What impact does drinking sour plum soup have on the fetus when consumed by pregnant women?

Whether pregnant women drinking sour plum soup affects the fetus depends on specific circumstances. Generally, it may help relieve pregnancy discomfort and support fetal stability, but excessive sugar intake could impair fetal development, ingredients like hawthorn may pose risks, high-quality components can provide nutritional support, and gastrointestinal stimulation might indirectly affect fetal condition. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Relieving pregnancy discomfort and supporting fetal stability: The sour-sweet taste of sour plum soup can alleviate morning sickness during early pregnancy, improve appetite, and help pregnant women consume more nutrients. Adequate nutrition provides a stable developmental environment for the fetus, thereby indirectly promoting fetal health.

2. Excessive sugar affecting fetal development: Commercially available sour plum soups often contain large amounts of sugar. Excessive intake by pregnant women may lead to elevated blood glucose levels, increasing the risk of gestational diabetes and excessive fetal growth, thus raising the likelihood of macrosomia (large-for-gestational-age infants).

3. Hawthorn content potentially causing risks: Some sour plum soups contain hawthorn, which has properties that may stimulate uterine contractions. Consumption during pregnancy could increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm labor, posing threats to fetal safety.

4. High-quality ingredients providing nutritional support: Homemade sour plum soup prepared with natural ingredients such as smoked plums (wu mei) and licorice, without additives, can supply vitamins and minerals to the mother. These nutrients can be delivered to the fetus via the placenta, supporting fetal growth and development.

5. Gastrointestinal irritation indirectly affecting fetal condition: Sour plum soup is highly acidic and may irritate the gastric mucosa. Pregnant women with sensitive digestive systems might experience stomach pain, acid reflux, or other discomforts. Severe cases could impair nutrient absorption, thereby indirectly negatively affecting fetal development.

Pregnant women are advised to choose homemade sour plum soup without hawthorn or excessive sugar, and to limit consumption to 1–2 times per week. If any discomfort occurs after drinking, consumption should be stopped immediately, and medical advice sought when necessary to ensure a safe pregnancy.