Milk During Pregnancy

In a woman’s life, pregnancy is the most sensitive period as during this time, she is responsible not only for herself but also for the new life that is growing inside her. During this time, utmost care needs to be given to the diet and the medication she is prescribed. Therefore, here are the benefits of milk,which are considered to be the treasure house of nutrients and vitamins for a mother-to-be.

Types Of Milk

  • Pasteurised Milk – This is the kind of milk that undergoes heat treatment where all possible moulds, yeast, and bacteria are destroyed and the capability to prevent diseases is enhanced which is vital in pregnancy.
  • Skimmed Milk – This is the favorite among the health conscious and the fitness freaks because of the extremely low-fat content of the milk. It delivers the benefits of the milk, but with no extra fat.
  • Whole Milk – This is the kind that has skipped the homogenization process and this is a powerhouse of various health benefits. It is packed with enzymes that are necessary to carry out several bodily functions and is very much needed during the pregnancy.
  • Raw Milk – This one is the complete opposite of the Pasteurised one. It undergoes the basic heat treatment to purify it and is freshly derived from the farm.

Benefits Of Drinking Milk During Pregnancy

The most important thing a woman needs during the pregnancy is the nutrients and what can be a richer source of the nutrient than milk. According to USDA, a pregnant woman should consume at least three glasses of either non-fat or normal milk every day to meet the nutrient requirement naturally where low-fat or non-fat is the healthier choice. Here are the important benefits of drinking milk during pregnancy:

  1. Excellent Source Of Calcium: A pregnant woman needs at least 1000 mg of calcium every day because the fetus will derive its calcium requirement from the bones which are the rich calcium deposits in the body and daily consumption of milk will help in meeting these Calcium requirements.
  2. Rich In Protein: Protein is very much important during pregnancy because it aids in the build-up of the uterus, ensure the steady blood supply, especially to vital parts of the female anatomy such as breasts and the baby’s tissues. One cup of low-fat milk will provide you with approximately 8.22g of protein.
  3. Enriched In Vitamin D: Vitamin D is vital to ensure a normal birth weight and prevention of neonatal rickets. While it is possible to derive nutrients and other vitamins from various food items, Vitamin is rarely found in food items except for Milk and thus making the consumption of milk vital during pregnancy.
  4. Helps To Combat Heartburn: Heartburn is a common occurrence during pregnancy. Milk is an excellent source of antacid. Drinking milk during pregnancy is an excellent way to combat heartburn and other gastric ailments.
  5. Healthy Way To Stay Hydrated: Keeping oneself hydrated is extremely important because the baby is also drawing the fluids from your body and milk will help you keep the hydration level of the body up.
  6. Higher Level Of Insulin: Milk contains a higher level of insulin. Studies have proven that the children born out of those women who regularly consumed milk during their pregnancy had the lesser risk of contracting diseases or developing type 2 diabetes in their late teens.
  7. Enhances The Fetal Brain Development: Milk has a significant quantity of iodine. Did you know for the IQ development in children, Iodine is a key component. Also, being rich in proteins, amino acids and fatty acids, milk help with the development of the baby’s nervous system.

Different Kind Of Milk For Expecting Mothers

  • Cow’s Milk –It has important health benefits such as the ability to boost immunity and prevent diabetes. It contains Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin A which help in boosting the vision and providing proper nourishment.
  • Goat’s Milk –It aids in the digestion, reduction of inflammation and aids in the weight loss process. It has a higher protein and vitamin content and helps to maintain a healthy immune system.
  • Milk Powder –there is a possibility that the key nutrients are lost during the pasteurization but in milk powder, these nutrients are retained.
  • Soy Milk –It is a perfect alternative for those who follow a vegan diet because it has all the benefits of milk and is low in fat content. It is cholesterol-free and also supplies calcium to the fetus and the mother.
  • Saffron Milk –Saffron aids in relaxing the muscles of the body and also helps in preventing indigestion. It helps in curbing the mood swings of the women.
  • Almond Milk – It is prepared by crushing the almonds finely and mixing it with water and is beneficial to the growth of the Placenta. It is also rich in antioxidants.
  • Oat Milk – Oats are a high fiber food and therefore this milk will contain a high amount of energy since the pregnant women feel tired quickly. It helps in preventing gestational diabetes.
  • Rice Milk – It is prepared by boiling rice and then draining out the excess rice. It is free from cholesterol and saturated fats. Thus, it is best suited for mothers-to-be.

Which Milk Is Good During Pregnancy?

Non-fat milk is the best option because it has less amount of fat, and at the same time, it is packed with all essential nutrients. Also, always opt for pasteurized milk. Raw milk or consuming anything prepared from raw milk is not safe during pregnancy due to the high risk of Listeriosis.

Can Pregnant Women Drink Milk During Night?

Yes. In fact, drinking a glass of warm milk right before bedtime, increase your sleeping quality. However, never drink it right after your meals.

Precautions and Tips For Drinking Milk During Pregnancy

Here are some guidelines and means to incorporate milk into your pregnancy diet:

  • Avoid the dairy products made from the unpasteurized milk
  • Avoid drinking milk right after a meal
  • Once in a while you can give it a twist by diluting milk with water (two portions of milk to one portion of water) and preparing fruit shakes by adding fruits.
  • Always drink warm milk
  • Never gulp it fast, instead, enjoy small sips.

How Much Milk You should Have During Pregnancy?

It is recommended to have three cups of milk a day for a pregnant woman. Irrespective of your weight, physical activities, and stage of pregnancy, it is the recommended quantity. Never exceed this limit. This is enough to provide all of its benefits.

Is Too Much Milk Bad During Pregnancy?

Yes, drinking too much milk is not a good option. Drinking too much milk during pregnancy can bring about bloating and indigestion. Always remember, moderation is the key.

What Are The Effects Of Not Drinking Milk During Pregnancy?

If a pregnant woman never drinks milk during pregnancy, there is more chance for her to deliver a small baby. She will also be at risk of developing osteoporosis in the future. This is owing to the fact that milk is a rich source of calcium. If not having enough calcium in a pregnant woman’s diet, to satisfy the baby’s need, the developing baby will absorb it from the mother’s calcium reservoir. It will affect the mother’s bone mass.   The development of the child could be severely affected if the mother never drinks milk during pregnancy. Baby will be more at a risk of neonatal rickets, low birth weight, excessive dehydration etc.

“Drinking Milk In Pregnancy Increases The Possibility Of Taller Children” True Or False?

Yes, there is a possibility that children born of those mothers who consumed milk during the pregnancy (especially during the last trimester, when the growth rate of the baby is high) are taller than those whose didn’t consume.

Therefore, ensure that milk forms a key component of your pregnancy diet for healthy children. It is highly recommended to have milk during pregnancy. Along with milk, do follow a properly balanced diet for keeping a healthy body.