Can You Drink Hot Drinks While Pregnant?

The list of foods to avoid whilst pregnant is endless but what about drinks? Does it make a difference if the drinks are hot or cold? Does the temperature actually matter? Whether you are desperate for your nightly hot chocolate or read about the benefits of ginger tea, can you drink hot drinks while pregnant?

So Can You Drink Hot Drinks While Pregnant?

Taking hot drinks during pregnancy is perfectly fine.

The temperature of your drink had no bearing on your pregnancy. In fact, many hot drinks during pregnancy are beneficial. Drinking hot water not only hydrates your body but has many health benefits including infection rates are reduced increased circulation, and also help maintain steady blood pressure. Other hot drinks that benefit pregnancy are herbal teas or hot milk.

Pregnancy and Hydration

We have heard the story as if it were a broken record right? Hydration is key when pregnant. I must say I am totally guilty for preaching this speel, but I only do it to instill how important it is to keep on top of your water intake. But I have never looked at whether the temperature of drinks matter in pregnancy. In fact the question: ‘can you drink hot drinks while pregnant?’ I think it deserves an answer, so if you are feeling a little bedazzled as I, read further to find out the answer and whether hot drinks during pregnancy are a good idea or not.

Are Hot Drinks Safe For Pregnancy?

In short, yes. In fact many hot drinks provide excellent benefits. So is it okay to drink hot drinks while pregnant?

You bet! If you can stomach it, drinking hot water can boost your immunity, helping to fight off viruses and infections, especially those pesky urinary tract infections.

Whilst pregnant your defences are low, with a suppressed immune system you are more likely to pick anything up. So the question isn’t can you drink hot drinks while pregnant? It’s, why are you not drinking them!

What Is So Good About Hot Water?

As we mentioned, hot water has tonnes of benefits whilst pregnant. Water, whether hot or cold, helps to flush toxins out of the body and it has a fabulous way of boosting your energy levels.

According to ACOG you should consume at least 8- 12 glasses a day. Ensuring you have enough water in your diet can help form the amniotic fluid around the baby and it can also:

Aid digestion,
Helps nutrients travel around the body,
Help waste leave
Boost circulation
Reduce heartburn and sickness
Maintain stable blood pressure.

If you suffer from sickness, having a cup of hot water can help fight nausea but I can’t promise it will stop it! It’s important to recognize that water isn’t a magical cure but it has so many benefits it would be silly not to jump on the water chute!

As with anything great, there can come some negatives, be careful when drinking hot water for the following reasons:

Burns

Drinking any hot drink that’s too hot will leave you at risk of burning your mouth and tongue. At some point this, has probably happened to you so you will understand how painful and discomforting it can be! If you burn the inside of your mouth your baby will be fine but you may not feel like eating which will have an adverse effect on your baby.

Boiled is best

Do not opt for drinking hot water from the tap. Even though it’s filtered to a certain degree water from the tap is usually sitting in the pipe work and it can still contain bacteria that will harm you and baby. Always opt for water that is boiled.

Boring

Honestly, I can’t think of anything worse than drinking boiled water, it has no taste and I find it boring. So if you need a little spruce to entice the cup of hot watery goodness try adding a little lemon, or cucumber or go wild and add honey!

If the benefits of drinking hot water haven’t enticed you to boil the kettle then consider other hot drinks that are safe during pregnancy.

What Hot Drinks Are Beneficial?

After uncovering the benefits of hot water during pregnancy I thought it was only fair to add alternatives and if I can call them more adventurous hot drinks.

We know that things like energy drinks, alcohol, and soda are off limits during pregnancy (although I was partial to cola in moderation of course) what hot drinks are safe during pregnancy?

Herbal teas

Herbal tea can be a game changer for you in pregnancy. They are usually fruit based so remain caffeine free but you need to be sure that what could become a staple in your pregnancy I beneficial.

Ginger Tea

ginger is thought to help nausea and sickness. Store bought ginger tea can be a blend of other herbs also so be sure to check as many herbs should be avoided in pregnancy.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is great to reduce bloating and can help your digestion.

Lemon Tea

perfect after a stressful day. Lemon tea is believed to have anti stress boosters but this isn’t verified, there’s no harm in trying it out to see if it works.

Decaf Tea and Coffee

the one thing I missed was my coffee. I am the type of person who needs at least two cups in the morning to function. I admit a really poor choice on my behalf. During pregnancy, caffeine should be kept to a minimum so opting for your favorite blend but in decaf can be a great way for you to have some normality in your routine.

Hot Milk

Milk is a great source of calcium and like water, you should be thinking of boosting this in your diet whilst pregnant. According to the FDA, you have to ensure that the milk you drink is pasteurized. Milk bought from the store is usually safe but be careful if you obtain your milk from a farm shop. Unpasteurised milk can contain harmful microbes and bacteria which can make you and your baby extremely unwell.

Hot Chocolate

perfect to relax on cold days and nights. Chocolate is always a treat so drinking a cup of hot cocoa can be just what you need! Be careful as many store bought powders contain caffeine.

When To Be Cautious

The answer to is it bad to drink hot drinks while pregnant? Is clearly no. But there are times to be cautious.

Your Temperature

Some recommend drinking hot drinks when the weather is warm as it can make you sweat more, sweating works to cool the body but if you ask me the last thing I would have wanted would have been a hot drink.

Wrapping Up

To conclude, can you drink hot drinks while pregnant?

The answer is yes! There is nothing more comforting than a warm cup of something yummy. But you have to be cautious with what you drink.

Caffeine is present in many teas and other hot drinks so ensure you are limiting yourself to the recommended amount.

Overall being pregnant sparks many concerns of what you can and cannot do if you are ever questioning anything especially if its to do with the safety of your baby ask your medical team. No question is too silly! It shows you are a mom who wants to do her best even before bub is born!

Can You Drink Hot Drinks While Pregnant? – YES, and You Should!