Drinking Coconut Water During Pregnancy, Baby Has No Vernix

     Many pregnant mothers are often given word-of-mouth advice that "drinking coconut water will help the unborn baby be born with beautiful, clean skin and no vernix coverage." However, how much truth is there to these beliefs? Today, the doctor will help clear up these doubts for mothers, fathers, and relatives.

Q&A How does coconut water actually affect 'Mother' and 'Baby'?

Q: Does drinking coconut water help the baby be born without vernix?

A: That is not true. Vernix (Vernix Caseosa) is a creamy white substance coating the fetus's skin during the last trimester of pregnancy. The body begins creating this vernix around the 5th month of pregnancy.

• Functions of Vernix

  • This vernix is highly beneficial in maintaining moisture, preventing loss of water and body heat, protecting against bacterial infection, and acting as a lubricant to help the baby pass through the birth canal more easily. This vernix naturally decreases on its own as the pregnancy reaches full term.

• Effects of Coconut Water

  • Because coconut water contains a relatively high amount of sugar (about 8-11 grams/1 glass of coconut water), excessive consumption causes frequent urination. The sugar draws water out of the body, and the fetus will have more amniotic fluid, making it appear as though there is less vernix.

Q: Does drinking coconut water help the baby have beautiful skin?

A: Currently, there is no medical evidence indicating that drinking coconut water helps make an unborn baby's skin fairer or more beautiful. A newborn's skin color is primarily determined by genetic inheritance and melanin pigment regulation.

• But it is good for the mother's skin! Even though it doesn't directly affect the baby's skin, coconut water contains essential key components that help stimulate collagen synthesis in the body, which helps nourish the pregnant mother's skin.

Q:  How is coconut water beneficial for pregnant mothers?

Even if it is unrelated to reducing vernix or changing baby skin tone, coconut water is a natural beverage with very high nutritional value for mothers.

• Rich in Minerals and Vitamins

  • Contains many essential minerals such as potassium, iron, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, as well as amino acids, organic acids, and B vitamins.

• Provides Energy and Restores Refreshment

  • Helps relieve tiredness and fatigue during the day effectively for mothers.

• Helps Relieve Constipation

  • Acts as a mild natural laxative, which is beneficial to the digestive system of pregnant mothers who often face constipation issues.

Important Precautions

• Because coconut water is naturally sweet, consuming too much may result in high sugar intake and negatively impact gestational diabetes.
• Mothers should consume it in appropriate amounts alongside clean, balanced meals from the 5 main food groups for the optimal health of both mother and baby.

References

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thawat Jetsangsorn. (n.d.). Does drinking a lot of coconut water make the baby have beautiful skin? Is it true? [Infographic]. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. Retrieved August 26, 2026, from https://www.rama.mahidol.ac.th/atrama/sites/default/files/public/pdf/column/%40Rama13_E02.pdf 
• Ramkhamhaeng Hospital. (2026). 7 Sugar-reducing foods to prevent diabetic wounds for pregnant mothers. Retrieved August 26, 2026, from https://www.ram-hosp.co.th/th/news_detail/2423 
• Singh, G., & Archana, G. (2008). Unraveling the mystery of vernix caseosa. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 53(2), 54-60. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.41645