Ice cream during pregnancy can be in moderate amounts to subside your cravings. Ice cream is a sweet dessert made from dairy products with added flavors, fruits, and nuts.
Ice creams can be safe for pregnant women as long as it is made from pasteurized milk products under hygienic conditions. Consult with our expert nutritionists if you are prone to diabetes, obesity, and other medical conditions.
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Benefits and Risks of Ice Cream During Pregnancy
The hormonal changes that take place in the body can lead to cravings for ice cream and chocolates. However, ice creams can supply you with the nutrients present in the milk like calcium, vitamins, and minerals.
Most ice creams contain too many calories and saturated fats that may contribute to obesity. Obesity may contribute to the risks at the time of labor.
The cold nature of ice creams can lower the body temperature which in turn lowers the metabolic rate and affect your digestive system.
You can be prone to listeria infections as the listeria bacteria can survive at low temperatures. Placental growth may be affected and the risk of congenital infections remains high with the intake of unpasteurized products.
Low-fat and sugar-free ice creams can be the best alternative for regular ice creams that are loaded with sugars and fats. Low-fat frozen yogurt is available which suits you best when you have cravings for ice creams.
Indulging in ice creams once in a while does not pose any difficulties in pregnancy. Avoid ice creams if you have a PCOS problem or if you are genetically prone to diabetes.
FAQs
Is ice cream good for the womb?
Ice creams are usually high in calories and sugars which may increase the risk of gestational diabetes when consumed in large quantities. Restrict your ice creams to 1-2 cups a week to enjoy them at safer levels. The cravings for ice creams during pregnancy is a usual symptom that can be safe when a woman does not over-indulge in them.
Is ice cream good for the fetus?
Frequent consumption of ice cream can lead to unwanted weight gain for the fetus which causes complications in delivery. The sugar content of ice cream can obstruct the growth and development of the baby and cause abnormalities in the cognitive skills of the fetus. The additional calories from ice cream can make you deprived of other essential nutrients from other food groups.
Can I eat ice cream at night during pregnancy?
The sugar content and cold nature of ice cream can keep you awake for several hours at night disturbing your sleep cycle. It is advised to steer clear of ice creams at night during pregnancy, instead consume a nutrient-dense meal that provides the vital nutrients for the growth of the baby and promotes good sleep.
Indulge in your favorite ice cream between your meals to avoid discomfort.
Can ice cream affect early pregnancy?
Ice cream does not impact early pregnancy. Ice cream from soft serve machines cannot be reliable as the hygiene of the machines is questionable. Moderate consumption of ice creams can be safer during pregnancy except for a few flavors like coffee that may contain caffeine. Ice creams do not pose any harm as long as it is consumed as a dessert in limited quantities and not as the main meal.
Why ice cream should be avoided during pregnancy?
Some kinds of bacteria survive in extremely cold environments that can cause certain infections like Listeriosis. The milk used to prepare ice creams can carry some infections if not pasteurized properly. These infections may lead to preterm delivery, miscarriages, or stillbirth. Refrain from eating ice cream if you have gestational diabetes/hypertension.
The artificial flavors and additives do not prove good for the health of the mother and baby.