Is Liquid IV Safe To Drink While Pregnant?
When you’re pregnant, you want to do everything in your power to ensure the health of your growing baby. One of the most important things to do when pregnant is to ensure that your nutritional needs are met, after all, you’re not just taking care of one person — you’re taking care of two. One common pregnancy issue that can be solved with proper nutrition is dehydration, which can cause serious pregnancy complications. Many women suffer from dehydration during pregnancy, whether it be from morning sickness or extreme exhaustion.
A popular drink to help stay hydrated and avoid dehydration is Liquid IV. It’s packed with electrolytes and vitamins. But is it safe to use while you’re pregnant? Let’s dive into it.
Table of Contents
- What is Liquid IV
- Can you drink Liquid IV while Pregnant?
- Can I Drink Liquid IV while Breastfeeding
- What are the ingredients in Liquid IV?
- Our recommendations
- How do I know if I’m dehydrated during pregnancy?
- How Many Liquid IV servings can you drink a day while pregnant
- Is there a downside to Liquid IV?
- Final Say
What is Liquid IV
Liquid IV is a non-GMO powdered drink mix that contains a unique formula of vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes. The company claims that the product can increase hydration levels in the body faster than most other drinks, including water.
The makers of Liquid IV claim that it has many benefits, including:
- Improving your energy levels
- Increasing your metabolism
- Improving your immune system
- Reducing muscle soreness
Can you drink Liquid IV while Pregnant?
Yes, Liquid IV is generally safe to drink while pregnant. Liquid IV is a mixture of electrolytes (and other vitamins) that can be added to a glass of water. It’s designed to help hydrate your body and replenish the electrolytes it loses through sweat and other bodily fluids. It is made from a mixture of ingredients that follows the World Health Organization’s guidelines for Oral Rehydration Solutions.
Liquid IV should be taken in moderation, however, as drinking too much Liquid IV could lead to excessive sodium or sugar consumption.
In addition, the “Energy Multiplier” version of Liquid IV contains 100 mg of caffeine, which is as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. Women who are trying to limit their caffeine consumption during pregnancy should stay away from this blend and instead opt for the non-caffeinated “Hydration Multiplier”.
Keep in mind though, that there have been no scientific studies about the specific effects of Liquid IV in pregnant women, so you should ask your doctor if you have any concerns before adding it to your diet while pregnant.
Can I Drink Liquid IV while Breastfeeding
Again, there are no specific studies on the effects of Liquid IV in nursing moms, but it’s generally accepted to be safe when taken in moderation.
The electrolytes and water in a Liquid IV serving may help in restoring hydration and promoting milk production.
However, the “Energy Multiplier” blend of Liquid IV should be avoided while breastfeeding if you are trying to stay clear of caffeine.
If you’re concerned about taking Liquid IV you should consult with your medical provider.
What are the ingredients in Liquid IV?
Liquid IV contains a unique blend of ingredients that can help your body bounce back and keep going if you’re dehydrated or sick.
It contains:
- Potassium Citrate
- Sodium Citrate
- Mined Salt
- Dextrose
- Vitamin C
- Natural Flavor
- Stevia Leaf Extract
- Silicon Dioxide
- Dipotassium Phosphate
- Citric Acid
- Vitamins B3, B5, B6, and B12
Our recommendations
If you’re looking to take Liquid IV to stay hydrated while pregnant or breastfeeding, I’d personally recommend staying away from the caffeinated versions, as mentioned above. Liquid IV Hydration Accelerator comes in more than 9 flavors. After trying out most of them, here are my top 2 picks.
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier, Passion Fruit
The classic Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier in Passion Fruit flavor is the best flavor that I’ve personally tested.
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier + Immune Support, Fresh Tangerine
The Hydration Multiplier + Immune Support packs on extra vitamins and minerals (like Vitamin C and Zinc). The Tangerine flavor is delicious — not too citrusy, just refreshing with a cool tangerine twist.
How do I know if I’m dehydrated during pregnancy?
The effects of dehydration during pregnancy can range from mild discomfort all the way up to serious complications for you or your baby.
So how do you know if you’re dehydrated? One way is to keep an eye on the color of your urine, which should be light yellow or colorless. If it’s dark yellow, that may signify that you need to drink more fluids.
Other symptoms of dehydration include:
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Fatigue or weakness
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
How Many Liquid IV servings can you drink a day while pregnant
There’s no hard and fast rule on how many Liquid IV servings you can take while pregnant, however, we would recommend no more than 1 to 2 servings per day.
The sodium content of a single stick is 500mg, roughly 25% of the daily recommended intake. This is more than double the content of other electrolyte-filled sports drinks like Gatorade.
In addition, the sugar content is 11 grams, which is between 25-35% of the amount of sugar that’s generally considered acceptable during pregnancy.
Is there a downside to Liquid IV?
While there may be significant benefits to drinking Liquid IV in order to stay hydrated, there are still some downsides that you may want to consider.
Can cause problems in diabetics
Liquid IV contains 11g of sugar per serving, which may be too much for some, especially if you are diabetic or predisposed to gestational diabetes. Even if you’re not diabetic, excessive sugar consumption can cause blood sugar levels to spike and crash, which may leave you feeling tired and irritable.
Sodium Content
One of Liquid IV’s primary selling points is that it’s packed with electrolytes — one of which is sodium. And Liquid IV contains a lot of it, with 22% of the daily recommended value per stick. The sodium in Liquid IV can add up over time if you’re drinking it regularly—especially if you already eat a high-sodium diet. So if you’re concerned about your sodium intake, we recommend checking with your doctor before starting to drink Liquid IV regularly.
Final Say
While there have been no scientific studies on the effects of Liquid IV, the ingredients in Liquid IV are generally considered safe for women who are pregnant. The electrolytes are great for helping with dehydration, and the vitamins can also help nourish you and your unborn child. Like with all supplements, make sure to take it in moderation, as Liquid IV does have certain ingredients (such as sodium and sugar) that can cause issues if overconsumed.
