Cranberry juice and supplements offer many benefits, including prevention of urinary tract infections. During pregnancy, you are at an increased risk for developing urinary tract infections due to your growing uterus, which blocks the drainage of urine from your bladder. Although you need to ask your doctor before taking cranberry pills or other cranberry supplements, you can safely eat cranberries and drink cranberry juice to receive the benefits of the fruit.
Potential Benefits
Cranberry pills might prevent bacteria from sticking to the cells that line your bladder, which can help prevent urinary tract infections. Cranberry pills also are a source of antioxidants, which can destroy free radicals that cause cell death. According to Medline Plus, cranberry also is used to reduce fever and increase urine flow.
Amount and Safety
MayoClinic.com states that cranberry pills containing 300 to 400 mg of concentrated cranberry juice extract have been taken twice daily by mouth, but it is not known if cranberry supplements are safe to take during pregnancy. Cranberry juice is safe during pregnancy in normal amounts. If you feel that you could benefit from cranberry pills during pregnancy, take them only with your doctor's permission and supervision.
Warning
Keep in mind that cranberry juice and cranberry supplements will not treat an existing urinary tract infection. If you have a urinary tract infection that is untreated, it can lead to a kidney infection and even to early labor. Your doctor might need to prescribe antibiotics for the infection during your pregnancy.
Recommendations
According to the American Pregnancy Association, in addition to drinking cranberry juice, you can help prevent urinary tract infections by drinking water, wearing cotton underwear and wiping from front to back after using the bathroom. When choosing cranberry juice, look for a type that is 100 percent juice with no added sugar.
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