Can pregnant women drink Gatorade? Everything you need to know!

Is Gatorade safe for pregnancy? Here’s everything you need to know, plus other tips for the first time mom!

There are a lot of “no’s” first time moms face during pregnancy. And it can be hard to remember all the things you’re supposed to avoid.

So if you’re finished with a workout and think to reach for Gatorade, is it safe?

There are plenty of foods, drinks and medications that shouldn’t be consumed, but Gatorade isn’t one of them!

Gatorade is safe to drink during pregnancy and can actually be incredibly beneficial.

Here’s everything you need to know about Gatorade during pregnancy, plus other safe beverages and what to avoid!

Gatorade Is Safe for Most Pregnant Women in Moderation

You can drink Gatorade while pregnant.

Gatorade and other sports drinks like Powerade, are safe to drink for non-athletes and even those who haven’t recently done exercise.

However, it is recommended that women engage in moderate exercise and physical activity to ensure a healthy pregnancy and ideal pregnancy weight. Chose pregnancy workout ideas that offer a quick burn and don’t require positions that put you at risk for falls.

There are many benefits to staying active during pregnancy. It can help reduce fatigue and discomfort, make labor and delivery easier, and may improve posture and back pain.

Aim for 30 minutes a day, and listen to your body. If you’re tired, always take a break.

Ideas for Safe Pregnancy Workouts:

• Yoga
• Pilates
• Stationary cycling
• Jogging
• Bodyweight exercises (lunges, planks, squats, windmills, etc.)
• Swimming

NOTE: Drink Gatorade in moderation because it does contain a relatively high level of sugar. You’ll get less sugar than a can of soda, but it’s still something to keep an eye on.

RELATED: What To Eat Before Your Glucose Test

Can Gatorade help you during pregnancy?

Not only is Gatorade safe for pregnancy, but it can also be beneficial for pregnant women. Gatorade contains electrolytes that maintain the body’s ionic balance.

Examples of electrolytes are:

• Calcium
• Sodium
• Magnesium
• Phosphate
• Chloride
• Potassium

It may help with morning sickness and other pregnancy symptoms as well as:

• High temperatures – A fever can be very dangerous, especially in early pregnancy. Staying hydrated can help ease some of those symptoms and risks.
• Food poisoning – If you suspect food poisoning while you’re pregnant, you should reach out to your doctor right away. This can have harmful effects on your pregnancy and growing baby. To help you recover more quickly, you can stay hydrated with Gatorade and replace lost electrolytes from vomiting.
• Muscle cramps – These can be incredibly uncomfortable. Pregnant women may experience muscle cramps, especially at night. The sodium and potassium in Gatorade can help relieve cramps and ease painful muscle contractions.

Doctors include Gatorade as recommended fluids for pregnant women along with:

• Water
• Milk
• Juice
• Watered-down or “half-strength” Sprite
• Ginger ale
• Coconut water
• Protein shakes
• Herbal Teas (herbal teas are not “true teas” so they’re safe for pregnant women)

If you’re experiencing morning sickness or nausea, be sure to drink small amounts, frequently until symptoms clear.

Can Gatorade help with hyperemesis gravidarum?

Hyperemesis gravidarum is severe morning sickness that can lead to dehydration and can even cause hospitalization.

Pregnant women who suffer from this disorder have extreme bouts of vomiting and intense nausea.

Electrolyte drinks can help with rehydration. But, Gatorade might not be the best option. High levels of sugar can actually make symptoms of morning sickness worse.

Instead, look for beverages or mix-in powders that are low in sugar or sugar-free!

Other Sports Drink Options

Along with Gatorade, you can try other similar drinks like:

• Body Armor
• Powerade
• Bai
• Vitamin Water
• Pedialyte Sport

Just be sure to keep an eye on the sugar content of these drinks, too!

Signs of Dehydration

Most women don’t experience severe enough vomiting during pregnancy that leads to severe dehydration. But, here are some signs to look out for:

• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Feeling faint
• Pale skin
• Constipation
• Feeling incredibly thirsty
• Not peeing for over 12 hours
• Muscle cramps
• Dry lips and skin
• Dark circles
• Dark yellow urine
• Sunken eyes

What should I avoid during pregnancy?

While Gatorade is safe for pregnancy, there are lots of drinks that aren’t! Most pregnant women know to avoid alcohol. But here are a few more beverages you should be cautious of or eliminate from your diet.

Drinks to Enjoy in Moderation

• Coffee – Limit caffeine to below 200 mg per day. Caffeine can affect a developing baby’s growth and birth weight.
• Sugary beverages including fruit juice – The occasional glass of orange juice is great for Vitamin C, for example, but may contain a lot of sugar. Too much sugar can lead to gestational diabetes and other pregnancy complications. Look for juices that are low in added sugars and don’t use them as your main source of fluid intake.
• Diet sodas – These drinks contain artificial sweeteners that may lead to infant obesity.

Drinks You Shouldn’t Consume While Pregnant

• Energy drinks – These drinks have well above the recommended daily caffeine intake for pregnant women.
• Untested/untreated drinking water
• Kombucha – These drinks contain alcohol.
• Wheatgrass juice or shots – These beverages can contain harmful bacteria or mold.
• Beverages that are unpasteurized – Unpasteurized dairy or juices can carry harmful bacteria.

Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy

There are also many foods that shouldn’t be consumed while pregnant. These include:

• Unpasteurized soft cheeses and mold-ripened cheeses
• Foods high in mercury
• Unwashed produce
• Sprouts
• Deli meats and hotdogs
• Raw meats and fish
• Organ meats

Did you also know that food plays a large role in conceiving a baby? Here are some foods that increase sperm count, including the foods your partner should avoid when trying to increase male fertility:

• Eggs
• Bananas
• Kiwi
• Oysters
• Garlic
• Carrots

See the full list of 26 foods.

Who shouldn’t drink Gatorade during pregnancy?

As mentioned above, Gatorade is safe for most women during pregnancy. However, women who have diabetes or who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes should avoid Gatorade and other isotonic drinks.

Pregnant women with high blood pressure should also avoid Gatorade and other sports drinks.

Talk to your doctor about the best foods and drinks to incorporate into your diet if you have these special circumstances.

RELATED: Everything To Know About Being A New Mom

More Tips for a Safe and Healthy Pregnancy

While Gatorade is generally safe and may even be helpful during pregnancy, you should always consult with your doctor for recommendations specific to you’re unique body and baby.

And, you should also:

• Take a prenatal vitamin
• Drink 8-12 glasses of water per day
• Get plenty of rest
• Engage in moderate exercise and stay active
• Ensure your diet is generally healthy and well-balanced.

Try incorporating some or all of the following into your diet:

• Pasteurized dairy
• Legumes
• Salmon
• Broccoli and dark leafy greens
• Sweet potatoes
• Eggs (fully cooked)
• Lean meat and proteins
• Avocados
• Whole grains
• Berries
• Dried fruit

We all hope to enjoy a healthy pregnancy and have a healthy baby in the end. Doing these things will get you well on your way.

However, you should always keep an eye on your pregnancy symptoms and reach out to your doctor if you ever have any concerns.

Always talk to your doctor right away if you have a fever, experience severe stomach pain, bleeding, or extreme nausea.

FAQs

The Bottom Line

Is Gatorade safe during pregnancy?

Generally, yes!

Gatorade is safe to drink for most pregnant women, but it should be enjoyed in moderation.

These drinks often contain a high level of sugar. Because of that, if you’re diabetic or are diagnosed with gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, you should avoid these and other sugary drinks.

And, always avoid high levels of caffeine, any alcohol, unpasteurized beverages, and wheatgrass juice or shots.

Gatorade may be helpful for women with morning sickness, high temperatures, food poisoning or muscle cramps. But, it may not be the best option to treat Hyperemesis Gravidarum.

Drink Gatorade along with other healthy beverages like water, milk, and herbal teas. And, try to maintain a healthy diet and other healthy habits like sleeping well and getting enough exercise.

If you ever experience fever, severe stomach pain, extreme vomiting, symptoms of dehydration, or bleeding, reach out to your doctor right away!

Want More?

If this post was helpful to you, be sure to check out these other helpful resources:

• Three best first time mom books worth a read,
• Smart first time mom labor tips,
• Help for postpartum body changes,
• Must-Have Items for your baby registry checklist

Your Turn

Did I answer all your questions about Gatorade and pregnancy? Let me know if I missed anything in the comments!