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Kvass in pregnancy
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

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Pregnancy greatly changes taste preferences. Products that a woman was previously indifferent to or even did not like become desirable. In the summer heat, it is difficult to resist the desire to drink cooling kvass.
The fermentation process in kvass creates beneficial bacteria that have a beneficial effect on the digestive system, heart function, and normalize metabolic processes. In addition to being beneficial for the body, the drink tastes good and quenches thirst perfectly. Women are wary of drinking kvass during pregnancy because it contains 1.2% alcohol. Please note that lactic acid bacteria, like in fermented milk products, are responsible for fermentation, and not alcohol-fermenting bacteria, like in beer. It is also important to take into account the quantity, quality of the product, and the individual characteristics of the body.
Bottled kvass or from a barrel - raise doubts about its naturalness and usefulness. It is especially scary to buy kvass on tap from small tanks, the taps of which are not properly processed. The devices for pumping the drink into barrels often serve as a breeding ground for pathogenic microorganisms. Drinking kvass from bottles during pregnancy is also not worth it, since it often contains preservatives, dyes, sweeteners, which negatively affect the health of the mother and baby. Preference should be given to kvass from stationary points, and it is even better to make the drink yourself.
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Is it possible to drink kvass during pregnancy?
The microorganisms present in kvass strengthen the immune system, which is necessary during pregnancy. Kvass invigorates, charges with energy, improves mood, so a sudden change in mood does not threaten the expectant mother who prefers this drink. Live bacteria in kvass penetrate the stomach and intestines, which helps restore microflora.
The beneficial properties of kvass include:
- strengthening tooth enamel;
- relieving fatigue;
- strengthening hair, nails, improving skin condition;
- contains vitamins B1, E, C, PP and amino acids.
Vitamin B helps in the normal formation and development of the fetus, improves the well-being of the pregnant woman herself. Vitamin E activates the formation of progesterone, which helps maintain pregnancy. Vitamin C alleviates the course of toxicosis, eliminates stretch marks and bruises. Vitamin PP participates in the formation of the nervous system, muscle tissue, lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood.
The drink is capable of retaining fluid in the body, so some pregnant women feel swelling of the legs after drinking kvass. The percentage of alcohol in it is so small that it eliminates all doubts about whether kvass can be consumed during pregnancy. It is best to prepare the refreshing drink yourself in order to guess the strength and be sure of the naturalness of the components included in it.
If you can’t resist the store-bought analogue, you should evaluate the product before using it:
- The following should alert you: a strong smell of yeast, unnatural coloring;
- pay attention to the point of dispensing the drink and its compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards;
- a product in a plastic container is often artificially prepared;
- the presence of a sour-bitter taste is not natural for natural kvass;
- Check the label for preservatives and colorings.
It is believed that kvass during pregnancy affects weight status. This is nothing more than a myth. The yeast in the drink is only an appetite stimulant and is not capable of adding extra pounds. Of course, if you do not monitor the amount of food consumed and the kvass itself, then you can blame all the blame for weight gain on the tonic drink.
Homemade kvass during pregnancy
Kvass, made at home, is healthy and does not contain alcohol or any additives. But even this, doctors recommend drinking no more than one or two glasses a day.
It should be remembered that homemade kvass during pregnancy has a mild laxative effect and is indicated as a treatment or prevention of constipation.
Kvass should be avoided in case of increased gas formation in the intestines. In addition to unpleasant sensations in the abdomen, flatulence stimulates peristalsis and increases uterine tone. Kvass is prohibited during pregnancy in case of fetal development pathologies, in case of possible spontaneous termination of pregnancy.
Okroshka with kvass during pregnancy
Our ancestors revered kvass, and on its basis they prepared beetroot soups, tyuri and, of course, okroshka. Okroshka is a dietary dish and is indispensable for those who want to lose weight. Most of the components of this tasty and healthy dish are of plant origin, which makes it rich in fiber, vitamins, phosphorus, carotene, etc. Citric and malic acids, which are part of okroshka, contribute to the process of digestion and assimilation of food.
Okroshka includes meat or fish, but you can also make a purely vegetable dish. To reduce calories, use only egg whites, take poultry or ham, and replace sour cream with low-fat yogurt/kefir.
Okroshka with kvass is not only allowed during pregnancy, but also necessary, if there are no special dietary requirements. Some pregnant women note that a plate of okroshka relieves morning toxicosis. This is due to the sour components of the dish - kvass, kefir, lemon juice. Okroshka increases appetite, which is indispensable in the summer heat, when "there is no appetite", and is also a complete meal. You should not prepare the dish with mushrooms, which can be dangerous. And, of course, use homemade aromatic kvass to prepare okroshka.
Recipe for classic okroshka:
- boiled meat – 400g;
- eggs – 4 pcs;
- potatoes – 4 pcs;
- fresh cucumber – 3 pcs;
- radish – 250g;
- greens – dill/parsley/green onions;
- salt, pepper – to your taste;
- bread kvass – 1 liter.
Potatoes (it is better to boil them in their skins), peel and chop the eggs into cubes/strips. Cut the cucumbers, radishes, and meat into equal-sized slices. Mix everything, add herbs, lemon juice, yogurt/kefir/sour cream, spices and pour in kvass.
Doctors assure that if a woman liked kvass before conception and did not feel any discomfort after drinking the drink, then she can safely drink kvass during pregnancy. If a woman was indifferent to kvass, she should not start drinking it during pregnancy.