Is lemon water good for pregnant women

Is lemon good for pregnancy? Benefits and risks

In moderation, lemon is good for pregnancy effects such as nausea. Lemon consumption has several benefits for pregnant women, but there are also some risks to be aware of.

During pregnancy, many women experience effects such as nausea. With concerns about the risks of taking medication, some women prefer to use herbal or natural remedies instead.

People commonly use lemon to help soothe nausea, but the citrus fruit may also have other benefits. Consuming too much fresh lemon may pose some risks, however.

This article explores the benefits and risks of consuming lemon during pregnancy.

Lemon has numerous qualities that make it good for pregnancy effects. The sections below discuss these in more detail.

Nausea

Many pregnant women turn to herbal remedies for controlling nausea, as concerns regarding the safety of medications is increasing.

Lemon essential oil is a popular herbal remedy for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and tends to be safe. People should not ingest essential oils, however. They should inhale them during aromatherapy.

Taking lemon or lemon juice orally can help. Some studies have shown that lemon is more effective than a placebo for relieving nausea and vomiting during pregnancy when a woman takes it orally.

There are some reports of side effects with lemon and other herbal medicines, such as ginger, black seed, prune, and mustard oil. However, there are no known complications from using lemon during pregnancy.

A study from 2014 reports that lemon inhalation therapy could help reduce nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. The researchers recruited 100 pregnant women, at 6–16 weeks gestation, with mild-to-moderate nausea with or without vomiting.

The women inhaled either lemon essential oil or a placebo. The researchers instructed the participants to inhale lemon oil at the onset of nausea. The investigators noted nausea, vomiting, and retch intensity in the 24 hours before inhalation and during the 4 days after aromatherapy.

They noted statistically significant differences in the effectiveness of lemon essential oil compared with a placebo on the second and fourth days following treatment. They conclude that lemon scent can be effective in controlling nausea and vomiting throughout pregnancy.

However, there are several limitations of this study. These include the possibility of the lemon scent being unpleasant for some women and the fact that the researchers could not control for the possible psychological effects that cause nausea during pregnancy.

Hydration

Doctors typically recommend that pregnant and breastfeeding women increase their daily intake by 300 calories during the second trimester. Doctors also recommend an extra 300 milliliters of fluid, or just over a cup, per day.

If a person likes the flavor of lemon drinks, it can provide motivation to drink more and stay hydrated.

Folate

Lemon contains folate. One average sized lemon is low in calories and contains around 6. 38 micrograms (mcg) of folate. During pregnancy, women require more folate because it is an essential nutrient for neural development in the growing fetus.

The Food and Nutrition Board recommend that pregnant women obtain 600 mcg of folate from food and supplements. Most women in the United States need to take this as a supplement during pregnancy.

Women should not rely solely on lemons for folate, since its content is not high enough, and most may not enjoy eating raw lemons. Some other sources of folate include:

spinach
breakfast cereals
avocado
wheat germ
white bread

Since January 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have required the manufacturers of enriched bread, flour, cereals, pasta, rice, and other grains to fortify their products with 140 mcg of folate.

Alongside other foods rich in folate, lemon can help pregnant women meet their daily folate requirements.

Although lemon consumption is generally safe during pregnancy, there are some risks linked with excessive consumption. The sections below outline these in more detail.

Tooth erosion

Those who consume a lot of citrus fruits are at risk of damaging their teeth. In addition, pregnancy can make women more prone to dental problems, such as periodontal disease and cavities.

In one case study, dentists reported severe erosion of the enamel in a 30-year-old woman. She reported drinking lemon juice and water several times per day, usually following meals.

Dentists suggest that the loss of dentin may occur as a result of chemical trauma from the high citric acid, alterations in the acidity of saliva, and excessive use of whitening agents.

Of the most popular citrus fruits, lemon and lime juice have more citric acid than grapefruit and orange juice. Although these juices provide plenty of healthful nutrients, pregnant women should consume them in moderation to protect their teeth.

Sugar content in lemonade

Some people may not enjoy fresh lemon juice and instead prefer lemonade. Lemonade contains sugar to improve its flavor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that people keep their intake of sugar to less than 10% of their total daily calories.

To promote a healthy pregnancy, doctors recommend a healthful diet and lifestyle. The United States Department of Agriculture have a website to help pregnant women learn how to make healthful food choices.

Heartburn

Some pregnant women may experience frequent heartburn. Doctors suggest several methods for reducing this effect during pregnancy. These may include:

eating smaller and more frequent meals
not lying down right after eating
avoiding foods that aggravate heartburn symptoms

Lemons contain high levels of citric acid, which may exacerbate heartburn symptoms in some pregnant women. Each person may notice that different foods can trigger heartburn. These foods may or may not contain higher levels of acid.

People should not automatically assume that highly acidic foods will worsen their symptoms. Instead, doctors recommend that people take note of which foods aggravate their symptoms and avoid them to prevent discomfort.

People can consume lemon in many different ways.

Although some people eat raw lemons or add them to drinks, others may mix freshly squeezed lemon juice with water and drink it warm. Some people drink fresh lemon juice. Lemonade also contains lemons but may also contain a high amount of sugar.

Some people have also used lemon essential oil for inhalation in aromatherapy.

Lemon consumption can help relieve nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and is generally a safe option. However, women planning to treat pregnancy effects with lemon should speak to their healthcare provider first.

People can consume lemon in the forms of tea, water and lemon mixtures, and fresh lemon juice. Not everyone enjoys the highly acidic taste of lemonade, so they may add sugar and calories to improve its taste.

It is important to consider which is the more healthful option to add to a pregnancy diet.

Although lemons are safe to consume during pregnancy, excessive consumption may come with some risks. For example, the high acidity can damage the teeth and aggravate heartburn. Pregnant women should therefore consume lemons in moderation.

Is It Safe To Drink Lemon Water During Pregnancy?

Add this refreshing beverage to your pregnancy diet in moderation to enjoy it safely.

Research-backed

MomJunction believes in providing reliable, research-backed information to you. As per our strong editorial policy requirements, we base our health articles on references (citations) taken from authority sites, international journals, and research studies. However, if you find any incongruencies, feel free to write to us.

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The refreshing aroma and the tangy taste of lemon can relieve morning sickness in pregnant women. However, many are curious to know about the safety of lemon water during pregnancy. Lemon water in moderation is considered safe during pregnancy. It provides health benefits such as better digestion, relief from constipation, and protection from infections. Moreover, one raw and peeled lemon contains about 17 calories and a good amount of minerals and vitamins such as calcium, niacin, folate, magnesium, vitamin C, B 6, and riboflavin. So, read on to know more about the benefits of lemon water, its possible side effects, and some delicious recipes.

Is It Safe To Drink Lemon Water During Pregnancy?

Lemon juice or water is mostly safe if taken in moderation during pregnancy. Prefer freshly squeezed lemon water over canned or bottled ones. Excess consumption of lemon can lead to fast detoxification.

Related: Detox During Pregnancy: Types, Risks And Safety Concerns

Benefits of Lemon Water During Pregnancy

1. Hydration

Lemon juice might help you stay hydrated during pregnancy to prevent conditions such as nausea, headaches, edema, cramps, and dizziness.

2. Morning sickness

Image: Shutterstock

According to a journal published by the American College of Nurse-Midwives, sucking on lemon may help to give relief from nausea and vomiting (1). Yet another randomized study finds that inhalation of lemon scent could reduce nausea and vomiting (2).

3. Blood pressure

One study conducted on a small group of pregnant women showed that lemon juice with its vitamin C content reduced pregnancy-induced hypertension (3). The vitamin C content in lemons might strengthen blood vessels and may play a role in reducing high blood pressure.

Related: Preeclampsia: Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

4. Digestion

It is quite normal to suffer from indigestion problems during pregnancy. Lemon water is an old remedy that may help indigestion.

5. Constipation

According to the Natural Pregnancy Cookbook by Sonali Ruder, consuming one glass of lemon juice every day helps prevent constipation.

6. Immunity

Lemon water is believed to help prevent common infections such as common cold, flu, and some kinds of fever. The vitamin C content in lemon might help improve your body’s natural defense mechanism and combat bacteria and viruses (4).

7. Bone health

The reference daily intake (RDI) of calcium and magnesium in pregnancy is 1,000 and 350 milligrams per day, respectively (5). Lemon water offers around 26mg of calcium and 8mg of magnesium per 100 grams (6). It might thereby improve you and your baby’s bone health and development.

8. Diuretic

Lemon water is known for its diuretic property(7). It may help maintain healthy kidney functions.

9. Reduces swollen feet

Image: iStock

Some believe that taking a spoonful of lemon juice with lukewarm water eases out the pain and may reduce edema.

10. Antioxidant

Lemons are believed to be natural cleansers as per the findings in the book, Super Drinks For Pregnancy by Fiona Wilcock. Lemon water could help eliminate the toxins from the body and may protect you from infections during pregnancy.

11. Might ease labor

People believe that drinking lemon juice with honey can help ease labor. However, there is no scientific evidence. You may try it in consultation with your doctor.

Quick tip

Avoid consuming store-bought lemonade or bottled lemon juice during pregnancy, as these drinks usually contain added sugars (13).

Related: 17 Best Positions During Labor To Ease The Pain

Possible Side Effects Of Lemon Water During Pregnancy

Though lemons are thought to offer some benefits during pregnancy, they are also known to cause side effects. Therefore, it is always better to check with your gynecologist before you plan to include it in your diet.

1. Heartburn or gastrointestinal discomfort

During later stages of pregnancy, most pregnant women are likely to suffer from heartburn or other gastrointestinal distresses. The high acidic content in the lemons (8) may aggravate or trigger these conditions. If you are suffering from the above, it is better to avoid consuming lemons until the symptoms subside.

2. Dental problems

Your bones and teeth are highly prone to de-calcification while you are pregnant. The citric acid content in lemons might act as a trigger, damaging the teeth enamel. This could also lead to dental problems (9). You should avoid consuming large amounts of lemon water regularly, and check with your dentist if you notice changes in your teeth color or texture.

3. Avoid ice-cold lemon juice

Drinking cold lemon water may cause cold and cough during pregnancy. It is ideal to have lemon water at room temperature or slightly warm lemon water, especially in the colder seasons.

Jamie Adams, a registered dietitian nutritionist and prenatal yoga teacher, says, “When consumed in moderation, lemon water is safe during pregnancy. However, side effects such as heartburn and weight loss may occur when consumed in excess as a lemon water detox and is not recommended to be used as a detox during pregnancy.”

Healthy Ways Of Making Lemon Water

You could prefer pasteurized lemon juice or fresh lemon to avoid harmful bacteria.

1. Lemon With Water:

Image: Shutterstock

Cut the lemon into two halves and use one-half of it to extract juice.
Add the juice to one glass of water.
You might add a natural sweetener like honey
Consume the lemon water immediately.

Note:

You may use the other half to make the lemon water more concentrated or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prepare another glass.

2. Lemon And Ginger Tea

Image: Shutterstock

Boil one glass of water.
Take one inch of ginger, peel and grate it.
Take two slices of lemon. Add both ginger and lemon in water.
Allow it to steep for ten minutes and then strain the tea.

Note:

You may also use one tsp of ginger tea leaves instead of ginger root.

You can also add lemon to your cooking. You can squeeze fresh lemon juice over lean proteins, salad, pasta, or over chicken or fish. It adds flavor and leaves you feeling refreshing and light.

Some Tips You Should Follow

Image: Shutterstock

The acidic nature of lemon may affect your teeth enamel. Therefore, after consuming lemon water, you should gargle and rinse your oral cavity to lessen the dental problems.

When you start taking lemon in your pregnancy diet, you should begin with small amounts to check if you are experiencing any heartburn or gastrointestinal discomforts.

Make sure you use fresh lemon and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

One full lemon will be too much for some women. Therefore, an active concentration of lemon water is not suggested.

It is better to add lemon juice to warm water rather than boiling water as its effects may not be significant in boiling water.

Quick tip

Buy bright yellow, spotless, and firm lemons that feel heavy for their size and have a pleasant scent.

Lemon water is unlikely to interact with the medications that you consume. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before making lemon water a part of your regular diet.

1. Is lemonade good for pregnancy?

Lemonade is a refreshing drink that might relieve morning sickness during pregnancy (10), and also provides you with good amounts of vitamin C. However, drinking an excess of sugary lemonade can cause extra weight gain. Fortunately, there are some artificial sweeteners approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for use in moderate levels during pregnancy. Lemonade that has artificial sweeteners like Stevia (Rebaudioside A), Equal or Nutrasweet (aspartame), Sunett (Acesulfame potassium) and Splenda (sucralose) can be taken without worrying. Pregnant women should not take aspartame if they have high blood levels of phenylalanine (11).

2. Can you drink lemon soda during pregnancy?

Lemon soda drinks often contain added caffeine and sweeteners, both not good when taken in excess amounts. Artificially sweetened drinks may also raise the risk of preterm labor. Also, your caffeine intake should be less than 200 milligrams per day (12). A typical soda may contain 35 to 55 milligrams of caffeine. Therefore you should be cautious when considering other sources of caffeine in your everyday diet (tea, coffee, chocolate, and other energy drinks).

3. Is lemon tea safe during pregnancy?

You may prefer drinking a small cup of homemade tea than bottled lemon tea as these drinks are high in sugars and might increase the risk of gestational diabetes.

4. Can you take lemon and cucumber water during pregnancy?

Lemon and cucumber water with a few sprigs of mint is a refreshing drink you might take during pregnancy. Lemons are natural cleansers and good for digestion, while cucumbers enhance hydration, and mint gives a fresh flavor. You could prepare the drink by blending a freshly sliced cucumber and adding water, lemon juice, and mint. You may enjoy this drink throughout the day.

5. Is med-lemon safe during pregnancy?

Med-lemon is a flavored medication that may combat colds and flu. It cannot be taken during pregnancy, especially in your first and third trimesters, except under the supervision of your gynecologist.

6. Can you use lemon oil during pregnancy?

Lemon oil might be used as an aroma-therapeutic oil during pregnancy as long as you use it in diluted and sparing amounts.

7. Is lemon good for acne during pregnancy?

The acidic nature of lemon could treat acne during pregnancy. You may apply some lemon juice on the acne-affected skin area, leave for five minutes, and then rinse off using water. An everyday application can remove dirt, which clogs acne and also softens the accumulated sebum.

Lemon water is a refreshing beverage that contains essential nutrients, such as vitamin C and antioxidants. Regular consumption of freshly made, low-sugar lemon water during pregnancy can keep you hydrated, fight morning sickness, and aid in healthy digestion, benefiting your and your baby’s health. But its excessive intake can cause gastrointestinal issues, such as heartburn and dental problems. Therefore, keeping its intake in moderation is advisable. You can drink plain lemon water or use it to make delectable drinks, such as lemon ginger tea.

References:

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Nausea And Vomiting During Pregnancy; American College of Nurse-Midwives; University of Rochester Medical Center (2006)
2. Parisa Yavari kia et al.; The Effect of Lemon Inhalation Aromatherapy on Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial; Iran Red Crescent Med J. (2014)
3. Uma Parvathi.; An Evaluative Study To Assess The Effectiveness Of Lemon Juice On Pregnancy Induced Hypertension Among Antenatal Mothers In Dommasandra Phc, Bangalore; International Journal of Advanced Research (IJAR) (2018)
4. Unim Hans and Byamukama Edward; Regular vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy reduces hospitalization: outcomes of a Ugandan rural cohort study; Pan Afr Med J. (2010)
5. Micronutrient Needs During Pregnancy and Lactation; Linus Pauling Institute | Oregon State University
6. Lemons, raw, without peel; 167746; Basic Report; USDA
7. Morton, J; Lemon – Citrus limon; Purdue University
8. Food Acidity; Kansas State University
9. Stefan Zimmer et al.; Influence of Various Acidic Beverages on Tooth Erosion. Evaluation by a New Method; PLoS One (2015)
10. Morning sickness; Department of Health; Government of Western Australia
11. Eliza Pope et al.; Sugar substitutes during pregnancy; Can Fam Physician. (2014)
12. Moderate Caffeine Consumption During Pregnancy; Moderate Caffeine Consumption During Pregnancy (2010)
13. Is lemonade a healthy fruit juice?; American Cancer Research Institute

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Lemon water during pregnancy phytoncides, vitamins (especially vitamin C, D, PP and others) and minerals.

The juice of one fruit covers a quarter of a person's daily requirement for vitamin C.

In addition, lemon is the leader in the amount of folic acid, which is especially valuable for women's health. And since many women don't get enough of this nutrient from their diet during pregnancy, lemon water helps make up for the deficiency. But this is not all of its useful properties.

Relieves Morning Sickness

According to some published data, almost 70 percent of women in the early stages of pregnancy suffer from morning sickness. Fortified water helps to cope with this unpleasant condition, thanks to the neutralizing substances contained in lemon juice.

"Neutralizing acids" in the digestive system act like bicarbonate and can soothe the stomach. The acid helps the body produce more saliva, which also reduces the feeling of nausea.

Therefore, if you feel unwell during pregnancy, feel sick in the morning, drink some water with lemon - this can make you feel better.

Photo: Getty Images

Pay attention

Before drinking a drink, a pregnant woman should check if she is allergic to this product. Lemon, like any citrus fruit, can cause an allergic reaction.

In addition, due to the high acid content, drinking water with lemon juice should be limited. The acid erodes tooth enamel, which can lead to cavities.

Helps with constipation

Maternal systems slow down in late pregnancy. The organs are shifting, and the baby takes up more and more space in the stomach, so a woman may experience constipation.

Medicines are available for this delicate problem, but not all women like to take them. And lemon water is a good natural alternative to supplements. It helps to normalize the digestive system. This is due to the high content of vitamin C.

Improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract

As the fetus grows, the rate of digestion of food may slow down in a pregnant woman, and there is a risk of indigestion. The acid in lemon water helps break down food better. The more thoroughly digestion occurs, the more nutrients the body receives, and therefore the baby.

Photo: Getty Images

Fights swelling

Many expectant mothers suffer from swelling during pregnancy. With swollen feet, it is difficult to pick up shoes, and when walking, heaviness and discomfort appear. Water with lemon juice also helps to get rid of excess fluid. The drink has a diuretic effect.

But in order to maintain the water-salt balance in the body and prevent dehydration, a pregnant woman should not forget to drink ordinary water in addition to lemon water.

Keeps hydrated

During pregnancy, women are advised to drink 9-10 glasses of water daily, or even more if the weather is hot or the woman is exercising. It is easier to observe the drinking regime by alternating plain water with a drink flavored with lemon juice.

Strengthens the immune system

During pregnancy, the immune system of women is under stress, the risk of colds increases. Strengthen immunity due to vitamin C will help water with lemon slices.

In addition, lemon provides the body with antioxidants that help cells regenerate, slow down the aging process, optimize metabolism and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Elena Lemmerman

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Sign up for a large amount minerals that improve the functioning of the digestive tract. Pregnant women can drink lemon water instead of juices and sodas because it reduces the amount of sugar the body consumes. If there are no contraindications or allergies, then it is recommended to use such water no more than 200 ml per day.

Composition, calories and vitamins

This citrus water contains folic, ascorbic and pantothenic acids. Of the trace elements in the composition, boron, iron, copper, molybdenum, zinc, fluorine and manganese are more valued, without which the body cannot function normally.

Chemical composition:

0172 9000 9000 Kcal per 100 g.

, useful properties

. a storehouse of vitamins, which is used in medicinal tinctures and decoctions.

And also if citruses are frozen, they will not lose their properties.

Benefits:

invigorates and relieves drowsiness and fatigue;
improves blood composition and circulation;
relieves toxicosis;
compensates for the lack of nutrients;
repairs damaged hair;
relieves swelling;
cleanses the body.

Harm and contraindications

Pregnant women with digestive tract problems should not drink acidic water in order not to irritate the mucous membranes. The use of these fruits in water can provoke an exacerbation of diseases of the pancreas, stomach ulcers and acute gastroenterocolitis. Citrus fruits are a strong allergen, and people with individual intolerance should not use them.

Allergy to water with lemon during pregnancy

Lemons are citrus fruits, and they can cause allergies in the expectant mother and child, so drinking this water is not recommended for women with allergies. It is better to consult a doctor for advice.

Lemon allergy symptoms:

skin rash;
nausea;
vomiting;
metallic taste;
lacrimation.

Effects of lemon water on pregnancy

On the one hand, a pregnant woman needs vitamins and minerals that are in the water, and if used correctly, they do not pose any danger. On the other hand, lemon can cause a number of diseases due to its high acid content.

Introduction to the diet and rules of use

In the 1st trimester, the diet of the expectant mother does not differ significantly from her menu before pregnancy, only tastes can change. And you can use such water, as before pregnancy, 200 ml per day.

In the 2nd trimester, it is very important to limit the intake of allergens (strawberries, citrus fruits, exotic fruits), and accordingly, you need to drink half the amount of the drink, that is, 150 ml per day.

In the 3rd trimester dietary recommendations are the most stringent. In order to avoid late toxicosis, the consumption of any liquid should not exceed 1 liter per day, therefore, the amount of such a drink should also be reduced to 100 ml per day

Is it possible to drink water with lemon on an empty stomach

You can drink this drink on an empty stomach if there are no contraindications described earlier Harm can bring only the reception in large quantities. It is recommended to drink water through a straw so as not to damage the tooth enamel with citric acid. And before drinking the drink on an empty stomach, you should consult with your doctor.

Opinion of Dr. Komarovsky

The famous pediatrician Komarovsky Evgeny Olegovich recommends drinking acidic water during pregnancy to improve immunity and in cases of severe toxicosis. Also, this citrus, in his opinion, is a source of vitamins and minerals for the unborn child.

Water with lemon for colds during pregnancy

This citrus contains ascorbic acid, and due to this, water based on this fruit is considered one of the most harmless remedies for pregnant women and helps fight colds.

Prescription for pregnant women

Lemon water. For cooking, you need 1 liter of boiled water and one medium lemon. Wash and cut into large slices and release into a container with a volume of 1.5-2 liters, and then pour boiling water. The drink should be infused for about an hour.
Water with lemon and honey. A liter of boiled and chilled water pour half a lemon, cut into slices, add 3 tbsp. l honey and let it brew for 2 hours.
Water with lemon and sugar. 2 liters of boiled water diluted with 5 tbsp. l sugar, wait until it cools down a bit, add citrus and let stand in a dark place for half an hour.