Apple Cider Vinegar in Pregnancy

You may have heard of the many benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) through the social media buzz and crazed diets, but what about using Apple Cider Vinegar in Pregnancy? ACV has so many benefits during pregnancy.

Morning sickness help

Apple cider vinegar may help with morning sickness – The acids in ACV are known to possibly help with certain gastrointestinal issues. ACV helps with nausea. In the cause of having nausea, you may use pasteurized or unpasteurized vinegar because the cure has more to do with the vinegars acidity than the bacteria found in unpasteurized.

Helps prevent UTIs.

With your body going through hormonal changes and your growing baby pressing down on your uterus, UTI’s are more common during pregnancy. Unfortunately there aren’t many studies done proving this works but in my own personal experience, I have often used ACV in conjunction with drinking cranberry juice and lots of water for clearing up UTI’s. Pasteurized or unpasteurized ACV may be used. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink twice a day.

Apple Cider Vinegar for digestion

ACV contains probiotics that help support gut health, improve bowel function, and balance your body’s pH levels. Hormones in pregnancy can cause constipation, and the growing baby causing stomach contents to move back to the esophagus can cause heartburn and acid reflux. This will calm your indigestion. A study in 2016 found apple cider vinegar may help with heartburn in individuals who didn’t respond well to over-the-counter antacids. During your pregnancy, if you find that Tums and other antiacids aren’t working try apple cider vinegar. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of ACV in a glass of water and drink twice a day, right after or before having a meal.

Help control your blood sugar.

This is why it would be good to start drinking apple cider vinegar at the start of your pregnancy. Scientific studies have shown that ACV can lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity when eating certain foods.

Helps maintain healthy blood pressure.

Helps with blood circulation. – Helps reduce normal swelling during pregnancy and helps with energy levels. Helps with swelling and bloating

Antibacterial nature helps promote smooth skin

Studies suggest that acetic acids are found in high amounts of apple cider vinegar. This means taking consistently will be most beneficial for protecting your skin during pregnancy.

Allergies and colds during pregnancy

The potassium content and anti-inflammatory property of apple cider vinegar thins the mucus and reduces the symptoms of sinus swelling. If you suffer from allergies, it may be helpful to consume ACV. I have experience clients report during pregnancy allergies get worse, so it’s good to have a natural alternative. If you plan to breastfeed you will continue to take apv daily. Many pregnant women are uncomfortable taking over-the-counter medications for cold and sore throat symptoms. Since ACV has immunity-boosting and antibacterial properties, it could be an option to fight these symptoms.

Help prevent and reduce symptoms of yeast infections

Apple cider vinegar contains distinctive components, which can control and cure yeast infections such as candida. Topical applications of ACV can reduce the infection and its symptoms. You can dilute APV with a half of spray bottle of water and half APV (4-5 oz) and apply it on the infected skin/ spray on vaginal area during showers and after using the restroom. You could even use it in a hot water bath. Internal consumption strengthens the immune system, both of which can slow down the infection from healing. 

Warning: Can suppress hunger, if not properly diluted with water APV can cause heartburn so be sure to dilute. APV could make you urinate more frequently. Healthcare professionals recommend pregnant women should avoid consuming unpasteurized foods due to the risk of food poisoning. No proven or assumed health benefits can outweigh the possible health risks for you and your baby.

I hope that this blog has been informational and provided you with some benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar during pregnancy.

Love always, your midwife Faren