What Can You Drink Instead of Coffee When Pregnant?
Pregnancy often brings with it a need to find alternative options for everyday pleasures and habits, especially when it comes to the drinks we are used to. Caffeine is the main ingredient in coffee that can pose a health risk to an unborn baby, and so avoiding it is wise for pregnant women. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some drink choices that will keep you feeling happy and healthy for the duration of your pregnancy.
Herbal Teas
Herbal teas are a great choice to go for if you’re looking for something warm and comforting instead of coffee. Herbal teas are made without any caffeine, so they’re a great mellow option that can help the mind and body to relax. The calming sensation makes them a great pick-me-up when tiredness or stress strikes. Herbal tea infusions also offer more nutritional benefits than coffee as well, such as providing you with an increased intake of vitamins and minerals. Research by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health has identified lavender, lemon balm and chamomile as some of the best and safest herbal teas for expectant mothers.
Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is a childhood favourite, but it’s a great treat for adults as well. Look out for the sugar-free or low-sugar varieties so that you can get in a healthful treat without too much of the added sugars. The mixture of natural flavorings and cocoa can take the edge off of a long day and give you a quick boost. Hot chocolate is a great way to get a sweet, warm and creamy drink without the caffeine of coffee.
Fruit Juice
Fruit juices are a great way to fill your body with the antioxidants and vitamins it needs for the journey of pregnancy. As with the hot chocolate though, it’s wise to avoid juices with too much added sugar, so choosing the fresh-squeezed varieties and diluting them with water is the way to go. Pomegranate juice is a great option as it is full of vitamins, including vitamin A and vitamin C, as well as being a good source of calcium and potassium.
Fruit Smoothie
Fruit smoothies are a great way to get a lot of vitamins and minerals into your body while keeping you cool in the hotter months of pregnancy. Look out for the fruit-based smoothies without added sugar or those labeled as 100% fruit juice, as this way you’re getting all the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals without any of the synthetic sweeteners. You can even make your own smoothies at home easily with a blender and your favorite fruits.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is a great way to hydrate and stay feeling healthier during pregnancy. It’s a great source of hydration and electrolytes, making it a great way to rehydrate when feeling low. Moreover, it’s a great source of vitamin C, potassium and calcium. So, if you’re looking for a healthy and hydrating drink for pregnancy that’s free of caffeine and added sugar, coconut water is a great option.
Sparkling Water or Seltzer Water
Sparkling water or seltzer water are sparkling-water varieties with added carbonation, making them an ideal choice for a refreshing beverage. Seltzer water usually contains added flavorings such as raspberry or lime, making it a more interesting alternative to plain water. Both seltzer and sparkling water are calorie-free and contain no added sugar. This makes them great for hydrating and for keeping your energy levels up throughout the day.
Green Tea
Green tea is a great alternative for those who like the taste of coffee but don’t want the caffeine it contains. It’s full of antioxidants and is great for helping to detoxify the body. Research has revealed that the antioxidants in green tea have a range of benefits, including improving cholesterol and reducing the risk of cancer. The moderate caffeine content in green tea makes it a better choice than coffee, as long as it’s consumed in moderation.
Kombucha Tea
Kombucha tea is a fermented tea drink and is a great choice for pregnant women. It’s full of probiotics, which can help to keep the body healthy and in balance. Kombucha tea is known for being soothing and helpful in digestive health. It can also help to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system, something that many pregnant women require, due to the need to stay healthy for their unborn baby.
Chai Tea
Chai tea is an Indian tea usually made with a combination of spices such as ginger, cardamom, cloves, aniseed and cinnamon. The drink offers a warming and spicy flavor that can help to take the edge off of an evening. Chai tea is usually made with black tea, and so contains a moderate amount of caffeine, which can mean a safe way to enjoy a cuppa and not have to forgo the flavors you love.
Yerba Mate
Yerba mate is a traditional South American tea made with the yerba mate plant. It’s full of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids that are great for helping to keep the body healthy. It is low in caffeine, making it a great choice for pregnant women who want to enjoy a hot tea without the worry of overconsuming caffeine.
Tumeric Latte
Tumeric Latte is a latte made with tumeric root and often has ginger and cinnamon added. Tumeric is known for its anti-inflammatory abilities, and this makes it a great drink for pregnant women. It’s also naturally caffeine-free and tastes great. Tumeric latte is also great for helping to keep bones healthy, calming the body and relieving nausea.
Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea is a traditional African tea made from the rooibos plant. It has a sweet and delicate flavor, making it a great option for those not wanting a hot tea full of caffeine. Rooibos tea has very few calories and no caffeine, making it a healthy and safe option. Furthermore, it can help to reduce inflammation, boost metabolism, and improve digestion, all great things to look out for when pregnant.
