15 Best Juices for Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is one of the most joyful moments in a woman’s life, and this is the phase where it is significant that she takes care of her health to keep the baby nourished. It is important to be mentally and physically fit, and you should know what sort of food items should be consumed to avoid any complications. Drinking healthy juices can be a great addition to your pregnancy diet, but they should be pasteurised or freshly made at home using thoroughly cleaned fruits and vegetables under running water (1). We’ve listed some of the best juices for pregnancy. Before we get to it, let us find out why drinking juices in pregnancy is important.

Why Should You Drink Juices During Pregnancy?

If we talk about one of the best energy sources to include in a daily routine during pregnancy, it has to be fresh juices. Drinking juice while pregnant is recommended because it provides essential nutrients that support both the mother and the baby. These juices also help improve hydration, boost overall health, and add a natural glow and shine to the skin.

Healthy Juices for Pregnancy

Staying healthy during pregnancy doesn’t have to be complicated, and that’s why juices good for pregnancy can be a great addition to your day. Below are some nourishing juice options to try.

1. Strawberry Juice

This is one of the best fruit juices recommended to women who are pregnant.

Benefits:

Strawberries are packed with antioxidants that help build immunity in the body and protect from cell damage (2). It is beneficial for maintaining the natural glow of the skin. Other than this, it also has folates, which are helpful in developing the baby’s immune system.

How to Make:

Rinse the strawberries under cold water and chop them well. Blend all the chopped berries till you get a smooth puree. You can add ice cubes to this and enjoy.

2. Beetroot Juice

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This is a great juice to drink during pregnancy, as it is full of nitric oxide and is the best solution for mommies-to-be who are experiencing any sort of fatigue or weakness.

Benefits:

Beetroot is a powerhouse of vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, calcium, silica, flavonoids, polyphenols, and several antioxidants. It also possesses anti-tumour, cognitive improvement, and blood pressure regulation properties (3). It boosts immunity, lowers the risk of osteoporosis, maintains blood sugar levels and prevents inflammation, pain and swelling in the joints during pregnancy (4). The folic acid in this wonderful vegetable promotes the growth of healthy tissues and foetal development and prevents birth defects.

How to Make:

Chop the beetroot into pieces and add them to the blender. Once it is blended, strain the juice, add some ice, salt, and lemon as per taste, and serve instantly. This is one of the easiest juice recipes of all.

3. Pomegranate Citrus Juice

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This all-around juice should definitely be an addition to your pregnancy diet, due to the benefits it provides.

Benefits:

Pomegranate is a wonderful fruit packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, polyphenols, antioxidants, fibre, and minerals, but low in calories. The juice of this fruit, however, is low in fibre and vitamin C. It helps keep inflammation at bay and supports urinary health. Citrus fruit like oranges is loaded with folates and vitamin C. All the more reasons to include this juice in your diet (5).

How to Make:

Remove the pomegranate pearls and put them in a blender. Blend until crushed and strain into a glass. For the orange juice, use a hand-held juicer to squeeze the juice fresh. Mix both the juices in a pitcher and consume fresh. Enjoy with or without ice cubes.

4. Guava Juice

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A good source of Vitamin C, guava juice is a great add-on during pregnancy.

Benefits:

It helps in keeping blood pressure and blood sugar under control. It is also helpful in anaemia reduction, while increasing the levels of haemoglobin is another perk. This juice is rich in ascorbic acid or Vitamin C and helps in enhancing the immune system of a mother.

How to Make:

Boil the guava in water and let it cool. Make sure to blend the guavas well. You can add ginger or lemon juice to improve the taste. Serve it with ice cubes.

5. Carrot Juice

Known to have one of the best nutritional values of all vegetables, carrot juice offers several health benefits during pregnancy.

Benefits:

Carrots are rich in calcium and help in the development of the bones and teeth of the baby. It is a good source of Vitamin A and fibre, which act as an antioxidant and protect the mother from free radicals. It is well known for boosting cardiovascular health by increasing total antioxidant status (6). Phytochemicals present in this vegetable help promote appropriate body functions.

How to Make:

Clean the carrots properly, cut them into small pieces, and add them to the juicer. Once the carrots are blended well, empty the juice into a jug and serve it.

6. Orange Juice

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This refreshing juice is loaded with Vitamin C and folates, which are important for strengthening the immune system.

Benefits:

According to the ACOG, women should consume about 85 mg of vitamin C a day, and orange juice is an ideal vitamin C-packed juice women can consume (7). The orange juice helps in reducing the risk of any infant allergic diseases. It helps in the formation of new tissues and red blood cells. Vitamin C supplementation also plays a role in the development of the placenta and reduces the risk of placental abruption in pregnant women (8).

How to Make:

Use a hand-held juicer to squeeze the juice fresh and consume it immediately.

7. Apple Juice

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Apples are full of nutrients and minerals. Apple juice is one of the best juices recommended during pregnancy by doctors.

Benefits:

Apples are nutrient-rich in phytochemicals, including polyphenols, vitamin C, dietary fibers, and pectin (9). Apple juice can keep pregnancy weight gain at bay and also aid in the development of your baby’s brain. It is also known to increase immunity and prevent sleep disorders. A good source of iron, apples can prevent anaemia during pregnancy.

How to Make:

Take two or three apples, peel off the skin, and cut them into pieces. Now, blend them nicely and drink the juice.

8. Lemon Juice

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This is a great source of vitamin C and contains powerful antioxidants.

Benefits:

It is the best option for managing high blood pressure during pregnancy. It also controls bowel movement during pregnancy

How to Make:

This is one of the easiest pregnancy juice recipes. Just take two lemons, squeeze them into a glass, and add salt or sugar as per your liking. Your lemon juice is ready.

9. Mango Juice

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A delicious seasonal juice packed with pregnancy-friendly nutrients.

Benefits:

Mangoes are loaded with vitamins A and C, which support immunity, skin health, and fetal growth. They also provide natural energy and hydration (10).

How to Make:

Peel and chop fresh mangoes. Blend until creamy and smooth. Add a splash of milk if needed and serve chilled.

10. Grapefruit Juice

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This tangy and refreshing juice is a great pick-me-up during pregnancy.

Benefits:

Grapefruits are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that support immunity and help combat fatigue. They also aid digestion and hydration, making them ideal for morning sickness relief (11).

How to Make:

Cut the grapefruit in half and extract the juice using a juicer or by squeezing manually. Strain to remove pulp if preferred and serve chilled.

11. Pineapple Juice

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A sweet and tropical juice enjoyed by many pregnant women.

Benefits:

Pineapples contain vitamin C, manganese, and digestive enzymes that help ease bloating and support immunity. They’re refreshing and great for hydration (12).

How to Make:

Peel and chop the pineapple. Blend until smooth, strain if needed, and enjoy over ice.

12. Cucumber Mint Juice

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A cooling, hydrating juice especially useful in hot weather.

Benefits:

Cucumbers help reduce swelling and keep you hydrated (13). Mint supports digestion and provides relief from nausea or indigestion during pregnancy.

How to Make:

Peel and chop cucumber. Blend with a handful of mint leaves and some water. Strain and serve cold.

13. Sweet Lime (Mosambi) Juice

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A gentle, refreshing juice ideal for sensitive stomachs.

Benefits:

Sweet lime helps improve digestion, reduce nausea, and maintain electrolyte balance. It’s light, hydrating, and especially helpful during morning sickness.

How to Make:

Cut sweet lime in half and extract the juice. Strain to remove pulp and serve cold.

14. Cranberry Juice

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A tangy, refreshing juice that offers important urinary health benefits during pregnancy.

Benefits:

Cranberries are known for supporting urinary tract health and helping prevent UTIs, which are common during pregnancy. They’re also rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, boosting immunity and overall wellness (14).

How to Make:

Rinse the cranberries and boil them in water until they soften. Blend the mixture, strain it to remove pulp, and add a little water to adjust consistency. Serve chilled for a refreshing drink.

15. Blueberry Juice

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A nutrient-packed option bursting with flavour.

Benefits:

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, fibre, and vitamin K, which support heart health, digestion, and immunity during pregnancy. They also help fight inflammation (15).

How to Make:

Rinse the blueberries well. Blend until smooth, then strain if preferred. Pour over ice and enjoy fresh.

Juice to Avoid During Pregnancy

Some juices may seem healthy but can pose risks during pregnancy due to bacteria, high sugar, or certain enzymes. Here are a few juices you should avoid to keep you and your baby safe.

1. Unripe or Semi-ripe Papaya Juice

According to a 2002 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, moderate consumption of ripe papaya during pregnancy may not pose any danger during pregnancy. However, unripe or semi-ripe papaya could pose a risk in pregnancy as it is highly concentrated with the latex, which could provide uterine contractions (16).

2. Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera juice is not recommended during pregnancy because it can trigger uterine contractions and cause abdominal cramps. It may also affect blood sugar levels, which can be harmful during pregnancy, so it’s best to avoid consuming it in juice form (17).

3. Unpasteurised Fruit Juices

Unpasteurised juices should be avoided during pregnancy because they may contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli or Salmonella, which can lead to serious illness. Since these juices are not heat-treated, they pose a higher risk of foodborne infections, making them unsafe for expecting mothers.

Things to Keep in Mind While Drinking Juice During Pregnancy

Juices can be a healthy part of your pregnancy diet when chosen and prepared correctly. Keeping these simple tips in mind will help you enjoy them safely and get the most nutritional benefit (18) (19).

• Choose Freshly Made or Pasteurised Juices: Fresh or pasteurised juices reduce the risk of harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses during pregnancy.
• Avoid Adding Extra Sugar: Too much sugar can lead to unnecessary weight gain and spike blood sugar levels, so keep your juice naturally sweet.
• Wash Fruits Thoroughly Before Juicing: Rinsing fruits properly helps remove dirt, chemicals, and bacteria that could otherwise contaminate your drink.
• Prefer Whole Fruits for More Fibre: Whole fruits offer essential fibre that juices lack, helping with digestion and preventing constipation.
• Avoid Unpasteurised or Street-Sold Juices: These juices may not meet hygiene standards and can carry bacteria unsafe for pregnancy.
• Don’t Mix Too Many Ingredients at Once: Overmixing can cause digestive discomfort; keeping it simple helps your body digest it easily.
• Listen to Your Body and Stop if You Feel Uncomfortable: If a juice causes nausea, acidity, or bloating, it’s best to avoid it.
• Store Fresh Juice Only for a Short Time: Fresh juice can quickly develop bacteria, so drink it immediately or refrigerate for only a short period.

FAQs

1. Can I drink juice every day while pregnant?

Yes, you can drink juice daily, but in moderation. Limit intake to one small glass per day since juices are concentrated in natural sugars and lack the fibre found in whole fruits.

2. Can I mix fruits with vegetable juice for pregnancy?

Yes, you can mix fruits with vegetable juice for pregnancy for better taste and added nutrition. Common combinations include carrot-apple and beetroot-orange, but keep the mix simple to avoid digestive discomfort.

3. Which juice is good for pregnancy?

There isn’t just one best fruit juice for pregnancy, but options like orange, carrot, pomegranate, and apple juice are excellent because they provide vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration. Choosing freshly made or pasteurised juices is always the safest option.

Drinking one glass of juice daily during pregnancy can help you stack up on those much-needed minerals and vitamins and keep you hydrated, at the same time. Remember not to go on a juice fast while you are pregnant. Healthy juices should be part of a healthy pregnancy diet for maximum benefits to you and your baby.

Also Read:

Aloe Vera Juice in Pregnancy
Healthy Drinks during Pregnancy
Drinking Sugarcane Juice in Pregnancy
Is Mosambi (Sweet Lime) Juice Safe in Pregnancy?
Is it Harmful to Consume Soft Drinks when Pregnant

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Sources References

1. FDA – Fruits, Veggies and Juices (Food Safety for Moms-to-Be)

2. Cleveland Clinic – All the Reasons You Should Eat Strawberries

3. PubMed Central – Beetroot as a functional food with huge health benefits: Antioxidant, antitumor, physical function, and chronic metabolomics activity

4. British Heart Foundation – Can beetroot juice lower blood pressure?

5. University of Florida – Pomegranate Health Benefits

6. PubMed Central – Drinking carrot juice increases total antioxidant status and decreases lipid peroxidation in adults

7. ACOG – Nutrition During Pregnancy

8. WHO – Vitamin C supplementation in pregnancy

9. PubMed Central – Health Benefits of Apple Juice Consumption: A Review of Interventional Trials on Humans

10. Cleveland Clinic – Mango-licious: The Top 6 Health Benefits of Mangoes

11. Johns Hopkins Medicine – Grapefruit Benefits

12. Cleveland Clinic – The Many Health Benefits of Pineapple

13. Cleveland Clinic – 6 Health Benefits of Cucumbers

14. Cleveland Clinic – Are Cranberries Healthy? 6 Surprising Benefits

15. St. Vincent’s Medical Center – 6 Reasons to Eat More Blueberries

16. PubMed – Papaya (Carica papaya) consumption is unsafe in pregnancy: fact or fable? Scientific evaluation of a common belief in some parts of Asia using a rat model

17. NCCIH – Aloe Vera

18. U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Fruits, Veggies and Juices (Food Safety for Moms-to-Be)

19. NHS – Have a healthy diet in pregnancy