Attention pregnant women! Expert warns: Stay away from these drinks in summer

Pregnancy stands out as a special and important period in every woman's life. During this process, healthy and balanced nutrition is of great importance for the health of both the expectant mother and the baby.

Since rising temperatures in the summer months can also affect nutritional habits, Dietitian Cemre Balkan provided special nutritional recommendations for pregnant women during the summer.

''SAGE TRIGGERS CONTRACTIONS AND MISCARRIAGE IN THE FIRST MONTHS OF PREGNANCY''

Pointing out that consuming plenty of fluids is important for health, Dietitian Cemre Balkan said, “With the rising temperatures in the summer months, the body's need for fluids also increases. To prevent dehydration, at least 8-10 glasses of water should be consumed per day. In addition, healthy drinks such as freshly squeezed fruit juices and ayran, as well as herbal teas like linden and rosehip, can be preferred. Do not choose other herbal teas, especially without consulting your doctor or dietitian. For example, while sage triggers contractions and miscarriage in the first months of pregnancy, it can also cause premature birth in the later stages of pregnancy. Drinking plenty of water will also be good for edema formation, especially in hot weather and in the last trimester of pregnancy.”

''CAFFEINE AND SUGARY DRINKS, IN HOT WEATHER...''

Discussing the harms of caffeine and sugary drinks consumed in hot weather, Dietitian Cemre Balkan said, “In hot weather, it is more appropriate to consume light, easily digestible, and nutritious meals instead of heavy and fatty foods. Balanced meals can be prepared with protein sources such as salads, vegetable dishes, grilled chicken, or fish. Eating small and frequent meals and staying away from fatty and sugary foods will also be a good choice in terms of heartburn that may occur in the later stages of pregnancy. Summer months are a period when various fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to consume plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Especially fruits with high water content such as watermelon, melon, peach, and cherry can be preferred. However, if your doctor has said that you may have or do have gestational diabetes, you should definitely get support from a dietitian regarding nutrition. Consuming fruits with a lower glycemic index such as apricots, peaches, apples, and pineapples will help you balance your blood sugar. To keep blood sugar in balance and prevent stomach discomfort in hot weather, you should eat small amounts frequently. Consuming 5-6 small meals a day both keeps energy levels high and relaxes the stomach. Caffeine and sugary drinks can cause dehydration and blood sugar fluctuations in hot weather. It is important to avoid such drinks and turn to healthier alternatives. You can also consume water by adding fruit slices and cinnamon sticks to it.”

''SALT CONSUMPTION SHOULD BE REDUCED''

Discussing other issues that pregnant women should pay attention to, Balkan said:
“Excessive salt consumption can cause water retention in the body and the formation of edema. Therefore, salt consumption should be reduced, and fresh spices can be used instead. Especially in summer, foods containing magnesium and potassium should be preferred to balance the minerals lost through sweat. Examples of these foods include legumes, lentils, whole wheat bread, bananas, and almonds. Sunlight in the summer months is an important source for vitamin D intake. However, to protect against the harmful effects of the sun, it is important to go out in the early morning or late afternoon and use appropriate sunscreen. Protein and calcium intake are critical for the baby's development. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, as well as eggs, legumes, and lean meats should be consumed regularly. If there is an allergy to dairy products, the consumption of dark green leafy vegetables can also be increased. The frequency of constipation may also increase in the last months. Constipation is observed more frequently, especially if you change cities due to holidays or travel. For this, pay attention to a diet rich in fiber and roughage, consume plenty of water, and definitely engage in physical activity as long as your doctor allows it. Apricots, plums, oats, legumes, and figs are also foods you can add to your diet.”