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Diet & Nutrition
Updated on 3 November 2023
Medically Reviewed by
Palak Mittal
clinical nutrition - M.Sc in Food & Nutrition| Post Graduation Diploma in Dietetics
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Milk is a staple of many people's diets, but when it comes to pregnancy, not all milk is created equal. And it is natural to wonder is milk good in pregnancy? And if it is, then, which milk is good for pregnancy? In this article, we'll explore the different types of milk available and help you decide which one is best for you and your growing baby.
Yes, milk is good for pregnancy as it is a good source of essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D. Milk proteins, especially whey proteins, provide high amounts of essential branched-chain amino acids and glutamine, both of which help in cell growth and anabolism. However, overconsumption of milk has been associated with obesity and may have long-term adverse health effects.
Moderate milk consumption during pregnancy is positively associated with fetal growth and infant birthweight. Cow's milk is recommended as the healthiest milk for pregnant women due to its nutritional content, but alternatives can also be suitable.
An expecting mother should drink milk and other dairy products in moderation else it can lead to bloating and stomach problems. During pregnancy, a woman can get all the nutrients she needs by drinking three cups of milk each day. However, if it isn't cow's milk, she should count the amount of nutrients and adjust the intake accordingly.
Here are some of the benefits of drinking milk during pregnancy:
Milk is rich in calcium, which is essential for fetal development and maintaining the bone density of the mother.
Milk contains minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, potassium, and zinc, which are important for the health of both the mother and the unborn child.
Milk contains water-soluble vitamins like Vitamin B1, B2, and B12, and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are essential for fetal development.
Vitamin D present in milk is important for immune system support and healthy birth weight. Milk is also a source of protein, which is important for fetal development and growth.
Milk's high calcium and protein content acts as an antacid, providing relief from heartburn and other stomach problems that often happen during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, drinking raw (not pasteurized) milk or eating anything made with raw milk is unsafe, including yoghurt, soft cheese, and ice cream, which applies to milk from any animal, including cows, sheep, and goats.
During pasteurization, milk is heated to a high temperature to kill hazardous microorganisms. However, because raw milk is not sanitised in this manner, it can include dangerous pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Toxoplasma. One of the most concerning is Listeria, which can cause listeriosis, an infection.
Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to Listeria, the top cause of fatal food poisoning. In addition, premature labour, stillbirth, and listeriosis are all potentially fatal for newborns. As a result, it's recommended to drink pasteurized milk only during pregnancy.
According to experts, cow's milk is considered the healthiest kind of milk to drink during pregnancy. It has a great nutritional profile and contains a wide range of vitamins and nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamin D necessary for a healthy pregnancy and growth of the baby.
Experts also do not recommend to consume buffalo milk during pregnancy because it is high in fat content, and unnecessary fat consumption is not recommended. Additionally, buffalo milk is heavier and harder to digest, which could be a challenge for some women during pregnancy.
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Now that you know which milk is good for pregnancy, it's time to understand the safe ways of drinking milk during pregnancy:
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Here are some general guidelines and precautions you should keep in mind before consuming milk during pregnancy:
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Human bodies have a natural need for the nutrients we need. So, if a woman wants milk in pregnancy, it could mean she does not get enough calcium, protein, or fat. Milk is good for pregnancy and gives a pregnant woman and her baby the necessary nutrients and could help her deal with cravings if she drinks it regularly.
A pregnant woman can begin drinking milk as early as the first trimester of pregnancy. However, drinking milk throughout the pregnancy is quite advantageous.
Excessive milk consumption during pregnancy has been linked to nausea, vomiting, and bloating. So, it's best to follow moderation when it comes to pregnancy.
In conclusion, milk is an excellent source of nutrition during pregnancy. It is essential to know which milk is good for pregnancy to ensure that you and your baby receive the optimal benefits. While there are various options available, it is recommended that pregnant women consume low-fat or skim cow milk. These types of milk are rich in essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and protein, while also being low in fat and calories.
1. Achón M, Úbeda N, García-González Á, Partearroyo T, Varela-Moreiras G. (2019). Effects of Milk and Dairy Product Consumption on Pregnancy and Lactation Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Adv Nutr.
2. Melnik BC, John SM, Schmitz G. (2015). Milk consumption during pregnancy increases birth weight. J Transl Med.
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Milk During Pregnancy in Hindi, Milk During Pregnancy in Tamil, Milk During Pregnancy in Telugu, Milk During Pregnancy in Bengali
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Medically Reviewed by
Palak Mittal
clinical nutrition - M.Sc in Food & Nutrition| Post Graduation Diploma in Dietetics
View Profile
Written by
Parul Sachdeva
A globetrotter and a blogger by passion, Parul loves writing content. She has done M.Phil. in Journalism and Mass Communication and worked for more than 25 clients across Globe with a 100% job success rate. She has been associated with websites pertaining to parenting, travel, food, health & fitness and has also created SEO rich content for a variety of topics.
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