What is apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a culinary ingredient, condiment, and a widely used natural home remedy.
This variety of vinegar is produced from fermented apples. Some versions contain beneficial bacteria when left unpasteurized and including the “mother,” while other varieties are pasteurized.
Unpasteurized ACV, because it can be rich in probiotic bacteria, is often touted for various health benefits. Some of these claims may be attractive to pregnant individuals.
However, the presence of live bacteria may raise concerns for some who are pregnant. This article examines those concerns and reviews the safety and potential benefits of using ACV during pregnancy.
Is ACV safe for pregnancy?
There is no direct research that definitively establishes whether ACV is safe or unsafe specifically in pregnancy.
Generally, guidelines and studies suggest that pregnant people should be cautious about consuming certain unpasteurized products. These items can harbor bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella, Toxoplasma, and others.
Because the immune system is somewhat suppressed during pregnancy, pregnant individuals may be more susceptible to foodborne illnesses. Some of these infections can have serious or fatal outcomes.
The developing fetus is also at greater risk for miscarriage, stillbirth, and other complications if exposed to these pathogens.
All types of apple cider vinegar contain acetic acid. Acetic acid has antimicrobial properties, which can inhibit growth of many microbes while allowing certain beneficial bacteria to persist.
Research indicates acetic acid can eliminate Salmonella. Other studies suggest it may also be effective against Listeria and E. colias well asCampylobacter.
Based on this evidence, some harmful pathogens might not survive as well in apple cider vinegar as they would in other unpasteurized foods. Still, definitive conclusions on ACV’s safety in pregnancy can’t be drawn until more targeted research is available.
Pregnant individuals should approach unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with caution and be fully aware of possible risks. Consult your healthcare provider before using unpasteurized vinegars during pregnancy.
Using pasteurized apple cider vinegar is generally considered safe during pregnancy and avoids these bacterial concerns. However, pasteurized ACV may lack some of the probiotic qualities attributed to unpasteurized varieties. Remember, there are safer probiotic supplements available that don’t carry the same potential risks.
Does ACV help certain symptoms of pregnancy?
Although the safety of apple cider vinegar during pregnancy is not firmly established, many pregnant people still use it for various ailments. To date, no definitive reports have linked ACV use—pasteurized or unpasteurized—to pregnancy complications.
ACV may be helpful for some pregnancy-related symptoms. Bear in mind that pasteurized ACV is typically the safer choice.
Apple cider vinegar may help with morning sickness
Some recommend ACV as a home remedy for morning sickness.
The acids in apple cider vinegar can sometimes ease certain gastrointestinal disturbances. Therefore, it may relieve nausea for some pregnant individuals.
However, there’s a lack of studies to confirm this use. Additionally, consuming excessive amounts of ACV could provoke or worsen nausea.
Both pasteurized and unpasteurized vinegar could be relevant here, since the effect likely relates more to the vinegar’s acidity than to its bacterial content.
How to use: Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of ACV into a tall glass of water. Consume up to twice daily.
Apple cider vinegar may help with heartburn
While evidence for morning sickness relief is limited, ACV might ease heartburn. Heartburn can occur more frequently during the second trimester for some pregnant people.
A 2016 study observed that ACV could benefit people with heartburn who did not respond well to over-the-counter antacids. The research specifically evaluated the unpasteurized form.
How to use: Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of ACV in a tall glass of water. Drink up to twice daily.
Apple cider vinegar may improve digestion and metabolism
Another 2016 animal study suggested that apple cider vinegar could alter digestive enzymes.
The research indicated it might enhance the body’s handling of fats and sugars. These effects could be beneficial, particularly regarding type 2 diabetes, though human trials are lacking. This raises the possibility that ACV might influence the risk of gestational diabetes.
The study did not make clear whether pasteurized or unpasteurized ACV was used.
How to use: Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a tall glass of water. Drink up to twice daily.
Apple cider vinegar may help or prevent urinary tract and yeast infections
ACV is frequently suggested as a remedy for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections.
Both conditions are relatively common during pregnancy. However, there’s no strong evidence proving ACV is effective specifically for these infections. For UTI management during pregnancy, follow methods that are proven and recommended by healthcare professionals.
A 2011 study found that rice vinegar helped clear a bacterial urinary infection, though its results may not directly apply to apple cider vinegar.
Either pasteurized or unpasteurized ACV might be considered, since the most relevant evidence for vinegar and UTIs involved a pasteurized rice vinegar.
How to use: Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a tall glass of water. Drink up to twice daily.
Apple cider vinegar may help with acne
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can trigger acne for some people.
Some research indicates that acetic acids, abundant in ACV, might assist in combating acne. These effects were observed when combined with certain light-based therapies, however.
Topical application of either pasteurized or unpasteurized apple cider vinegar is an option and carries less risk of foodborne illness than ingestion.
Although evidence supporting ACV for acne is not conclusive, some pregnant individuals report positive outcomes. It’s inexpensive and generally safe as a topical treatment. There are also other natural acne remedies considered safe during pregnancy that you might explore.
How to use: Mix one part ACV with three parts water. Lightly apply to acne-prone areas with a cotton ball.
The bottom line
Many people use apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for various issues during pregnancy.
Most of these uses lack strong scientific backing, though some conditions have more supportive research than others.
As far as current reports indicate, no clear harms have been attributed to using ACV of any type during pregnancy. Nonetheless, pregnant individuals should consult their healthcare provider before consuming unpasteurized apple cider vinegar.
To maximize safety, avoid vinegars containing the “mother” while pregnant. Pasteurized vinegars can still offer some potential benefits and present fewer risks.
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