Pregnant women should be aware of what they consume or take during pregnancy, as these nine months have high sensitivity. For example, baking soda is a kind of chemical compound that most pregnant ladies wonder if it is safe to use this compound while pregnant. Do you want to know about the saftey of taking baking soda for pregnant? If yes, read on.
This article on Hipregnancy, explores what you need to know about using baking soda while pregnant, including its pros and cons. Don’t miss this article if you are searching for the key points of using baking soda.
What is baking soda used for?
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is an alkaline chemical compound that comes in a solution, tablet, and granule. Here are three common usages of baking soda for pregnant women and others;
- Baking soda for heartburn
This chemical compound can be used to relieve heartburn due to its alkaline properties. It can neutralize excess stomach acid and because of that falls into the category of antacids. Although baking soda is a good option for heartburn relief, you have to consult your doctor before trying it out.
- Baking soda for cooking
Baking soda is a popular ingredient for baking cakes and cookies. According to studies, it is safe to use sodium bicarbonate for cooking and baking, but it should be mixed with other ingredients and used in moderation. (Read more about “can i eat cake during pregnancy?“)
In other words, it is better not to take baking soda every day to reduce its harmful impact.
- Baking soda as a cleaning agent
Sodium bicarbonate is known as a deodorizer and surface cleaner, works very well for cleaning kitchen, table tops and even carpets. The positive point about baking soda is that it will not cause any issues in contact with the skin.
Is it safe to take baking soda during pregnancy?
One of the common questions among pregnnat ladies is, “Is baking soda safe for pregnancy?” The short answer to this question is yes, but it is better to talk about it in detail.
Generally speaking, hormonal changes during pregnancy lead to heartburn, known as a common complaint among pregnant ladies.
Studies show that, if you consume baking soda while pregnant in mild doses, you can easily control and reduce heartburn symptoms. However, if you consume it in excess, you will face its negative impacts.
As there are diverse opinions about the safety of consuming baking soda during pregnancy, it is more advisable to consult your doctor or healthcare provider first, and then use it in limited amounts. Remember to ask your doctor about the safe quantity of baking soda suitable for you based on your circumstance.
Advantages of baking soda for pregnant
Here are some advantages of taking bicarbonate sodium while pregnant, including;
- Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda can fight the acids produced by your body and growing baby. Though, it can be an excellent option for controlling acid formation, and help you to get relief from heartburn symptoms.
- The mild dose of baking soda is even better that any antacids and medicines for severe acidity. So, you can use mild doses of baking soda for acid reflux in pregnancy.
- Taking baking soda during pregnancy first trimester can improve your hygiene, when frequent vomiting increases acidic oral condition. All you need is to dissolve a teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate in a glass of water and then rinse your mouth with it.
Disadvantages of baking soda during pregnancy
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate contains sodium, as a result, taking it while pregnant can increase the levels of sodium in your body. If the sodium level increases in your body, you will face issues like edema, a swelling caused by trapping excess fluid in your body tissues.
To be on the safe side, don’t take baking soda during pregnancy as an antacid if you have other safer and more effective remedies at hand. Hipregnancy recommends you to consult your doctor about safety of taking baking soda for pregnant, even in a mild dose, as it may have negative impact on you and the fetus.
Remember, pregnant ladies who suffer from edema must avoid drinking baking soda while pregnant even for treating heartburn, as it can make their problem worse. In such conditions, baking soda can be a part of things not to eat while pregnant.
Why can’t you take a baking soda bath while pregnant?
To answer this question, it is better to talk about baking soda bath first and cover the answer to the above question. Ready for it? Let’s start.
A tube bath with dissolved sodium bicarbonate in warm water is known as a baking soda bath. This bath is recommended for treating minor skin conditions, and lasts about 10-40 minutes. Depending on your skin condition, you can dissolve two tablespoons to two cups of baking soda in warm water.
Now, you know what a baking soda bath is and how you can make it. So, let’s continue to talk about taking it during pregnancy.
Most pregnant ladies prefer not to take a baking soda bath during pregnancy, as the safety of this bath is not scientifically proven yet. As there are no studies about taking this bath, it is more advisable to avoid it until the end of pregnancy or talk to a health care provider before taking it.
Can you use baking soda for cooking when pregnant?
Baking soda is a basic ingredient of many cakes and cookies you eat and improves your cooking. It is generally considered safe to use baking soda for cooking while you are pregnant; however, you should take it in moderation, not every day.
There are two factors you should be cautious about taking baking soda;
- Frequency of using baking soda
- Quantity of consumption
As you see, consuming foods containing baking will not harm you and the unborn baby as well, as long as you eat them in moderate quantities and not every single day. Follow guidelines to minimize the risk of health issues.
Conclusion
Taking baking soda for pregnant is generally safe; the same goes for the growing baby, but the vital point should be followed is that it should be consumed in mild doses. In addition, it is necessary to consult a doctor beforehand.
To conclude, if you want to take bakin soda for gas while pregnant or baking soda for indigestion while pregnant, it is s must to consult your doctor before trying it.
In this article on Hipregnancy, we provided you the essential point you and other pregnant ladies needed to know about taking baking soda in pregnancy.
Do share your ideas about this topic and the related points with us if you know any new points to mention!
FAQs
1. Is baking soda bath safe for pregnancy?
Since there is no scientific evidence to prove that baking soda bath is safe during pregnancy, Hipregnancy recommends you not to take it while pregnant.
2. Is it safe to drink baking soda and water while pregnant?
It is not recommended to drink baking soda and water during pregnancy. It might cause digestive discomfort, dehydration, ruptured stomach, kidney failure, etc. As a result, it is best avoid baking soda and water for heartburn while pregnant.
3. Is baking soda safe during pregnancy?
Mild doses of baking soda is safe during pregnancy, but it is advisable to consult your doctor before trying it while pregnant.