Health Benefits of Lemon/Limes During Pregnancy

Is it Safe to Drink Lemon Water (Lemon Juice) During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, it is essential to know the health benefits of every food that we eat. On the same lines, we give a resounding, yes, to answer the question, “is it safe to drink lemon water during pregnancy?” Lemon is a citrus fruit and hence has the goodness of Vitamin C in it.

It is a great source of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and phosphorus. Lemon/lime is also an excellent source of vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), and Vitamin E. These are essential in the growth, upkeep, and nourishment of the developing fetus.

Top 11 Benefits of Limes During Pregnancy

Lemon has abundant essential nutrients that can be beneficial to you during pregnancy. Let us look at the most important benefits of lemon juice during pregnancy:

1. Reduces Nausea and Morning Sickness

Morning sickness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and a heightened sense of smell are all common first-trimester symptoms that can be handled easily with the squeeze of a lemon or a small cup of warm water with limes during pregnancy! Certainly, a wonder food for most of us, right?

2. Limes During Pregnancy Keeps Blood Pressure in Check

An increase in blood pressure is common during pregnancy time. Blood pressure can cause discomfort and sometimes even complications. Limes during pregnancy help to maintain the pliability of the blood vessels and hence keeps a check on the blood pressure. Lemon also prevents internal hemorrhage.

3. Reduces Swelling in the Feet

The swollen foot is a never-ending story of the 40-week pregnancy chapter. It gives the most discomfort and hurts so much. A teaspoon of lemon juice with warm water can help a notch here! Also, a mixture of lemon juice and bitter gourd juice helps reduce the swelling on your feet and makes walking easier.

4. Reduces Constipation and Improves Digestion

Constipation and ingestion are very common during the pregnancy phase. Lemon acts as a warrior to solve the problem. Lemon juice is an excellent liver stimulant.

It increases the peristalsis movement in the bowels, provides relief from irritable bowel movements, and regulates the motions through improved digestion. It thus helps you beat constipation. A small portion of lemon juice (undiluted with water) has a good 0.7 grams of dietary fiber.

5. Keeps the Immune System Healthy and Robust

During pregnancy, our immunity system is susceptible to changes. Even a small mistake could affect us very badly. The Antioxidants found in limes are essential for the destruction of free radicals in our body, thereby boosting our immune system and delaying the process of aging. Also, the presence of significant amounts of Vitamin C helps our body fight infection.

As doctors shy away from prescribing medicines and you avoid the use of over-the-counter medications during pregnancy, your reliance on home remedies increases. A small cup of warm water with lime juice during pregnancy helps in thinning mucus, reducing phlegm, and providing you with relief from a blocked or runny nose.

Also, given its diuretic properties, lemon juice lets you flush out the toxin and antigen from the body through urine, thus preventing the common urogenital infections that pregnant women are prone to contracting.

6. Nourishes Brain Cells and Develops Strong Bones in the Fetus

Lime is rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium. What do they do?

• Potassium helps in the nourishment of nerves and the brain cells of the fetus.
• Calcium helps in the development of the bones of the fetus.
• Magnesium helps in the maintenance of strong bones for both the mother and the fetus.

The little one needs lime for healthy development.

7. Aids in the Process of Labor and Childbirth

There is no medical proof to validate this benefit. But, generally, it is believed that drinking lime juice and honey mixed in warm water after the first trimester eases the labor pain. It can be consumed once every three days.

8. Lowers Stress During Labor

It is common for pregnant women to be so stressed during labor. Vitamin C in the lime plays an important role in reducing blood pressure and controlling you during labor.

9. Limes During Pregnancy Prevents Dehydration

During the second trimester, the pregnant women would be asked to consume an extra 300 calories. It is also good to consume more water. If you are a person who likes the lemon flavor, a cup of lemon juice can keep you going.

10. Maintains the pH Levels of the Body

Lemon contains alkaline and helps our body to maintain proper PH levels.

11. Prevents Urinal- Genital Infections

Lemon water is rich in diuretic properties and is very beneficial for maintaining healthy kidney functions and thus prevents urogenital infections in expecting mothers.

4 Precautions and Side Effects of Lemon or Lemon Juice During Pregnancy

Lemon has a lot of benefits to offer. But, “think before you leap.” So, keep in mind the following precautions to be followed when you decide to consume lemon juice during pregnancy.

1. Limes During Pregnancy Can Cause Heartburn

During the third trimester, pregnant women often face the problem of heartburn. Lemon has a high acidic content. The acidity aggravates the condition and makes it worse. If you are already suffering from heartburn, it is better to avoid lemon or lemon juice during pregnancy.

2. Limes During Pregnancy Can Cause Dental Problems

The acidic content in the lemon may also damage your tooth very badly. De-calcification is very common during pregnancy. If you feel you have weak bones or teeth during pregnancy, it is better to avoid lemon or lemon juice. If you still crave limes during pregnancy, you can consume them in maximum diluted form.

3. Never Drink Ice-Cold Lemon Water

Lemon juices or lemon water should be consumed only at room temperature. Ice-cold lemon water or lemon juice may trigger cold.

4. Gargle and Rinse

As mentioned earlier, the acidic content in the lemon might harm your tooth. So, it is always advisable to wash and rinse your teeth immediately after you consume lemon or lemon juice during pregnancy.

How to Prepare Lemon Water (Lime Juice)?

Lime juice is a simple yet mouth-watering drink. Especially if you are pregnant in the summer, you can take lemon either as lemon juice or as ginger and lemon tea. Nevertheless, your taste buds are going to go high on both drinks. Now, let’s discuss the preparation of Lemon juice and ginger & lemon tea.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is as simple as mixing lemon and water with sweeteners. Though it is a simple procedure, the proportions must be kept up to make perfect lemon juice. Incorporating natural sweeteners like honey makes the lemon juice yummiest.

Ginger and Lemon Tea

Water, ginger, and lemon make a perfect combo to get rid of morning sickness and nausea. Mix all of them and enjoy a peaceful drink.

Tips to Follow Before Consuming Limes During Pregnancy

Let’s give a glance at the tips to be followed before consuming lemon water during pregnancy.

• Use only fresh lemon juice extracts.
• Adding lemon to warm water and honey is very healthy.
• Always gargle and rinse your oral cavity to avoid dental problems.
• It is always better to start consuming lemons in small quantities to check if your body can accept them without any complications.

Consuming lemon during pregnancy faces controversy every time. To put it simply, if your body accepts it without any discomfort, it is completely safe to drink lime or lemon water or lemon juice during pregnancy.

FAQ’s

1. Can Lime Help Reduce Labor Pains?

It is an old wives tale that limes help in reducing pain. It is a belief that regular consumption of warm lime water mixed with honey can ease labor pain. You can sip on this from time to time to keep you hydrated too.

2. Can be Consuming a Lot of Limes During Pregnancy Induce Labor?

Quinine is an ingredient used to induce labor. This is rich in Schweppes bitter lemons. Consuming too much of these lemons during pregnancy can induce labor.

3. Can Limes During Pregnancy Reduce Blood Pressure?

Lemon juice is believed to help maintain your blood pressure. Sipping on it in moderation during pregnancy can be beneficial. Citrus fruits are generally believed to have this property.

4. Can Limes During Pregnancy Have a Negative Impact on my Teeth ?

Pregnancy can cause teeth to decay. Lemons are acidic in nature and can erode your enamel. You might be harming your teeth by drinking too much of that lemon juice to help with the nausea.

5. Is It Safe To Drink Lemon Honey Water During Pregnancy?

Lemons are a full package of nutrition and are essential in your diet when pregnant. You can drink lemon honey water during pregnancy but in moderation. It can help you stay active and energized throughout the day. However, lemons are acidic in nature and are capable of aggravating already existing gastric issues during pregnancy. 

6. Is Lemon And Ginger Water Safe During Pregnancy?

You should take ginger in moderation if you are pregnant. You can take ginger lemon tea which acts as the best medicine for morning sickness and nausea during pregnancy. However, it is always better to consult your doctor before opting for anything new when pregnant.