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The luscious cranberries are powerhouses of nutrition that can be enjoyed in several forms, such as juices, sauces, and desserts. You may wonder, can pregnant women drink cranberry juice? It is not easy to resist the temptation, especially if you are craving this tasty drink. Keep reading this post to find out whether or not consuming cranberry juice is a good idea for pregnant women, its benefits, and also its possible side effects.
Key Pointers
- Pregnant women can consume cranberry juice, but in moderation.
- Cranberries contain antioxidants, flavonoids, and polyphenols and are a good source of vitamin C and fiber.
- Cranberry juice can help pregnant women prevent bacteriuria, recurrent UTIs, kidney stones, infections, bad cholesterol, dental carries, and stomach ulcers.
- There is no evidence against or in favor of consuming dried cranberries during pregnancy.
- Consuming too many cranberries may cause diarrhea.
Is Cranberry Juice Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes, cranberry juice is among the safe and healthy juices to drink during pregnancy but it should be consumed in moderation. Cranberry is a nourishing fruit that contains antioxidants, flavonoids, and polyphenols (1). It is also considered effective in treating urine infections during pregnancy. However, too much of the fruit could have adverse effects on you.
Also, your body may not accept certain fruits. If you observe such reactions with cranberry juice or if your doctor asks you to avoid it, then you should refrain from consuming the fruit or its juice.
Benefits Of Cranberry And Cranberry Juice During Pregnancy
Cranberries are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber (1). These tasty and petite fruits can be consumed in any form to reap health benefits.
1. Prevents urinary tract infections
Bladder infection is one of the common problems in pregnancy. Eating fresh cranberry fruit or drinking freshly made cranberry juice could help in preventing UTI. The fruit contains certain compounds that do not allow bacteria to hold onto the urinary tract (2). According to a meta-analysis published in PlosOne, the consumption of cranberry-based products has been shown to exhibit a substantial decrease in the occurrence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) among vulnerable groups (3). Specifically, in women who experience recurrent UTIs, there was a noteworthy relative risk reduction of 32%.
Research finds2. Reduces risk of kidney stones
Brushite and struvite are rare kidney stones known to occur in pregnant women. But these could be problematic to manage during pregnancy. Kidney stones form when certain substances in the urine, like oxalate, calcium, phosphate, and uric acid, become too concentrated and crystallize (5). Nonetheless, cranberry juice (CBJ) could help prevent or reduce the risks of formation of these stones (6). However, scientific studies have also shown that excessive consumption of cranberry juice may increase the risk of kidney stone formation. A study report states, “CBJ exerts a mixed effect on urinary stone-forming propensity. It reduces urinary pH likely by providing an acid load and decreases urinary uric acid, perhaps by retarding urate synthesis. Overall, CBJ increases the risk of calcium oxalate and uric acid stone formation but decreases the risk of brushite stones (7).
3. Boosts immunity
The immune system tends to get weaker when you get pregnant. Consuming cranberries, which are filled with antioxidantsiSubstance that protects cell damage caused by free radicals , could help you fight infections and cut down bad cholesterol from the body. You can have dried cranberries or blend fresh cranberries to enjoy a glass of cranberry extract (8).
4. Improves oral health
Cranberries have a molecule named NDM or non-dialysable material, which is known to be effective in preventing dental caries (2).
5. Prevents stomach ulcers
As per a few studies, cranberries help in preventing bacteria (H. pylori) from holding onto the walls of the stomach. The bacteria are responsible for causing stomach ulcers, which can be prevented by eating cranberries or drinking cranberry juice (2).
6. Other Benefits
Cranberries are rich in fiber, which can support healthy digestion. They are also packed with vitamins and minerals that strengthen the body’s antioxidant defenses. These nutrients also contribute to heart health by improving blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They may also help lower the risk of certain cancers. Additionally, they contain compounds that could fight norovirus and other foodborne illnesses (9).
Cranberries can be had as fresh fruit or juiced. Some prefer dried cranberries as they are easy to carry and consume as snacks.
Can You Have Dried Cranberries During Pregnancy?
There is no evidence in favor of or against the consumption of dried cranberries during pregnancy.
Dried cranberry is made by dehydrating the fresh fruit. Some of the dried cranberries available in the market are plain, while others are sugar-coated. Both the forms can be consumed when you are pregnant, as no harmful effects have been observed. However, buy from a reputable brand to stay safe.
Malar, a mom and blogger, shares her experience of dealing with a urinary tract infection (UTI) during pregnancy and how she incorporated cranberries into her diet for relief. She says, “Last year this time I was pregnant and had a urinary infection, which is very common during pregnancy. Cranberry helps a lot in reducing UTI. I used to make juice with apples. But it was too bitter and I gave up fresh cranberries…So I used to make dry fruits bar/energy bar with dried cranberries (i).”
Nutrition factIs Too Much Cranberry Juice Bad?
Anything consumed in excess is not good for your health. When you are pregnant, you should have a balanced diet, which means moderate portions of anything you are eating or drinking. Drinking a lot of cranberry juice during pregnancy could cause nausea, upset your tummy, and might also result in diarrhea (11). Diabetics need to take extra precautions while having juices even if they don’t drink them often.
The recommended daily dose varies widely, ranging from 120 to 1600 mg in capsule form or 300 to 900 mL as juice. However, the appropriate dosage for pregnant women may be different (11). Your doctor knows well about your pregnancy health. So you may ask what quantity of cranberry would be safe to include in your prenatal care routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I take cranberry pills during pregnancy?
Cranberries or cranberry supplements are believed to prevent UTIs and other ailments, and cranberries are often consumed during pregnancy. However, pregnant women should consult their Ob/Gyn before taking any cranberry supplements (12).
2. Can cranberries cause a miscarriage?
No, cranberries are not known to cause pregnancy complications, including miscarriages. However, you must consult your doctor to prevent complications in case of any doubt (13).
3. Are there any other natural remedies that pregnant women can use to prevent UTIs besides cranberry juice?
Other possible natural remedies used to prevent UTIs in pregnant women include adequate hydration, avoiding drinks that might irritate the urinary bladder, such as coffee, alcohol, and citrus beverages, and avoiding using feminine hygiene products that might irritate the urethra. In addition, wipe the intimate area in a front-to-back direction after using the toilet to prevent the risk of infections (14).
4. Can consuming too much cranberry juice be harmful to the developing fetus?
According to a study, there have been no reported side effects of consuming cranberry juice during pregnancy on the fetus (13). However, it is recommended to drink it in moderation or consult a doctor about the right amounts to drink cranberry juice.
5. What safety guidelines should I follow when taking cranberry juice while pregnant?
Choose 100% pure, pasteurized cranberry juice without added sugars. Avoid unpasteurized juices, as they may carry harmful bacteria. Consume in moderation to avoid complications. If considering cranberry supplements during pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider, as safety data for pregnant women could be limited.
Having fresh cranberry juice during pregnancy is considered safe, and there are currently no studies that state otherwise. In addition, cranberries are known to prevent urinary tract infections, improve oral health, and decrease the risk of stomach ulcers during pregnancy. However, it is advised to consume it in moderation since excessive consumption may cause diarrhea. Further, if you prefer consuming dry cranberries, ensure you buy them from a reliable brand. If you notice any side effects after consuming cranberries or face any discomforts, consult your doctor.
Personal Experience: Sources
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Cranberry thokku.;https://malarmuthu.wordpress.com/2015/12/02/cranberry-thokku/
Infographic: Benefits Of Cranberry And Cranberry Juice During Pregnancy
The tangy and sweet cranberries can be a healthy and tasty option to curb your pregnancy cravings for something sour. Besides being a delicious snack, it also provides a ton of benefits that can help you stay free from health complications. The infographic below highlights the reasons to include the berry in your diet. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Is It Safe To Drink Cranberry Juice During Pregnancy?
Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team
References:
- Boris V Nemzer et.al; (2022); Cranberry: Chemical Composition Antioxidant Activity and Impact on Human Health: Overview.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8911768/ - J. Dugoua et.al; (2008); Safety and efficacy of cranberry (vaccinium macrocarpon) during pregnancy and lactation.
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Safety-and-efficacy-of-cranberry-%28vaccinium-during-Dugoua-Seely/cf53a86ccbd754cf5be7e86454e679672fe7c485?p2df - Jia-yue Xia et.al; (2021); Consumption of cranberry as adjuvant therapy for urinary tract infections in susceptible populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0256992 - Deborah A Wing et.al; (2009); Daily cranberry juice for the prevention of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy: A randomized, controlled pilot study.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2631561/ - Kidney Stones.
ttps://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/kidney-stones#:~:text=The%20job%20of%20the%20kidneys - Kidney stones.
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/report/kidney-stones - Matthew T Gettman et.al; (2005); Effect of cranberry juice consumption on urinary stone risk factors.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16006907/ - Are Cranberries Healthy? 6 Surprising Benefits.
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-cranberries - Be thankful for cranberries’ health benefits all year long.
https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/11/21/be-thankful-for-cranberries-health-benefits-all-year-long - Beans Dry Cranberry (0% moisture).
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/747437/nutrients - Cranberry.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK588846/#:~:text=With%20high%20doses%2C%20minor%20side - Cranberry.
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/cranberry - Kristine Heitmann et.al; (2013); Pregnancy outcome after use of cranberry in pregnancy – the Norwegian mother and child cohort study.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3924191/ - Natural Treatments for UTIs During Pregnancy.
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/natural-treatments-for-utis-during-pregnancy/#:~:text=Drinking%20plenty%20of%20water%3A%20This
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