk of urinary tract infections — a common issue during pregnancy that can lead to preterm labor if left untreated.
2. The Benefits of Milk for Pregnant Women
Always opt for pasteurized milk and yogurt, as they are rich sources of calcium — a key mineral for the health of both mother and baby. Adequate calcium helps your baby develop strong bones and teeth and prevents developmental delays in growth and movement.
Pasteurized milk is the safest choice during pregnancy because it’s free from harmful bacteria that could affect you or your baby. If you prefer natural (unpasteurized) milk, always boil it thoroughly before drinking to eliminate bacteria.
You can drink milk warm or cold to prevent stomach irritation. For breakfast, mix milk with oats, cornflakes, or barley. In the evening, enjoy a cup of low-fat milk as a light and healthy option.
3. The Benefits of Ginger Tea for Pregnant Women
Fresh ginger tea is often recommended to relieve nausea and vomiting, especially in early pregnancy. However, it must be consumed in moderation, as excessive intake can increase the risk of miscarriage — since ginger acts as a natural blood thinner.
For women with a history of miscarriage, ginger tea should be completely avoided at all stages of pregnancy.
When used safely, ginger tea helps relieve bloating and gas, boosts immunity, improves blood circulation (enhancing blood flow to the baby through the placenta), eases muscle cramps, and supports digestive enzyme activity in the stomach and pancreas.
4. The Benefits of Mint Leaf Infusion for Pregnant Women
Drinking a warm mint leaf infusion in moderation offers many benefits. Mint leaves contain rosmarinic acid, a powerful antioxidant that helps fight colds, clear nasal congestion, and relieve respiratory discomfort — all without resorting to medication.
Mint tea also helps eliminate gas, improves digestion, relieves irritable bowel symptoms, reduces stress, and promotes emotional balance during pregnancy thanks to its menthol content.
Additionally, mint tea can be used as a mouth rinse to treat gum inflammation, which commonly affects pregnant women due to hormonal changes.
5. The Benefits of Orange Juice During Pregnancy
Drink fresh, unsweetened orange juice daily — it’s rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, thiamine, folic acid, potassium, magnesium, and copper. It also provides natural sugars, fiber, and water, keeping your body hydrated and your digestion healthy.
Whether eaten as fruit or consumed as juice, oranges are a powerhouse of calcium, supporting the bone and dental health of both mother and baby.
Thanks to its high potassium content, orange juice helps maintain heart health, improves sleep quality, and can help lower high blood pressure, which may otherwise lead to preeclampsia.
Its rich supply of natural folic acid helps prevent miscarriage and neural tube defects in the baby, making orange juice one of the most important and beneficial drinks for expectant mothers.
In Summary
Hydration and nutrition go hand in hand during pregnancy. By incorporating these five healthy drinks — water, milk, ginger tea (in moderation), mint infusion, and orange juice — expectant mothers can support their own well-being and ensure the healthy development of their babies.
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