Is it safe to eat yogurt when pregnant?
Quick Answer
Yes
Yogurt is generally safe to eat during pregnancy. It is a good source of calcium, protein, and probiotics, which are beneficial for pregnant women. However, it’s recommended to consume pasteurized yogurt to avoid any risk of foodborne illnesses.
What Is It?
Yogurt is a dairy product made by fermenting milk with a yogurt culture. It provides protein and calcium, and it is often fortified with vitamin D and other nutrients.
Why It Can Be Risky
While yogurt is generally safe for pregnant women, there are some potential risks to be aware of.
- Unpasteurized yogurt: Yogurt made from unpasteurized milk can contain harmful bacteria, such as listeria, which can cause serious illness in pregnant women and their unborn babies.
- Added sugars: Many yogurts, especially flavored ones, contain high amounts of added sugars. Consuming too much sugar during pregnancy can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
Safe Method?
Choose yogurts that are made from pasteurized milk and have no or low amounts of added sugars. Greek yogurt is a good option as it is high in protein and usually has less sugar than regular yogurt.
Safe Alternatives
If you’re lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy, alternatives to yogurt include soy yogurt, almond milk yogurt, and coconut milk yogurt.
Storage Tips
Keep yogurt refrigerated and consume it by the ‘use by’ date on the package. Once opened, it’s best to eat the yogurt within a few days.