Sparkling Water and Pregnancy: What Moms-to-Be Should Know

Contents

• Is sparkling water safe during pregnancy
• What are the benefits of sparkling water for pregnant women
• Are there any precautions to take
• How much water to drink during pregnancy and how to include the bubbles
• Making your own sparkling water at home, a simple and economical choice
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Sparkling water and pregnancy is a topic that comes up often in conversations between moms-to-be. Are the bubbles safe? Is sodium a problem? Between the rumours and the actual recommendations, it's easy to get lost.

This article takes a closer look at drinking sparkling water during pregnancy, what the bubbles change (or don't), and how to work it into good hydration.

The advice below is based on general prenatal nutrition guidelines. For any personalized decision, your doctor or midwife remains the best resource.

Is sparkling water safe during pregnancy

Yes, unsweetened sparkling water with no additives can be consumed during pregnancy. It contains the same elements as still water, plus dissolved carbon dioxide. This gas is harmless to both mother and baby.

What you should avoid are sugary carbonated drinks (colas, store-bought flavoured sodas) and those containing caffeine, sweeteners or alcohol. These are not comparable to plain sparkling water.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, a healthy pregnancy relies on a varied diet and good hydration, without overconsuming added sugars or sodium.

Homemade sparkling water contains only water and food-grade CO2. No sugar, no calories, no artificial flavours.

What are the benefits of sparkling water for pregnant women

Sparkling water and pregnancy make a more interesting pair than you might think. During pregnancy, fluid needs increase. Blood volume rises, amniotic fluid is renewed, and the body works harder to support the baby's development.

Sparkling water can help in several practical ways.

• Varied hydration: for women who are less fond of the neutral taste of still water, the bubbles add a refreshing sensation that encourages them to drink more.
• Nausea relief: many moms-to-be report that the fizzy effect eases first-trimester morning sickness. The sensation in the mouth can cut through the feeling of nausea.
• Digestive aid: the bubbles can ease digestion by reducing the feeling of heaviness after meals, which is helpful as the pregnancy progresses.
• An alternative to sugary drinks: replacing a soda with plain sparkling water and a few slices of lemon or cucumber cuts sugar intake without giving up the enjoyment.

This variety is especially useful in the third trimester, when digestive discomfort and fatigue make plain hydration harder to keep up.

To always have CO2 on hand and make your sparkling water whenever you like, several reusable cylinder sizes are available.

Are there any precautions to take

These few nuances don't call into question how well sparkling water and pregnancy go together, but they're worth knowing so you can adjust your consumption from one trimester to the next.

Sodium. Some store-bought natural sparkling waters (Perrier, San Pellegrino, mineral spring waters) have a higher sodium content. During pregnancy, especially with high blood pressure or water retention, it's better to choose a low-mineral water or make your own sparkling water from tap water.

Bloating. The bubbles can increase the feeling of bloating, which is already common during pregnancy. If you feel discomfort, spacing out your glasses or lowering the carbonation level is usually enough to fix it.

Acid reflux. In the third trimester, reflux is common. For some women, the bubbles make the sensation worse, while for others they bring relief. Listening to your body remains the best approach.

Store-bought flavoured waters. Many contain sweeteners, flavourings or a meaningful amount of sodium. Reading the labels or making your own sparkling water gives you full control over what you drink.

How much water to drink during pregnancy and how to include the bubbles

Working sparkling water and pregnancy into your day mostly comes down to varying your sources of hydration. Canadian guidelines put a pregnant woman's fluid needs at around 2.3 to 2.5 litres per day, all fluids combined, or about 10 cups.

Here's a simple way to spread your intake across the day.

The idea isn't to replace all your still water with sparkling water, but to vary your sources so you stay well hydrated throughout all nine months.

Making your own sparkling water at home, a simple and economical choice

When it comes to sparkling water and pregnancy, the homemade version offers several practical advantages over store-bought bottles. You choose your level of carbonation, you avoid hauling cases of heavy bottles (not ideal late in pregnancy), you control exactly what you drink, and you cut down on plastic waste.

Making a bottle of sparkling water to keep in the fridge takes less than a minute. For those who don't have the equipment yet, the buying guide for a sparkling water maker compares the main criteria to consider.

Conclusion

Sparkling water and pregnancy get along well, as long as you choose a water that's unsweetened, additive-free and not too high in sodium. Worked into your daily hydration, it can even help ease nausea and replace sugary drinks. As with everything, moderation and listening to your body remain the best guides.

To make simple sparkling water with no sugar or additives, discover sparkling water makers designed in Quebec.

FAQ

Are sparkling water and pregnancy really compatible?

Yes, pairing sparkling water and pregnancy poses no problem when you choose an unsweetened, additive-free water, whether it's natural or carbonated at home. Food-grade CO2 bubbles have no negative effect on the baby or the mother. You simply need to avoid sugary sodas, waters that are very high in sodium, and drinks containing caffeine or sweeteners.

Can sparkling water relieve pregnancy nausea?

For many moms-to-be, yes. The sensation of the bubbles in the mouth can cut through nausea and make it easier to take small sips of water when your stomach is fragile. It's a tip often suggested for the first trimester, alternated with other strategies like dry crackers, fresh ginger or mild herbal teas. Every woman reacts differently, so it's worth a try.

Does sparkling water cause bloating during pregnancy?

It varies from one woman to another. Some will tolerate the bubbles well throughout the pregnancy, while others will feel a bit more bloating toward the third trimester, when the uterus is already pressing on the digestive system. Lowering the carbonation level, spacing out consumption or alternating with still water is usually enough to avoid discomfort without giving up the bubbles.