Apple Cider Vinegar: The Pregnant Lady’s Sidekick

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Pregnancy brings with it a myriad of joys and wonders. But there are also some less than pleasant side-effects to deal with. Apple Cider Vinegar is a potent sidekick in helping with some of these side-effects in a way that’s safe for mommas-to-be! Bonus features: It’s cheap! If you have an abundance of apple cores, peels, and/or freshly made juice, you can make your own very easily using a recipe similar to this one!

Apple Cider Vinegar: The Pregnant Lady's Sidekick from Albuquerque Mom's Blog

Heartburn?

You betcha! I’ve been getting heartburn almost everyday since about week 24. It’s been fairly mild but still unpleasant. And I’ve read you can’t take more than 6 Tums/Antacid tablets in a day, which means I meet my quota well before the day is done. It may seem counterintuitive but Apple Cider Vinegar may help! I’ve found this to be helpful and much longer lasting than a couple of Rolaids. (And I really love the taste so I don’t mind drinking it.) Mix a tablespoon with a glass of water and drink it. 

Apple Cider Vinegar: The Pregnant Lady's Sidekick from Albuquerque Mom's BlogSkin Issues?

I read that using Apple Cider Vinegar can help with melasma/pregnancy mask, which I’ve been unfortunate enough to receive. Melasma is basically hyperpigmentation caused by an increase in melanin because of all those lovely hormones coursing through your burgeoning bod. It’s the same thing that creates the linea negra, the dark line running down your belly. It’s pretty common and may appear in patches on your face or other parts of your body. I’ve been lucky enough to get it on my upper lip (good thing mustaches are so en trend right now), cheeks, and across my forehead! Since skin lighteners and bleach creams aren’t recommended during pregnancy (and kind of freak me out anyway), I turned to Apple Cider Vinegar.

Apple Cider Vinegar: The Pregnant Lady's Sidekick from Albuquerque Mom's Blog

I’m not sure if the vinegar is helping my pregnancy mask, but it’s done wonders for my skin overall! If you’re struggling with acne, blemishes, or uneven skin texture, it’s great. (I’ve seen a huge difference in my skin texture since using it.) Worried about drying out? Don’t be! I thought the same thing as I have naturally dry skin. And Albuquerque is an extremely dry climate, but I’ve actually found that my skin is less dry since using it. My non-professional theory is that it balances out my skin’s pH and oil production and helps my moisturizer really sink in.

You can either dilute the vinegar with water or apply it directly to your face using a cotton pad like me. I do this morning and night, pre-moisturizer and make up. In the morning I use the vinegar en lieu of face wash and rinse my face to avoid the smell. I’m so happy with the results this will definitely be a permanent part of my skin-care routine.

GI Difficulties?

Fortunately, I haven’t had any issues in the ladies’ room but I’ve heard that drinking a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar can help ease constipation, indigestion, and gas–three major potential problems for many pregnant ladies. I’m definitely keeping this on my radar for the third trimester in case any problems arise.

Cleaning house?

Okay, so I don’t recommend using Apple Cider Vinegar to clean, but I do recommend White Vinegar. It’s super cheap and tough on odors, bacteria, and mildew. It’s a great substitute for the toxic cleaners you may have been using pre-pregnancy. You can even use it as a disinfectant to wipe down potential contagion-carrying surfaces (perfect for cold and flu season). Bonus Feature: It works everywhere–the windows, the toilet, the sink, the kitchen counter, you name it. Pour a little in the toilet bowl and scrub away. Put some in a spray bottle to use on windows, glass, and counters (don’t use on marble or granite surfaces!). Use it in the dishwasher if you have hard water. Pour some into the bottom of the dishwasher before starting it. For more vinegar cleaning tips, check out this Better Homes and Gardens article.

 

**Please Note: I am not a medical professional. I highly recommend talking to your health care provider prior to ingesting Apple Cider Vinegar.