Apple Cider Vinegar in Pregnancy: What You Should Know (2024)

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been a natural remedy for thousands of years. Even though it’s been around that long, the popularity of it is resurfacing in a big way – especially for pregnant women.

According to a 2017 review, health benefits of ACV include improved digestion, reflux, constipation, gut microbiome, and more.

This information is for educational purposes only and should not substitute the advice from your healthcare professional.

Apple cider vinegar can benefit pregnant women in a multitude of ways!

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar, commonly referred to as ACV, is made from the fermented juices of apples.

The most common form of ACV is raw, unpasteurized containing the ‘Mother’ which is a strand of proteins, enzymes, and healthy bacteria that gives the liquid a cloudy look. My favorite ACV is Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with the ‘Mother’ (pictured below).

There are other forms of ACV including: filtered, pasteurized, etc. The only ACV I consume is organic and has the ‘Mother’ because it’s the healthiest version. I, of course, recommend you do the same.

Safety of Apple Cider Vinegar During Pregnancy

While apple cider vinegar (ACV) is often used as a natural remedy for many pregnancy symptoms, it is important for you to know there is no research to support its efficacy. AKA ACV has not been proven safe or unsafe for pregnant women.

Pregnant women should stick to unpasteurized apple cider vinegar. According to Healthline, no complications have been connected with using ACV during pregnancy, whether pasteurized or unpasteurized. But as a CYA, always talk to your doc before consuming any type of ACV while pregnant.

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar During Pregnancy:

1. Manages Heartburn

It may sound counterintuitive: alleviating acid reflux with more acid. But I am here to tell you, it works. There is very little research to support why this phenomenon occurs, but I can explain one theory.

Essentially, there are muscles in our bodies that are made for controlling stomach acid. They have one job, which is to push stomach acid down through the digestive system.

The theory is, when the stomach is not producing enough acid, those muscles basically get lazy and stop doing their job. At which point, they allow the stomach acid to come back up our esophagus. ACV ensures there is enough acid in our stomachs to keep those muscles working hard and keep heartburn at bay.

2. Reduces Swelling & Varicose Veins

One of ACV’s greatest accolades is it’s anti-inflammatory properties. Because swelling is simply inflammation stored in the body, ACV is a great defender against this big pregnancy symptom.

Some experts even suggest applying ACV topically to help with swelling and varicose veins. Just be careful to not apply ACV to wounds or other damaged skin. Ouch.

3. Eases Leg Cramps

Leg cramps are often a result of low potassium levels. Lucky for us, ACV is chock-full of potassium and will ease those debilitating cramps.

4. Controls Constipation

Again, there is limited research to support this claim, but many people (myself included) swear by ACV to aid with constipation. ACV contains hefty amounts of pectin, a soluble dietary fiber. Constipation is often a result of lack of fiber. Common sense would tell us, a fiber-filled drink would help with constipation.

As an added bonus, ACV contains magnesium, which is the best home remedy for constipation. Need I say more?

5. Improves Cold Symptoms & Pregnancy Rhinitis

ACV is full of antioxidant properties and is known to improve gut microbiome. Meaning, it will help build a stronger immune system and improve cold symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, and more.

6. May Lessen Morning Sickness

Truth is, morning sickness is a great mystery. There is no real understanding of why it happens, who it happen to, and how to officially rid yourself of those pesky pukes. Insert eye roll.

In full transparency, some women have reported ACV to help with morning sickness, others say it doesn’t work. But hey, when you have wicked morning sickness, anything is worth a shot.

Risks of Apple Cider Vinegar in Pregnancy

Very few risks have been reported. It is important to note, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is highly acidic. Too much acid can be corrosive. It is strongly recommended that you dilute ACV with water to reduce acidity.

How to Consume Apple Cider Vinegar

You can consume up to 2 tablespoons of ACV per day.

Mix 1-2 tablespoons of ACV in 8 ounces of water
Take a shot of ACV
This is my preferred method. I like to mix half ACV and half water in a shot glass.
Pro tip: It doesn’t taste great, so have a chaser ready.
A base in salad dressings
Topically on skin
Primarily used for acne
Supplement in pills
While this is an option, I wouldn’t recommend it. Most ACV supplements are not regulated by the FDA. If something is not regulated, it may be full of synthetic properties. If you decide to use ACV in pill form, just do your due diligence and thoroughly research the company.

My Experience with Apple Cider Vinegar During Pregnancy

I only like to speak to what I know, and what I know is this sh*t works. Unfortunately, I didn’t discover the magic of apple cider vinegar (ACV) until about 24 weeks along with my second baby. Therefore, I didn’t have the luxury of using ACV to diminish my morning sickness.

However, I can speak to it’s benefit for the other five pregnancy symptoms listed above: heartburn, swelling and varicose veins, leg cramps, constipation, and pregnancy rhinitis.

Many times throughout the last half of my pregnancy I experienced all sorts of unwanted symptoms. To be honest, I wouldn’t wish any of them on my worst enemy.

But ACV truly did help alleviate heartburn, swelling, cramping, constipation, and cold-like symptoms. I gladly recommend them to any pregnant woman looking for a little relief.

The Wrap Up: Apple Cider Vinegar During Pregnancy

After reviewing the research, there is very little data specific to pregnant women consuming ACV. This is likely because it is very hard to convince the Institutional Review Board (IRB) that we should be experimenting with pregnant women. Fair enough.

However, there is evidence to support AVC is beneficial for an average human being. It can be hypothesized that ACV, when consumed in moderation, is safe for pregnant women – just as it is for non-pregnant women.

Personally, I recommend using ACV to combat unwanted pregnancy symptoms. Ultimately, you should make your own inform decision, and always talk to your doctor first.