Apple Cider Vinegar During Pregnancy – Is It Good For Pregnant Women?

• First Parents
• March 6, 2025

Is it safe to drink apple cider vinegar during pregnancy? If this question bugs you, you have come to the right place.

Pregnancy comes with a lot of restrictions, especially when it concerns food or drinks. As a soon-to-be mother, it is your responsibility to care for your baby’s health during every stage of your pregnancy. 

Understanding which foods are safe to eat and which are not helps you follow a healthy diet plan. While vinegar is used for its health benefits, its pregnancy safety is often questioned.

Apple cider vinegar is regarded as a natural and nutritious beverage. But to consume it during your pregnancy, you must know a few things. This article will answer the question, “Is apple cider vinegar safe during pregnancy?” If you want to learn more about this topic, read this post.

Is It Safe To Drink Apple Cider Vinegar During Pregnancy?

Should you drink apple cider vinegar during pregnancy? Is it safe for pregnant women? 

No research confirms apple cider vinegar (ACV) is safe or unsafe for pregnant women. 

Generally, doctors and health experts advise caution when consuming unpasteurized beverages and foods during pregnancy. These products may contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Toxoplasma, and Listeria, leading to serious infections. 

During pregnancy, your immune system weakens, making you more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses. Getting infected by these bacteria can increase the risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, or other pregnancy-related issues.

However, apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, a compound with antimicrobial properties. Research suggests acetic acid can eliminate harmful bacteria like Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Listeria, E. coli. ACV is less likely to carry harmful pathogens than other unpasteurized foods. However, more studies are needed to determine its safety for pregnant women.

If you want to consume ACV during your pregnancy, it is better to consult a doctor. This will help you avoid potential health concerns. Consuming pasteurized ACV may not benefit your health because it doesn’t contain the probiotics your body needs. You can choose a safer supplement to meet your probiotic needs.

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Now that we have answered your question, let us tell you what apple cider vinegar is.

Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apples. It is a popular condiment or food containing some helpful bacteria if not pasteurized. However, you will also find pasteurized ACVs.

Unpasteurized ACV has probiotic bacteria, offering pregnant and non-pregnant people various health benefits. However, it is better to consult a doctor before adding ACV to your diet. That is if you are an expecting mother.

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar Made Of?

Apple cider vinegar is produced by fermenting apple juice. This process happens in two steps. 

First, the natural sugars in the juice are turned into alcohol; then, the alcohol is transformed into acetic acid. This is what gives the vinegar its strong smell and sour taste. 

Regarding apple cider vinegar, two main types are available: unpasteurized and pasteurized. The latter is processed to remove sediment and bacteria, making it smooth and clear. 

On the other hand, unpasteurized vinegar is raw and contains beneficial bacteria and natural enzymes.

How much apple cider vinegar should be taken daily? – not more than one tablespoon or 15 millilitres, and that too in diluted form. You can either use water or any other liquid to dilute ACV.

Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar During Pregnancy

Before you decide to drink apple cider vinegar, you must learn about the benefits involved. It has specific characteristics that can benefit you greatly during pregnancy.

Some of the key benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar include the following:

Reduces Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is common during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Some people believe that the acidic nature of apple cider vinegar helps neutralize stomach acid and reduce nausea. The organic acids in ACV may help with digestion and ease discomfort. You can mix a small amount of ACV with water and drink it in the morning to see if it helps.

Helps With Leg Cramps

Leg cramps are common during pregnancy. This mainly happens due to potassium deficiency and changes in blood circulation. In this case, you can rely on apple cider vinegar as it is rich in potassium, a crucial mineral that supports muscle function. By regularly consuming ACV in small amounts, you can reduce the frequency of leg cramps.

Promotes Healthy Digestion

Digestive issues like acid reflux, bloating, and constipation often accompany pregnancy. If you face these issues, sipping apple cider vinegar may help. It contains probiotics and enzymes that help with digestion. You can maintain a healthy gut and balance stomach acidity by consuming it in moderate amounts. However, consume only dilute ACV before meals as it promotes smoother digestion.

Improves Blood Circulation

Poor blood circulation during pregnancy can lead to swelling in the feet, hands, and ankles. To help your condition, you can take apple cider vinegar in small amounts. It is known to promote better blood flow and reduce fluid retention. You should take diluted ACV for best results, as it helps reduce inflammation.

Regulates Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a concern for many pregnant women. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar supports cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure levels. It does so by reducing the activity of the renin enzyme. However, you shouldn’t use ACV to replace prescribed treatments for high blood pressure.

Prevents Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Pregnant women are more prone to urinary tract infections due to increased pressure on the bladder and hormonal changes. Apple cider vinegar contains natural antifungal and antibacterial properties that may help prevent bacterial growth in the urinary tract. Consuming it in moderation can improve your urinary health and maintain a balanced pH. However, before using ACV, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider about the correct quantity and frequency of intake.

Side-Effects Of Apple Cider Vinegar During Pregnancy

Despite all the good things, apple cider vinegar has a few side effects that you must know about. To give you an idea, we have discussed the main disadvantages of apple cider vinegar in the lines below.

Bacterial Infection

As stated earlier, unpasteurized ACV may contain bacteria like Listeria and E. coli. While these bacteria may not be dangerous for most healthy people, they are not considered safe for pregnant women. During pregnancy, your immune system is at its lowest. This increases the risk of bacterial infections and other complications.

Hard Cider

You should avoid consuming alcoholic versions of apple cider. Like any other alcoholic beverage, hard cider is not safe during pregnancy. You shouldn’t even drink it in small amounts.

Gestational Diabetes

While apple cider provides essential antioxidants and vitamins, it also has many natural sugars that can harm your health. Expecting mothers, particularly those at risk for gestational diabetes, should reduce their sugar intake to avoid any possible issues.

Acidity and Heartburn

Many pregnant women experience heartburn and acid reflux, especially in the later months of their pregnancy. Since apple cider vinegar is highly acidic, it can worsen the system. To avoid this from happening, you should stop consuming apple cider vinegar.

Using Vinegar For A Pregnancy Test: Does It Work?

Now, let’s talk about the effects of apple cider vinegar on pregnancy tests. Women may feel uncomfortable using a store-bought pregnancy test or visiting a doctor for confirmation. In such cases, they may look for alternative ways to check if they are pregnant.

While there are several DIY pregnancy tests, the vinegar test is one of them. Mixing your urine with clear vinegar causes a chemical reaction that changes the colour of the urine.

Here are the steps to perform a vinegar pregnancy test:

• Use a clean container to collect your urine sample. Use your first-morning urine for the test.
• Take a separate container and pour some clear vinegar.
• Now, mix the urine with the vinegar.
• Let the mixture sit undisturbed for a few minutes.
• After some time, check if the colour of the mix has changed.
• If you notice a colour change, it means you are pregnant. In case Ifour doesn’t change, it indicates no pregnancy.

Note: This test is not reliable. To confirm whether you are pregnant or not, you should see a doctor or use a pregnancy test kit.

Can Apple Cider Vinegar Cause Miscarriage?

Drinking apple cider vinegar in moderation doesn’t cause miscarriage in early pregnancy. However, it’s generally recommended that pregnant women choose pasteurized drinks and foods over unpasteurized ones.

Unpasteurized apple cider vinegar may contain bacteria that could risk your health. Since your immune system becomes weak during pregnancy, it can create health issues.

To stay safe, it’s always wise to consult a doctor before adding apple cider vinegar to your diet during pregnancy. You should follow the same advice for other supplements as well. A professional knows these things better. Therefore, they can give you better advice than anybody else.

How To Consume Apple Cider Vinegar During Pregnancy?

Drinking undiluted apple cider vinegar is not recommended during pregnancy. That’s because it can be bad for your health and cause issues like throat irritation, tooth enamel problems, and more. Also, if you have digestive issues, you need to be extra careful, as the acidic nature of ACV may cause stomach irritation or discomfort.

To consume ACV safely, you should always dilute it with water. Mix one teaspoon of ACV with 240 ml of water. Start with a small amount to see how your body reacts. If you experience any issues, discontinue immediately.

Since acidic foods trigger acid reflux or heartburn during pregnancy, it’s best to use apple cider vinegar in moderation. The best way to incorporate it into your meals is to add it to salad dressings. This helps minimize the risk of irritation.

Final Words

Consuming apple cider vinegar in small amounts during pregnancy is fine as long as it is pasteurized. Since unpasteurized apple cider vinegar contains bacteria, it is better to avoid it altogether. Also, you should consume it in diluted form or add it to salad dressings. To understand the effects of apple cider vinegar during pregnancy, you should consult a doctor. They can tell if it is healthy for you to consume it or not.

FAQs

Is it safe to take apple cider vinegar while pregnant?

You can consume apple cider vinegar in moderate amounts during pregnancy, but make sure it is diluted and pasteurized. If you have any questions, consult a doctor.

Is it safe to drink cider while pregnant?

It is not safe to drink cider during pregnancy as it can harm the developing foetus. 

How to clean the stomach during pregnancy?

Eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and staying hydrated are the best ways to clean your stomach during pregnancy.

How to improve your baby’s health during pregnancy?

You can enhance your baby’s health during pregnancy by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Also, avoid smoking and seek prenatal care.

Who should avoid apple cider vinegar?

People with digestive issues and allergies are advised not to consume apple cider vinegar.

What not to drink during pregnancy?

You should not drink energy drinks, alcohol, and certain herbal teas during pregnancy. Also, you should limit your caffeine intake.