Sparkling Water

Sparkling water is entirely safe to drink throughout pregnancy. The carbonation — dissolved carbon dioxide — has no harmful effect on the baby and does not increase the risk of any pregnancy complication. Sparkling water is essentially still water in every way that matters nutritionally, just with bubbles added. For many pregnant women, sparkling water is actually helpful: the fizz can settle nausea and make staying hydrated more enjoyable when plain water feels unappealing, which is particularly common in the first trimester. It is also an excellent alternative to sugary fizzy drinks, energy drinks, or alcohol-free substitutes when you want something with a bit more character than still water. Flavoured sparkling waters are generally safe — check that they do not contain added caffeine (some 'energy' sparkling waters do) or very high levels of added sugar. Plain sparkling water — branded or supermarket own-brand — is completely without concern. Sparkling mineral waters, which contain naturally occurring minerals such as calcium and magnesium, are also safe and may provide a small nutritional contribution.