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.
2. Will drinking lemon juice cause miscarriage?
No, this is a myth. Lemon juice is absolutely safe for pregnant women and will not cause miscarriage. You can consume it throughout your pregnancy.
Answers by: Dt. Sandhya Gugnani
Consultant – Dietetics Paras Bliss, New Delhi
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
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.
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
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.
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:
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
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.
Some Tips You Should Follow
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.
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.
