what can you drink while you're pregnant?

Answer 1

You should limit the amount of caffeine you have each day. Caffeine affects the way your body absorbs iron, which is very important for your babys development. High levels of caffeine can result in a baby having a low birth weight, or even miscarriage.

Caffeine occurs naturally in a range of foods, such as coffee, tea and chocolate, and it's also added to some soft drinks and 'energy' drinks. It's important not to have more than 300mg of caffeine a day. 300mg is roughly equivalent to either: 3 mugs of instant coffee, 3 cups of brewed coffee or six cups of tea.

You should try to avoid alcoholic beverages as the alcohol is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream. The alcohol circulates in the blood until it is completely broken down by the liver. It may take more than an hour for the liver to break down the alcohol in one mixed drink, glass of wine or can of beer. If you are pregnant, the alcohol in your bloodstream passes through the placenta to the baby so that when you have a drink, the baby has one equal in strength. Because of the baby's size and its developing system, this "drink" of alcohol can be more harmful to the baby than to you.

A woman who drinks alcohol during pregnancy risks giving birth to an abnormal child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). A child born with FAS has a pattern of mental and physical defects.

Growth deficiency is one of the most common physical defects of FAS. Most infants with FAS weigh less and are shorter than normal infants. The head size is smaller than normal too. These youngsters never catch up to normal growth and will always be smaller than other children of the same age.

FAS babies may have malformed faces. They have narrow eyes, low nasal bridges, short upturned noses and thin upper lips. Many of these babies also have heart and joint abnormalities.

Mental retardation is the most serious mental defect associated with FAS. In Seattle, Washington where much of the research on FAS has taken place, FAS has been reported to be the third most frequently recognized disorder involving retardation. It seems that intellectual development is related to physical malformation - the most severely malformed children also have the greatest intellectual handicap. Many FAS children are poorly coordinated and have short attention spans and behavioral problems.

None of these defects corrects itself as the child grows older.

Try and drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day (48 to 64 fluid ounces) plus one 8-ounce cup for each hour of light activity. Juices can contribute to your fluid intake, but keep in mind that they can also provide a lot of extra calories. Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, colas, and teas don't count as part of your fluid intake because they're diuretics — they make you urinate more so you actually lose water.

Water plays many vital roles in a healthy pregnancy. Think of water as your body's transportation system — it carries nutrients through your blood to the baby. Water also helps prevent bladder infections, which are common during pregnancy. If you drink enough water, your urine will stay diluted, reducing your risk of infection.

Water can also stop constipation and help prevent hemorrhoids. Although it may seem counterintuitive, the more water you drink during pregnancy, the less water your body will retain. Also, drinking enough water prevents dehydration. This is especially important in the third trimester when dehydration can actually cause contractions that can trigger preterm labor.

If you just don't like the taste of water, try adding a wedge of lemon or lime, or a little juice for additional flavor. If you're not sure how much water you drink each day, fill a 64-ounce container and try to finish it by the end of the day.

The next time you see a water fountain, stop for a quick drink! Every little bit of water helps ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Answer 2

You can find out more about natural hemorrhoids cure here http://curehemorrhoid.info
Diarrhea can contribute to hemorrhoid formation because the bowel undergoes pressure strains due to the condition. Undue pressure on the veins that make up internal hemorrhoidal structures can worsen existing damage. Internal hemorrhoids are not visible, unless they proplapse (protrude) from the anus, either constantly or during a bowel movement. If this is the case, then you have a grade III or IV internal hemorrhoid. If the protrusion is on the anal verge or the area surrounding the anus, then its likely an external hemorrhoid. Reducing pressure from issues of diarrhea and constipation will help. Not straining during a bowel movement, not lifting heavy objects, not sitting for extended periods, all will help.

An external hemorrhoid is simply a vein located at the anal verge, the wall of which as weakened and protruded. Don't push on it, this will only increase pressure and worsen it. The body has to repair the vein wall and rebuild the integrity. This takes time, perhaps weeks, if all goes well. Use sitz baths and over-the-counter medications such as pads or creams to provide symptom relief in the interim. These won't solve the issue long term, but will give the tissue a better chance at self-healing.

Internal hemorrhoids are a different matter and require more intervention. Your best bet is to educate yourself about the condition, its causes and what options there are to treat it both short and long term. Don't ignore it though, hemorrhoids tend to become chronic in nature, lasting years or decades in some cases.

Answer 3

Nothing alcoholic, thats for sure!!!
I'd certainly not advise drinking whilst pregnant (although many of us have before we knew we were pregnant and everything turns out ok.)

You can have non alcoholic cocktails though, which I found made a change while I was out with friends and family. Give this one a go, it was really nice and a few of my mates ended up making them for themselves even though they're not pregnant!!

Mock Strawberry Daiquiri: (Makes 4)
350g of fresh strawberries
10 tablespoons of crushed ice cubes
50ml apple juice from concentrate (or a little more, to taste)
1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice

Pop it all in a blender and turn into a puree. Then serve!
You can also use 2 bananas in place of the strawberries.

Steer clear of alcohol though due to the higher risk of FAS.

Answer 4

nothing with alcohol, why take the chance??
limit sodas, and caffeine intake as well. Water, or flavored water, is your best bet.
some say a glass of wine now and then won't hurt anyone, but having a healthy baby depends on so many risk factors, so I wouldn't take any chances.
hang in there... this is only for a short period of time!!

Answer 5

there are different opinions on drinking alcohol in pregnancy. Some authorities suggest that light drinking( something like 1-2 units of wine a week) is fine. Other camps suggest that you exclude all alcohol altogether because there is no evidence that even mild drinking doesnt cause problems. Others say that occasional drinking is ok.

Personally i chose to exclude all alcohol altogether - i am not really a drinker anyway.

Answer 6

Not even a drop of alcohol...caffeine dehydrates, so if you have any be sure to counter is with twice as much water...be sure you're getting 8 cups of WATER a day - NOT clear liquids, but actual water...teas are great during pregnancy...nothing with artificial sweeteners! Artificial sweeteners have side effects on your growing baby.

Answer 7

anything that has alcohol in is is not advised, the recommended weekly allowance of alcohol is 2 units, but is it worth it? they also advise to avoid caffeine especially in early pregnancy, any thing else is fine, I'm pregnant at the moment with number 4 and have taken a liking to pomegranate juice!

Answer 8

Seconds the previous mention that aside from things like not drinking alcohol and caffeine
be VERY VERY careful with drinking herbal teas,
you should not use any aromatherapies and essential oils unless you have studied them. Some herbal remedies and oils which are very common can cause miscarriage.

Answer 9

U may be able to get away with a glass of wine every blue moon,but don't abuse it or your abusing your child w/alcoholic syndromes for the rest of it's life,after all ur making these choices for another human being,don't be selfish.Consult in a physician.

Answer 10

The most common causes of hemorrhoids are straining during bowel movements and obesity. Follow these essential hemorrhoid prevention tips and you may not even have to delve into any hemorrhoid treatments https://tr.im/6dcj6

If you’re straining during bowel movements, there is no doubt that you are suffering from constipation, and obesity only heightens your chance of experiencing these digestive issues. The best solution for hemorrhoids is to not have them at all!