The Pregnancy Guide to Non-Alcoholic Labels
Pregnant women often look for drinks labeled ‘non-alcoholic’ to ensure the beverages they consume are safe for their baby. But with so many new non-alcoholic options on the market, it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out which ones are truly safe to drink while pregnant. But fear not, we've got you covered! Here's how to navigate non-alcoholic labels like a pro while sipping sober.
Know What the Labels Mean
To make sure you've selected an actual non-alcoholic beverage, it's important to understand what the different labels mean. ‘Non-alcoholic’ means that there’s not more than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) in a given product, while ‘alcohol-free’ denotes that there is 0.05% ABV or less in the drink. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and CDC both state that no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy - so it pays to read the label carefully just to be sure!
Check for Added Sugars in Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-alcoholic beverages can still contain unhealthy amounts of sugar, so be sure to check the nutrition label of any product that you’re considering. Look at the ‘total sugars’ and the ‘added sugars’ - many carbonated drinks, for example, are loaded with added sugars and preservatives which can really add up over time. Try to find low-sugar alternatives or whole-food ingredients such as fruit juices.
Consider Alternative Non-Alcoholic Drinks
There’s more non-alcoholic drinks available beyond just soda or juice. Flavored, sparkling and coconut waters are all great options for pregnant women to enjoy without worrying about unhealthy sugar or other ingredients. Additionally, some ‘mocktails’ can be made using club soda or seltzer water along with fresh fruit juices, herbs, and other natural additions such as honey or agave syrup.
Read the Label for Low Alcohol Content and Ingredients
Before purchasing any pre-bottled drink, it’s important to read the label carefully to ensure that the contents are indeed non-alcoholic. In some cases, a beverage may have one of several different labels on the bottle. For instance, ‘low alcohol’ or ‘reduced alcohol’ labels mean the drink itself is less than 2.5% ABV; ‘non-alcoholic’ signs indicate that the drink doesn’t exceed 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) and ‘alcohol-free’ may be used only on malt beverages containing no alcohol. Additionally, be sure to check for ingredients as well - some brands add spirits as flavoring, which technically counts as alcohol content.
Always Talk to a Doctor First for Expert Advice on alcohol and pregnancy safety
Before trying any type of beverage, including alcohol-free options, you should always check with a medical professional to see what is best for your health and pregnancy. Your prenatal physician or midwife will provide you with amazing advice and even suggest alternatives if necessary. When in doubt - always ask!
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Please note: JunoDx.com and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
