Not only to prevent dehydration, the benefits of coconut water for pregnant women are very diverse. In addition, coconut water is also known to be good for fetal health. If you want to know what are the other benefits of coconut water when consumed during pregnancy, see the answer in the following article.
Coconut water is known as an electrolyte replacement drink for people with stomach pains or severe dehydration. In addition, coconut water is also known to be efficacious for pregnant women and fetuses.
Various Benefits of Coconut Water for Pregnant Women
Coconut water contains various nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. In addition, coconut water also contains minerals, namely magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
Thanks to its nutritional content, coconut water is believed to be efficacious for the health of pregnant women. The following are the various benefits of coconut water for pregnant women:
1. Replace lost electrolytes
Nausea and vomiting, also known asmorning sickness This is a complaint experienced by almost every pregnant woman. This condition can make pregnant women excrete a lot of fluid in the body, thus triggering a lack of electrolytes.
Coconut water can be an option for pregnant women to replace lost electrolytes from the body. This is because coconut water contains electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium.
2. Meet the intake of body fluids
It is important for every pregnant woman to meet the intake of fluids in the body to avoid dehydration. Not only water, coconut water can also be consumed by pregnant women to meet the body's fluid needs.
With adequate body fluids, pregnant women will feel fresher and less tired.
3. Prevent urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections are common during pregnancy. This condition can occur due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and have an impact on urinary tract function. This makes pregnant women more susceptible to infection.
The benefits of coconut water for pregnant women are believed to be a natural diuretic that can help pregnant women excrete urine more easily and prevent UTIs.
4. Lowering blood pressure
Coconut water is also believed to lower and control blood sugar. This is because coconut water contains potassium which is proven to lower and control blood pressure to keep it normal.
However, coconut water is not recommended to be used as a substitute for the treatment of hypertension or preeclampsia in pregnant women. If pregnant women are at risk of developing preeclampsia during pregnancy, immediately consult a doctor.
5. Supports fetal growth
Coconut water contains calcium which is important for the development of fetal bones and teeth. However, the calcium content in coconut water cannot be used as the main nutrient for fetal growth and development.
Therefore, it is important for every pregnant woman to eat nutrient-dense foods obtained from vegetables and fruits.
Safe Tips for Consuming Coconut Water for Pregnant Women
Coconut water has many benefits, both for pregnant women and the fetus in the womb. However, there are several things that pregnant women need to pay attention to before consuming coconut water so that it is still beneficial for health.
The following are some safe tips for consuming coconut water for pregnant women:
- Avoid drinking too much coconut water or using coconut water as a substitute for water.
- Avoid adding flavorings or added sugar to coconut water.
- Avoid consuming bottled coconut water and you should drink pure coconut water picked from the tree.
- Avoid forcing yourself to drink coconut water if you don't like the taste or it makes you uncomfortable.
The benefits of coconut water for pregnant women can be obtained when consumed regularly but not excessively. However, if pregnant women experience complaints after consuming coconut water, such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea, consult a doctor for an examination and treatment.