Pregnancy brings a whole new relationship with hydration. Morning sickness, fluctuating energy levels, new nutritional needs, and those famous cravings all make expecting moms rethink what they drink daily. So here’s the big question: Can one beverage support hydration, help digestion, and offer gentle nourishment—all while staying low in sugar and pregnancy-friendly?
This is where barley water, an ancient wellness staple, re-enters modern life. From traditional homemade versions to today’s clean-label options like Graasi’s organic barley grass wellness water, barley-based drinks are gaining attention among moms-to-be looking for simple, wholesome hydration.
In this guide, we explore everything you need to know about barley water during pregnancy—its benefits, potential risks, comparisons with barley grass, and how a ready-to-drink functional beverage like Graasi can fit into your prenatal wellness routine.
Looking for a safe, boosted barley beverage? Explore Graasi’s immunity-supporting wellness water made with organic barley grass.
What Is Barley Water and How Is It Traditionally Used?
How is barley water made?
Traditional barley water is prepared by boiling hulled barley grains in water until they release their nutrients. Lemon, honey, or spices like cardamom may be added for flavor. It’s been a go-to remedy for cooling the body, soothing digestion, and supporting hydration.
Modern wellness has taken this concept a step further. Instead of whole barley grains, brands like Graasi use organic barley grass juice powder—a more nutrient-dense form of the young grass of the barley plant. You can learn more about its origins here.
Traditional uses across cultures
Barley water has deep roots across global healing systems:
Ayurveda: Used as a pitta-cooling drink and digestive support tonic.
Traditional Chinese Medicine: Considered a heat-clearing beverage for the stomach and spleen.
Caribbean & British cultures: Popular as a refreshing summer drink and gentle hydration option.
For generations, it has helped with gut balance, hydration during illness, and managing heat-related discomfort—concerns that resonate strongly with pregnancy wellness.
What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Barley and Barley Grass?
Is barley a good source of pregnancy-friendly nutrients?
Whole barley contains several key nutrients that support prenatal health:
Folate — essential for fetal neural development
Soluble fiber — helps regulate blood sugar and ease constipation
Magnesium & selenium — important for cell growth and immunity
Plant-based protein — supports daily maternal needs
Its naturally low glycemic index also makes barley appealing to women managing gestational diabetes.
How does barley grass differ from whole barley—and is it better?
Barley grass is the young, green shoot of the barley plant. When harvested early, before the grain forms, it does not contain gluten and carries a different nutritional profile:
Higher levels of chlorophyll, antioxidants, and polyphenols
All essential amino acids
Concentrated vitamins and minerals
Easier digestion compared to grain-based barley
Graasi uses organic barley grass juice powder, which is naturally gluten-free, vegan, and raw—making it gentler and more nutrient-dense.
Is barley grass juice safe for pregnancy?
Young barley grass is generally considered safe in moderate amounts, especially when sourced from high-quality, certified-organic producers. Graasi’s barley grass is:
Certified USDA Organic
Gluten-free
Made in the USA
You can find ingredient details on the FAQ page. As always, expecting mothers should check with their healthcare provider before introducing any new supplement or botanical.
What Are the Potential Benefits of Drinking Barley Water During Pregnancy?
Hydration & morning sickness relief
Pregnancy often requires creative hydration strategies—especially during bouts of nausea. Barley water provides a light flavor, electrolytes, and balanced sweetness without the heaviness of sodas or sugary hydration drinks. Graasi’s options, like Citrus Mint and Cucumber Lime, offer refreshing, low-sugar options moms appreciate.
Digestive support
Constipation and reflux are common prenatal complaints. Barley’s soluble fiber helps in:
Promoting regular bowel movements
Supporting gut microbiome health
Reducing acidity
Barley grass can be even more soothing due to its natural alkalinity.
Immune-system support
Pregnancy temporarily alters immune function. Graasi enhances its barley grass base with 100% daily value of vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc, forming a powerful combination to support immune function.
Explore the full nutrient panels on the product collection page.
Healthy skin & hair
Chlorophyll and antioxidants in barley grass may help brighten the skin, support detox pathways, and support the body’s natural inflammatory response.
Managing swelling and water retention
Barley water’s mild diuretic effect may help temporarily ease feelings of bloating and puffiness—especially in the third trimester.
Barley Water vs. Graasi: What’s the Difference?
How is Graasi formulated for pregnancy-safe hydration?
Graasi is not traditional barley water—it’s a functional wellness water crafted with:
Organic barley grass juice powder
100% DV vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc
~35 calories per bottle
Light organic cane sugar + monk fruit
No artificial flavors, dyes, or preservatives
You can explore each flavor’s profile here:
Citrus Mint
Cucumber Lime
Lemongrass Ginger (a favorite with moms-to-be due to ginger’s nausea-soothing properties)
Why choose Graasi over homemade barley drinks?
Homemade barley water is wholesome—but it requires boiling, straining, cooling, and sweetening. Nutrient content varies by batch, and storage can be tricky.
Graasi delivers:
Convenience — shelf-stable until opened
Consistency — same nutrient levels every bottle
Safety — U.S.-manufactured with clean-label sourcing
Low sugar — diabetic-friendly and pregnancy-safe
Want a hassle-free way to enjoy barley benefits? Explore Graasi’s full wellness water collection.
What Do Experts and Studies Say About Barley Water During Pregnancy?
Scientific research supports barley and barley grass for:
Cholesterol reduction
Digestive health improvements
Anti-inflammatory properties
Immune support
While direct pregnancy studies are limited, OB-GYNs generally regard barley water as safe when:
It is low in sugar
Gluten concerns are addressed (barley grain vs. gluten-free grass)
It is consumed in moderation (1–2 servings/day)
Graasi’s grass-based formulation avoids gluten issues while keeping sugar low.
How to Add Graasi to Your Prenatal Self-Care Routine
Best times to drink it
Morning: Supports digestion + may ease nausea
Post-meal: Helps with fullness and reflux
Afternoon: Great alternative to soda or caffeinated drinks
Which flavors suit pregnancy best?
Lemongrass Ginger — excellent for queasiness
Citrus Mint — energizing and refreshing
Cucumber Lime — cooling and hydrating
Try them in a variety pack to discover your favorites.
Ready to upgrade your prenatal hydration? Explore Graasi’s variety packs here.
Real Moms on Graasi & Barley Grass Hydration
While every pregnancy is unique, many reviewers highlight:
Flavor that isn’t overly sweet
Gentle digestion support
Noticeable refreshment
Clean ingredients that they feel good about
Readers can explore real customer comments under each product listing on the testimonials page.
Best Practices for Drinking Barley Water Safely During Pregnancy
Label checkpoints
Expectant moms should look for:
Organic certification
Gluten-free assurance
Low sugar
No artificial preservatives
Clearly listed ingredients
Graasi meets all of these standards—details available on the FAQ page.
Consultation remains key
Always talk with your doctor if you:
Have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity
Are managing gestational diabetes
Have high-risk pregnancy conditions
Where Can You Buy Pregnancy-Safe Barley Water?
Why Graasi leads the category
Graasi stands out because it is:
Made in the USA
Small-batch crafted
Organic barley grass–based
Fortified for immunity
Low in calories and sugar
Trusted by athletes and wellness practitioners
Where to order
You can buy directly from the Graasi website:
👉 Shop all flavors
Perfect for pregnancy hydration kits, hospital bag prep, or wellness-focused baby shower gifts.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hydrating for two or simply building healthier habits during pregnancy, barley-based drinks offer natural support for digestion, immunity, and energy. With Graasi’s clean-label, organic barley grass formulation, you get all the benefits—without the prep, sugar load, or guesswork.
Sip with purpose. Nourish your body. Explore Graasi’s complete wellness water line here.
FAQs
1. Can a pregnant woman drink barley water?
Yes, barley water is generally considered safe during pregnancy when consumed in moderation and prepared hygienically. It’s commonly used to support hydration and digestion.
2. What are the benefits of barley water during pregnancy?
Barley water may help with hydration, digestion, constipation relief, and urinary tract comfort due to its fiber and nutrient content.
3. Is monk fruit safe during pregnancy?
Monk fruit is considered safe in small amounts during pregnancy. However, pregnant women should check labels for added ingredients and consult a healthcare provider if unsure.
4. Which drinking water is best for pregnant women?
Clean, filtered, or boiled water is best. Natural drinks like barley water, coconut water, and lemon water can be included occasionally for variety and hydration.
5. How do you make barley water for pregnancy (third trimester)?
Soak barley overnight, boil it thoroughly, strain the water, and drink it warm or cooled. Avoid adding sugar; lemon or a small amount of natural sweetener can be used if needed.
6. Are there any side effects of barley water in pregnancy?
Excess consumption may cause bloating. Women with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease should avoid barley-based drinks.
