Can I eat soft serve ice cream when pregnant?
Quick Answer
Yes, but with caution.
While soft serve ice cream is generally safe to eat during pregnancy, it can pose a risk of listeriosis due to the bacteria, Listeria, which can sometimes be present in the machine that dispenses the ice cream. It’s recommended to ensure the ice cream is from a reputable source where hygiene standards are high.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating soft serve ice cream during pregnancy can potentially expose you to Listeria, a bacteria that can cause a rare but dangerous infection called listeriosis.
- Listeriosis can lead to severe illness in pregnant women, including miscarriages, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
- Symptoms of listeriosis may not appear for several weeks and can include fever, muscle aches, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea.
Safe Method?
To minimize the risk, only consume soft serve ice cream from reputable establishments that follow strict hygiene practices. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the ice cream machine can help prevent the growth of Listeria.
Safe Alternatives
If you’re concerned about the potential risk, consider alternatives like hard ice cream, homemade ice cream (using pasteurized ingredients), or frozen yogurt from reputable sources.