Non Alcoholic Drinks During Pregnancy
/Are non alcoholic drinks safe during pregnancy? Here’s what we found out!
For many women, pregnancy may be the first time they take an extended break from drinking alcohol during their adult life. After all, drinking is the social norm in North America, while abstaining is often considered anti-social, unnecessary, or just plain weird.
There are a few exceptions to this though, and drinking alcohol during pregnancy is one. It’s now common knowledge that drinking alcohol during pregnancy can be harmful to the development of that baby’s brain and central nervous system. In fact, according to Health Canada: “Prenatal alcohol exposure is the most commonly known cause of preventable developmental disability in Canada” and the safest choice for pregnant women is to abstain from alcohol completely. [1]
But what about the benefits?
The risks of a glass of wine during pregnancy are well-known, but are there any benefits? Despite some claims that occasional light drinking during pregnancy is safe, the preponderance of scientific evidence does not seem to support this claim. In fact, while evidence about the potential harm of alcohol during pregnancy is clear, the evidence that it is safe to drink during pregnancy is far less so [2]. Even if there is in theory a safe amount of alcohol that could be consumed during pregnancy, clinical studies have not determined what that safe amount might be or how it might vary from individual to individual. Once again, the safest choice seems to be avoiding alcohol altogether during pregnancy.
Which drinks are safe during pregnancy?
Ok, so you’ve decided to pass on your favourite chardonnay while you’re pregnant. But life doesn’t stop just because you are expecting - in fact, it’s a time to celebrate and enjoy, especially if it’s your first child and you are preparing to leave kid-free life behind. What’s a health-conscious mom-to-be to do? Are you banished to a life of soft drinks and water? Not at all - once you know a few things about alcohol free drinks.
Not all alcohol free and non alcoholic drinks are created equal
If you’d like to try non alcoholic wine or beer for your pregnancy, it’s important to understand how these products are classified. While it may differ by region, in Canada a drink with less than 0.5% ABV (alcohol by volume) can be labeled non alcoholic or alcohol free - even though there are trace amount of alcohol in it. As a reference point, bananas, a glass of regular fruit juice, a slice of bread and baking vanilla also contain a similar amount of trace alcohol. So while drinks with this amount of alcohol are likely as safe to consume as a ripe banana, it’s always wise to check with your doctor first.
Thankfully, as the non alcoholic drinks industry continues to boom, there are also options that are 0% ABV - completely free of alcohol. You may feel more comfortable choosing a zero proof wine, beer or spirit as your tipple of choice.
Drinks that are safe during pregnancy
Finally, choice abounds when it comes to pregnancy-safe mocktails (or “nocktails” as we prefer to call them). Enjoy elevated non alcoholic mixed drinks that look just as beautiful and sophisticated as their boozy counterparts. Try mixing something unique and refreshing using a zero-proof spirit, or create a virgin version of your favourite cocktail by using elevated ingredients (a virgin mojito with plenty of fresh mint and lime juice is a personal go-to!)
Conclusion
When it comes to a healthy pregnancy, avoiding alcohol is the best choice. But that doesn’t mean that you are banished to boring drinks for nine months. By taking advantage of the ever-growing non alcoholic options available (and talking to your doctor), you can raise a glass to yourself and your growing family … and who knows, maybe the start of a longer rethinking drinking journey!
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