Is Drinking Cold Pressed Juice Safe During Pregnancy?

Drinking Cold Pressed Juices During Pregnancy

Cold pressed juices have surged in popularity in recent years as an easy way to pack in extra fruits and vegetables. But is juicing while pregnant safe for you and your growing baby?

Let's explore the pros and cons of drinking trendy cold pressed juices during pregnancy and key considerations regarding ingredients, food safety, nutrition, and more.

What Exactly Are Cold Pressed Juices?

Cold pressed juice refers to juice that uses a hydraulic press to mechanically 'squeeze' or extract liquid and nutrients from fresh fruits and veggies. Pressure rather than heat preserves raw enzymes and vitamins.

These unpasteurized juices are always kept chilled from preparation through transport to prevent spoilage or contamination. Common ingredients include greens like spinach or kale plus apples, carrots, beets and ginger.

Potential Benefits of Cold Pressed Juices During Pregnancy

Drinking nutrient-dense juices seems like an easy way for pregnant women to meet the demands of their growing babies. Let's explore some potential perks:

• Nutrient absorption – Juicing may enhance how expectant moms take in key vitamins and minerals like iron, folate, magnesium, and zinc in an easily digestible liquid delivery system.
• Immune support – Cold pressed juices retain many enzymes and nutrients providing antioxidant protection to support maternal immunity and baby's development.
• Energy boost – The natural sugars and carbohydrates in fresh juices can deliver a quick pick-me-up when pregnant women feel fatigued or sluggish.

Possible Downsides of Cold Pressed Juices in Pregnancy

But drinking trendy bottled juices also carries some potential risks you should know - especially with pregnancy precautions in mind:

• Foodborne illness – Unpasteurized juices may contain harmful bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella or E. coli that pregnant women are especially vulnerable to.
• High sugar – Many juices pack concentrated sources of fructose that can contribute excess sugar and calories leading to unhealthy maternal weight gain.
• Gastrointestinal issues - Some pregnant women experience bloating, gas, diarrhea or other GI troubles trying to break down all the fibrous vegetable matter in cold pressed juices.

Are Cold Pressed Juices Safe When Pregnant?

Safety ultimately comes down to proper handling and caution with ingredients.

On one hand, the basis of most cold pressed pregnancy juices come from healthy, nutritious whole foods like spinach, carrots, apples and ginger that pose minimal risks.

But the raw, unpasteurized nature of these juices introduces higher odds of contamination that could expose pregnant women to dangerous foodborne pathogens.

Tips for Safer Juicing While Pregnant

Here are some key precautions pregnant women can take for safer juicing:

• Only choose juices from reputable shops with strict safety standards for produce washing, prep, juicing, labeling and refrigeration.
• Check labels and avoid juices containing higher-risk items like wheatgrass, sprouts or leafy greens which are more prone to contamination.
• Don't try making your own juices at home unless you have a commercial grade juicer and follow meticulous safety protocols.
• Always keep juices chilled at 40° F or below and drink within 24 hours of production.

What About Juice Cleanses?

Some popular juice brands promote cleanses involving replacing entire meals with juices for 3+ days to 'detox' the body. But most health experts strongly advise pregnant women not attempt quick-fix liquid detoxes or fasting regimens which can starve both mom and developing baby of adequate nutrition for proper growth.

If you're set on doing a juice cleanse while pregnant, work closely with your OBGYN or dietitian to ensure complete, balanced nutrition for you and baby. Limit cleanses to no more than 24 hours with meal replacement juices plus prenatal vitamins and clear protein drinks.

Watch Out For These Juicing Ingredients If Pregnant

While most common juicing fruits and vegetables are A-OK for pregnancy, a few ingredients introduce questionable risks:

• Wheatgrass – This grows in soil where it can collect harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli.
• Sprouts – Alfalfa, clover and bean sprouts also present higher odds of bacterial concerns.
• Herbs – Parsley, ginger and citrus zests are likely fine but avoid medicinal herbs.
• Leafy greens – Kale, spinach and chard may limit absorption of folate and other nutrients due to minerals that inhibit thyroid function.

When in doubt, check with your doctor about any juicing ingredients that seem questionable.

How Much Juice Is Safe Per Day When Pregnant?

Most experts suggest limiting juice to no more than 4-6 oz per day as part of a balanced prenatal diet. This satisfies any cravings while preventing overconsumption of natural sugars.

Pay attention to signs your body gives if juices cause GI troubles or unhealthy weight fluctuations too.

What About Juices From Juice Bars When Pregnant?

Freshly squeezed juices from juice bars, cafes and shops introduce higher risks of contamination compared to bottled options:

• Numerous employees handle fruits/veggies
• Surfaces, hands and tools may not be adequately cleaned
• Ingredients are prepared on-site in small spaces
• Juices typically aren't lab tested

If pregnant, it's best to avoid made-to-order juices. But if you really love your daily fix, opt for ingredients less prone to bacteria like oranges or apples. And never choose wheatgrass shots!

Should Pregnant Women Drink Only Organic Cold Pressed Juices?

Due to concerns over pesticides and chemicals on conventionally farmed produce, organic cold pressed juices would seem the safest choice while pregnant. However, the FDA asserts washing and peeling non-organic fruits/veggies effectively removes residue on the outside skin.

So while pricier organic juices likely introduce fewer toxins, conventional options also remain risk-appropriate if handled properly. Just take usual precautions washing all produce thoroughly before juicing.

Always Discuss Juicing with Your OBGYN

Before incorporating any new foods or drinks like trendy bottled juices into your pregnancy diet, discuss plans openly with your obstetric provider first. Every woman and every pregnancy carries unique considerations.

Be sure to share all pertinent information regarding health conditions, complications, nutritional needs, weight status, food aversions/cravings and other factors needing attention.

While most doctors approve consuming small amounts of cold pressed juices from reputable companies, stay attuned to any reactions in your changing pregnant body.

How to Meet Nutrition Needs When Juicing While Pregnant

Expectant moms require higher amounts of certain nutrients that may prove challenging to satisfy through juices alone given limitations on quantities pregnant women should drink.

Be sure to eat a balanced diet with plenty of high-protein foods, dairy products, fresh fruits/veggies, and whole grains. Continue taking your doctor-recommended prenatal vitamin.

And always drink plenty of water as staying hydrated proves extra critical during pregnancy.

Signs You Should Stop Juicing While Pregnant

Discontinue juicing immediately if you experience any of the following problematic symptoms:

• Cramps, diarrhea, bloating or other intestinal distress
• Nausea, vomiting or flu-like achiness possibly signaling infection
• Significant weight loss or inability to gain weight appropriately
• Dehydration
• Toxoplasmosis exposure from poor handling hygiene

Promptly contact your OBGYN right away if you suspect contamination or foodborne illness resulting from drinking raw, unpasteurized juices while pregnant.

The Takeaway – Is Juicing While Pregnant Safe?

Most healthy women can continue enjoying small amounts of cold pressed juices from reputable companies while pregnant. But all pregnant juice lovers need to exercise added caution and practice smart safety measures given enhanced vulnerability.

While juices can supply beneficial vitamins and minerals, they should never wholly replace meals. Stick to doctor-approved dietary and lifestyle protocols to nourish yourself and baby.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.