Is eating ice cream during pregnancy safe?

YES, it can be, when eaten in moderation. So what is the best ice cream for pregnant women? You can find the best ice cream for your pregnancy by following these product quality guidelines:

  • Pasteurization: Choose ice cream made only from pasteurized milk and eggs. Ice cream safety during pregnancy is an important quality to consider. (The CDC advises pregnant women to consume only pasteurized dairy products to reduce the risk of listeriosis.)
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Listeria (Listeriosis).” CDC, 2020.
  • Brand Hygiene Standards: It is important to think of food quality during pregnancy and consider purchasing brands known for high standards, especially when it comes to hygiene standards.
  • Moderation: Indulging in cravings is natural, but it’s important to eat ice cream in moderation. Too much of anything high in sugars can lead to excessive weight gain and impact blood sugar levels. Eating excessive high sugar based foods during pregnancy can lead to increased risk of gestational diabetes which can impact the health of your developing baby. Everyone wishes the best pregnancy outcomes for you, so feel free to eat ice cream, while remembering to enjoy it in measured quantities.
    Yogev, Yariv, and Moshe Hod. “High-risk pregnancy: gestational diabetes mellitus.” The Lancet, 2009.

Ice cream cravings during pregnancy?

You are not alone. 50-90% of U.S. women experience cravings for specific foods during pregnancy, according to a journal article from the National Institute of Health. And, food cravings typically emerge by the end of the first trimester. However, very few women report craving new foods exclusively during pregnancy. You are likely to crave something you already enjoy, like ice cream. And, about 12% of pregnant women report craving ice cream during pregnancy. So don’t be surprised if dairy cravings during pregnancy arrive, if you love ice cream already.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4172095/

 

ice cream during pregnancy

 

Best foods to eat during pregnancy?

Yes, you can indulge your cravings while pregnant by using them as a happy treat. During the rest of your pregnancy eating journey try to eat nutrient rich foods to support the growth and development of your baby.

Follow these simple food group guidelines and you will be well on your way to a healthy diet for pregnancy:

  • Leafy Greens: Are rich in folate, iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K. Folate is crucial for healthy development of neural tubes and promoting healthy cell growth.
    National Institutes of Health (NIH). “Dietary Folate and Pregnancy.” NIH, 2020.
  • Lean Proteins: Poultry, lean beef, pork, fish, and plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, and tofu provide amino acids, iron, and B vitamins. Adequate protein is the building blocks of cells and tissues for your baby.
    Mayo Clinic. “Healthy Diet During Pregnancy: What to Eat.” Mayo Clinic, 2021.
  • Whole Grains: Oats, brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat products are rich in fiber, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and selenium. Whole grains are not only great for fetal development but support you, as well, to sustain energy and prevent constipation, a common issue during pregnancy.
    Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Nutritional Status During Pregnancy and Lactation. “Nutrition During Pregnancy.” National Academies Press, 1990.
  • Fruits and Vegetables: Berries, oranges, bananas, and apples provide essential vitamins (such as vitamin C), fiber, and antioxidants. Vitamin C supports the immune system and helps the body absorb iron from plant-based foods.
  • Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, and cheese are excellent sources of calcium, protein, and vitamin D. Calcium is necessary for the development of the baby’s bones and teeth. Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption and supports immune function. There are many ice cream alternatives during pregnancy that provide the benefits of dairy. Just be aware that added sugars often accompany dairy treats, so enjoy in moderation.

Sources:

  • National Institutes of Health (NIH). “Dietary Folate and Pregnancy.” NIH, 2020.
  • World Health Organization (WHO). “Iron Deficiency Anemia: Assessment, Prevention, and Control.” WHO, 2001.
  • Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Nutritional Status During Pregnancy and Lactation. “Nutrition During Pregnancy.” National Academies Press, 1990.
  • American Pregnancy Association. “Protein and Pregnancy.” American Pregnancy Association, 2017.
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH). “Calcium and Vitamin D: Important at Every Age.” NIH, 2018.
  • Mayo Clinic. “Healthy Diet During Pregnancy: What to Eat.” Mayo Clinic, 2021.
  • Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “The Nutrition Source: Carbohydrates.” Harvard University, 2020.
  • American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. “Whole Grains, Bran, and Germ in Relation to Homocysteine and Markers of Glycemic Control, Lipids, and Inflammation in Diabetic Women.” AJCN, 2007.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Fruit and Vegetable Consumption.” CDC, 2020.
  • USDA. “Choose MyPlate: Fruits.” USDA, 2020.
  • Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism. “Health Benefits of Nut Consumption with Emphasis on Metabolic Syndrome.” JNM, 2010.
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH). “Dietary Supplements for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding.” NIH, 2020.
  • Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. “Legumes and Human Health.” JNB, 2010.
  • American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. “Dietary Fiber and Pregnancy.” AJCN, 1999.
  • Nutrition Reviews. “Choline: An Essential Nutrient for Public Health.” Nutrition Reviews, 2009.
  • American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. “Eggs and Choline.” AJCN, 2007.
  • Journal of the American Heart Association. “Health Benefits of Avocados.” JAHA, 2013.
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH). “Folate: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.” NIH, 2020.
  • American Pregnancy Association. “Fish and Pregnancy: Benefits and Risks.” American Pregnancy Association, 2019.
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Fish: What Pregnant Women and Parents Should Know.” EPA, 2021.