Can I drink Luohanguo (monk fruit) steeped in water during pregnancy?

Generally speaking, pregnant women can drink water infused with Siraitia grosvenorii (monk fruit), but should do so in moderation to avoid excessive consumption that may affect maternal and fetal health. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Siraitia grosvenorii is cool in nature and sweet in taste, with functions of clearing heat, moistening the lungs, relieving sore throat, improving voice, and lubricating the intestines to relieve constipation. During pregnancy, changes in the circulation of qi and blood may lead to internal heat, which can manifest as symptoms such as dry throat, sore throat, and cough. Drinking water infused with Siraitia grosvenorii can effectively alleviate these discomforts by clearing internal heat and moistening the lungs, thus enhancing the comfort of pregnant women. At the same time, Siraitia grosvenorii-infused water can help regulate balance in the body of pregnant women, providing a relatively stable growth environment for the fetus.

However, due to its cool nature, excessive consumption of Siraitia grosvenorii may harm the spleen and stomach, especially since pregnant women typically have relatively weaker spleen and stomach functions. Overconsumption may impair the yang energy of the spleen and stomach, leading to spleen-stomach cold deficiency, which may cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Severe diarrhea may stimulate uterine contractions, increasing the risk of miscarriage or premature birth, particularly during the first and third trimesters, when extra caution is needed. Therefore, pregnant women should control the amount of Siraitia grosvenorii-infused water they consume to avoid excessive cooling effects.

Pregnant women should maintain a balanced diet with adequate nutrition in daily life, avoid excessive intake of any single food item, and ensure the health of both mother and baby.