Vinegar in Pregnancy – Benefits and Side Effects

Apple cider vinegar is the most common type of vinegar, also named ‘the new miracle water.’ The result it brings and its wide range of benefits have left people in awe. Hence, these days, it has become one of the most popular drinks among the wellness enthusiasts. Though it is a hot wellness trend, it is important moms-to-be to discuss with their doctors whether the benefits of consuming vinegar outweigh the risk of illness after consuming it.

Is It Safe to Consume Vinegar During Pregnancy?

Consumption of vinegar does not count as an unsafe food option as per the list of foods to avoid during pregnancy. Many claims have been made by people in the healthcare profession that apple cider vinegar can be used to cure a wide variety of ailments. However, they are also of the opinion that pregnant ladies should only consume a pasteurized form of vinegar and avoid unpasteurized or unfiltered apple cider vinegar.

Benefits of Having Vinegar While Pregnant

With approval from the doctor, drinking apple cider vinegar while pregnant gives loads of benefits. The most noticeable ones are mentioned below:

1. Helps Cure Morning Sickness

The acetic acid of vinegar can regulate the acid flux and banish vomiting and nausea every morning. If expectant mothers feel heartburn during the twelfth week, it can cure the acidity caused by the growing baby inside the womb.

2. Aids Digestion and Cures Stomach Issues

Apple cider vinegar has antibiotic properties which fight harmful bacteria. It promotes good bacteria and promotes the body’s metabolism and aids digestion. It soothes the stomach when it feels uneasy during pregnancy.

3. Lowers Cholesterol and Blood Pressure

Low birth weight and miscarriage are two nightmares for pregnant ladies. Apple cider vinegar can lower both the issues and can also reduce craving for food.

4. Manages Weight

By lessening the sugar cravings, apple cider vinegar can control the weight or promote weight loss for mothers to be. It lowers water retention which helps in avoiding bloating during pregnancy.

5. A Natural Deodorizer

Apple cider vinegar can banish away the bad odour. It can kill yeast and bacteria making the body smell fresh even during pregnancy.

6. Get Rid of Acne and Warts

Pregnancy is the time when women experience acne formation. An increase of androgen hormones makes the skin produce more oil. It clogs the pores which then turn into inflammations and acne breakouts. ACV helps get rid of this.

7. Kills Harmful Yeast and UTI Infections

Cloudy urine during pregnancy can be an underlying symptom of UTI. Some women take apple cider vinegar as part of their bath time to avoid yeast and infection growing there.

When to Limit Vinegar Consumption During Pregnancy

Even though all pregnancies are unique, it is common to experience heartburn during the second and third trimester. As you already know, vinegar is high in acidic content; it can make the condition worse. Expectant mothers should immediately stop or limit the intake of vinegar if the heartburn triggers or increases.

Side Effects of Eating Vinegar When Pregnant

Vinegar does have lots of positive effects on the human supported by scientific studies, but it is not bereft of drawbacks. Taking too much of vinegar can be harmful, and excess of it can be dangerous too.

• Apple cider vinegar can lead to unpleasant digestive symptoms in some people.
• Large doses of vinegar taken for a long period of time may cause low potassium levels and bone loss.
• Acidic beverages and foods sometimes damage the tooth enamel.
• It may also cause burns when applied to the skin due to its strong acidic nature.

How Should Pregnant Women Have Vinegar?

An obvious question that can ring in one’s mind is what happens if you drink vinegar while pregnant. Vinegar is perfectly safe in limited amounts. A splash of vinegar on a recipe, salad or sandwich are just safe ways to consume vinegar.

Types of Vinegar You Can Try

It is safe to consume pasteurized or diluted vinegar. Raw vinegar, on the other hand, is not recommended due to its potency and potential harmful bacterial content which can affect the child in the womb if the expectant mother has a weak immune system. The different types of vinegar are given below:

1. Balsamic Vinegar

This type of vinegar can range in prices depending upon how long it has aged and how pure it is. The really expensive one is ideal to drizzle over cheese and greens, for garnishing or to give a finishing touch to any recipe.

2. Wine Vinegar

The everyday vinegar is the red and white wine vinegar. It is used in salad dressing or marinades.

3. Rice Vinegar

It is the mildest of all with less acidity than other kinds of vinegar. It is made from fermented rice wine and is used in Asian and Chinese cooking.

Alternatives to Vinegar That You Can Try

There are some alternatives or substitutes for vinegar if a recipe calls for one kind of it. The most versatile vinegar made from fermented apple cider with a mild and subtle hint of apple flavour is cider vinegar which is a good substitute for any other. One teaspoon of white vinegar can be substituted by 1 teaspoon lime juice or 2 teaspoons of white wine. Instead of using herb vinegar consider using the herb that flavours the vinegar in the recipe. Strawberry vinegar is closer in taste and flavour to cider vinegar and hence a substitute. Substitute for one tablespoon Balsamic vinegar is 1tablespoon cider vinegar plus ½ tsp sugar.

A woman’s health goes through hormonal imbalance and weak immune system during pregnancy, so extra care and precaution needs to be exercised. As vinegar is ubiquitous in the kitchen, it is frequently used in cooking and baking, making salad dressings and marinades. One can feel free to use this popular tonic.

Also Read:

Is It Safe to Use Baking Soda during Pregnancy
Benefits of Almond Oil during Pregnancy
Olive Oil in Pregnancy and Its Benefits