Spirits of the Season

Non-alcoholic Drinks for the Mom-to-be

By Donna Smith

With the holidays come social gatherings, and with social gatherings comes an overabundance of party food and drinks. Some moms-to-be may feel the temptation to have just one drink to commemorate the season. But before you take a sip, you should know the risks alcohol poses to an unborn baby.

"There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy, but research shows the more you consume the higher the risk to the developing fetus," says Dr. Brad Imler, president of the American Pregnancy Association in Irving, Texas. "Drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the chances of the baby having Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder."

Dr. Imler says there are various concrete facts about pregnancy and alcohol. "First, alcohol is a teratogen, a substance known to be harmful to human development," he says. "Second, alcohol crosses the placenta to the baby and is potentially harmful to the baby's development. Lastly, the baby is constantly developing throughout the pregnancy, so any amount of alcohol could hinder proper growth."

Here are some non-alcoholic drinks to sip on while singing those holiday tunes!

Apple Cherry Cider

1 quart chilled sparking apple juice
2 quarts chilled cherry cider

Mix and drink over crushed ice.

Orange Juice Spritzer

1 can (6 ounces) frozen orange juice concentrate
1 cup cold water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
11/2 cups lemon-lime soda

In a large pitcher, combine the orange juice concentrate, water and lemon juice. Just before serving, slowly add the carbonated beverage; stir gently to blend. Serve over ice.

Pia Colada Smoothie

1 container (6 ounces) frozen coconut yogurt
1/2 banana, frozen
1/2 of a 20-ounce can crushed pineapple
1 cup milk

Place all ingredients into blender and pulse until smooth.

Mom-to-be Mint Julep

Want to see more?

• You'll find more drink recipes here.
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• All Tied Up: Unwrapping a Stress-free Holiday Season
• Talk about it!