Pregnancy is all about being extra cautious about your diet. Things that may have been safe to eat before pregnancy may no longer be advisable during pregnancy. Not only do you need to consider your own health, you also need to consider how the food you eat will affect the health of your baby. However, you can eat certain stuff in moderation, and vinegar is one such option.

Is Vinegar Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes, you can consume vinegar during pregnancy, though you need to consume in moderation. The American Pregnancy Association has not included vinegar on their list of foods to avoid during pregnancy. However, they have not confirmed how much you could consume. It is therefore better to talk to your doctor and determine how much to consume during pregnancy. Nevertheless, it is usually safe to consume sautés, salads, and other foods with a dash of vinegar during pregnancy.

Benefits of Vinegar During Pregnancy

Vinegar and pregnancy go well together – even though you need to limit its intake during pregnancy. Still, you can consume it and actually enjoy a number of benefits. Here are some of the reasons why you may want to include a moderate amount of vinegar in your pregnancy diet.

1. It Eases Nausea

Morning sickness and nausea can make pregnancy a lot more difficult. Vinegar can help minimize the issue. You can take a small amount of vinegar in the morning to prevent nausea. It also provides your baby with additional calcium, which is important for bones and teeth.

2. It Prevents Oxidative Damage

Vinegar has antioxidant properties that make it beneficial for pregnant women. It prevents oxidative damage to the cells and eliminates free radical from your body. It lowers your cancer risk and also helps maintain overall health during pregnancy.

3. It Prevents Sodium Cravings

You need to limit your sodium intake to stay healthy, but you may notice a significant increase in your cravings for sodium in pregnancy. Instead of increasing your sodium intake, you can simply go for some vinegar, which serves as a flavoring agent without the negative effects of sodium. You can find different varieties of vinegar and experiment a bit to find what suits you the most.

4. It Prevents Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

You are at an increased risk of UTIs during pregnancy, but you can lower that risk by including apple cider vinegar in your diet. The reason is that apple cider vinegar contains minerals and enzymes that inhibit the growth of bacteria. Simply dissolve two tablespoons of ACV in a glass of water and drink it twice a day to prevent urinary tract infections.

5. It Treats Blocked Nostrils

Blocked nostrils or sinus problems can make sleeping difficult during pregnancy. Vinegar and pregnancy have a connection and you can easily improve your sleep by using vinegar during pregnancy. Simply make a mixture by adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water to help treat blocked nostrils. The remedy works great for sinus infections and makes breathing easier.

6. It Reduces Swelling

One of the major concerns during pregnancy is the swelling in hands and feet. Swollen hands and feet can cause all sorts of discomfort. Luckily, you can turn to apple cider vinegar to resolve the issue. All you have to do is take some ACV and rub it on your hands and feet to reduce swelling.

7. It Regulates Circulation

It is natural to notice a change in blood circulation during pregnancy. You may even develop varicose veins that represent a problem with blood circulation. You can resolve the issue by using apple cider vinegar. Not only does it improve the flow of blood, it also helps reduce the swelling of the veins. Take your regular lotion and mix some ACV in it. Apply it on your body to improve blood circulation.

When You Should Limit Vinegar Consumption?

While vinegar and pregnancy go well together, you should never go overboard with the idea of consuming vinegar in pregnancy. You may want to avoid using vinegar if you are already experiencing other problems, such as heartburn. Not every pregnant woman is going to experience heartburn during the second and third trimester. But if you have this problem, avoid using vinegar.

Possible Side Effects to Look Out For

Vinegar is highly acidic and can easily aggravate heartburn and other digestive problems. You may also have to deal with other health problems in certain cases. Due to its high acid content, it is not safe for your teeth. It can cause erosion of your tooth enamel, especially in pregnancy when you are already suffering from poor oral health. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you experience any symptoms after consuming vinegar.

Alternatives You Can Try

Many people opt for vinegar in an effort to stabilize blood sugar. You may also use it for the same reason, but sometimes, it is better to alter your diet first. Eating a balanced diet with loads of fresh fruits and veggies really helps. You should also eat whole grains, lean protein, and plant-based fats to stabilize blood sugar in a natural way. If you can manage your blood sugar through diet, there is no point in mixing vinegar and pregnancy.