Will drinking coconut water while pregnant give my baby fair skin?

Answer:

There is no evidence about newborns having fair skin if their mothers drink coconut water during pregnancy.

In terms of nutrition, coconut water is rich in vitamin A, E, calcium, potassium and chlorine, which helps improve pregnant women's health and enhance their immune system. However, pregnant women should bear in mind these facts before deciding to include coconut water in their diets.

Pregnant women should avoid drinking coconut water during their first trimester, since their fetuses have not fully-formed yet and they go through a lot of hormone changes in this period. Meanwhile, coconut water cools down the body so it may lead to low blood pressures and weaken their muscles and tissues, which may enforce dyspepsia and morning sickness.

In terms of nutrition, coconut water is rich in vitamin A, E, calcium, potassium and chlorine, which helps improve pregnant women's health and enhance their immune system. Photo illustration by Pexels

From the fourth month of pregnancy, expecting mothers can drink water directly extracted from young coconuts every early morning. Sugar should not be added to the drink, and the drink should not be consumed when hungry. It is recommended to intake a maximum of two cups of coconut water a day, divided into small portions instead of consumed all at once.

Pregnant women should not drink more than this, even during the summer, to avoid increases in the amount of potassium and sugar in their blood, which results in weight gains and potential gestational diabetes.

Coconut water should not be drunk in the evening, as the drink, combined with the low temperature during this time of the day, may negatively harm the mothers and the babies’ condition. It may affect their sleep routines as well, since the drink is diuretic.

Coconut water that has been left overnight or has an unusual taste should not be consumed either.

Pregnant women are advised not to consume sugar- and carbohydrates-high foods after drinking coconut water.

All in all, pregnant women should consult their doctors before deciding to include coconut water in their diet.

Dr. Nguyen Anh Duy Tung

Nutrihome Nutrition Clinic System