Why Doctors Tell Pregnant Women Not to Drink Unpasteurized Juices
The main reason why pregnant women are told not to drink unpasteurized juices is because of the risk of bacterial contamination. While most healthy adults can fight off these bacteria, pregnant women and young children are more susceptible to foodborne illness – including listeria, which can be incredibly dangerous.
Pasteurization is a process that kills harmful bacteria by heating the juice to a specific temperature for a set amount of time. This process doesn’t affect the taste, color, or nutritional value of the juice, and it’s been shown to be incredibly effective at reducing the risk of foodborne illness.
So, the reasoning is that if the fruit was contaminated with listeria or another type of bacteria, pasteurization would kill it off and make the juice safe to consume. So you’re right to worry “I drank unpasteurized apple cider vinegar while pregnant!”, but rest assured, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your baby.
What to Do: I Drank Unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar While Pregnant
If you accidentally drank unpasteurized apple cider vinegar while pregnant, the first thing you should do is call your doctor. They will likely want to monitor you and your baby closely for the next few weeks to make sure there are no complications. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of falling ill:
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to stay hydrated.
- Eat foods that are high in protein and low in fat.
- Get plenty of rest and take it easy.
- Avoid unpasteurized juices, raw milk, soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk, deli meats, and fish that may contain mercury.
You should also avoid unpasteurized apple cider vinegar in the future. Pasteurized versions are widely available and just as effective.
But rest assured, the chance of harm from drinking unpasteurized vinegar once is very low. Listeria is most commonly found in frozen vegetables, potatoes, and mushrooms. They grow in the ground, unlike apples, so the chance of them being contaminated is much higher.
So, if you’re wondering “Should I worry that I drank unpasteurized apple cider vinegar while pregnant?”, the answer is probably not. But it’s always best to err on the side of caution and call your doctor just to be sure.
The Benefits of Pasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar for Pregnant Women
While unpasteurized apple cider vinegar is not recommended for pregnant women, pasteurized versions offer many benefits. Apple cider vinegar is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can promote a healthy pregnancy.
Many women report that drinking apple cider vinegar helps to relieve morning sickness. It’s thought that the acetic acid in vinegar helps to settle the stomach and reduce nausea. Apple cider vinegar can also help to regulate blood sugar levels, which is important for pregnant women who are at risk for gestational diabetes.
Some people also believe that apple cider vinegar can relieve heartburn and indigestion. It’s thought that the vinegar helps to balance the pH levels in the stomach, which can prevent acid reflux. This is good news for women who experience heatburn in the second and third trimesters when the baby is pressing on the stomach.
So, if you’re looking for a natural way to ease pregnancy symptoms, drinking pasteurized apple cider vinegar may be worth a try. Just be sure to dilute it with plenty of water or juice, as the acidity can be hard on the throat. And as always, consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet during pregnancy.
What If I Become Sick?
If you do become sick after drinking unpasteurized apple cider vinegar while pregnant, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
Listeriosis is a serious infection that can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm labor. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, and diarrhea. If you’re thinking “I drank unpasteurized apple cider vinegar while pregnant!” and experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
Other bacteria can also cause food poisoning, so it’s important to be on the lookout for any signs of illness. If you experience any symptoms, call your doctor immediately. In most cases, food poisoning is not serious and will go away on its own within a few days. However, it’s always best to be safe and get checked out by a doctor just to be sure.
Conclusion
So, what happens if you drink unpasteurized apple cider vinegar while pregnant? While it’s not recommended, the risk of harm is low. However, it’s always best to play it safe and consult with your doctor. If you do become ill, seek medical attention right away. And in the future, be sure to choose pasteurized apple cider vinegar instead.
Have you ever tried drinking apple cider vinegar while pregnant? Share your experience in the comments below!
Similar Posts:
