Sour Cream During Pregnancy – Is It Safe?

There are different varieties of sour cream, and it is important to know about each before consuming. The sour cream with less fat content has almost half the fat that milkfat has. On the other hand, the ordinary variety of sour cream comprises of sixteen to twelve percent of butterfat.

It is important to make sour creams thicker by adding stabilizers to them. The creams with lower pH levels of water are tangier. Even though not too healthy, both low-fat and regular are delicious in their own way.

Is it Safe to Consume Sour Cream During Pregnancy?

Sour cream is no doubt delicious, but it is equally important to assess if it is safe for consumption during pregnancy. Few pointers to remember to ensure that the consumption of sour cream is safe.

• It is safe to consume pasteurized dairy products during pregnancy.
• The process of pasteurization helps in destroying microorganisms preventing food poisoning.
• It is however not a good idea to consume homemade sour cream as it can have bacteria due to regulation of hygiene and temperature at home.
• Pasteurized dairy products are helpful for the mother and the developing baby during pregnancy as they help prevent different types of illness as well as infections.
• It is safe to consume pasteurized dairy products in smaller quantities.
• Fraiche cream must never be given to a pregnant woman.
• It is also important to store the food below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the refrigerator for any pasteurized product to avoid it from spoiling.

Nutritional Value of Sour Cream

A great way to use sour cream is by adding it to salads to make it healthy. It is, however, important that the consumption of sour cream should be as per the daily requirement. 

Here is the nutritional value of the sour cream:

Top 4 Health Benefits of Sour Cream During Pregnancy

Sour cream is a dairy product with some amazing benefits for health. Since it is nutrient-rich, natural sour cream is the best way to get adequate nutrition. It is important to consume sour cream with the right set of ingredients.

There are some amazing health benefits when consuming sour cream during pregnancy and they are

1. Regulates the Blood Temperature

High consumption of calcium helps in regulating blood temperature and reduces the chances of preeclampsia or preterm birth.

[Read : Preeclampsia]

2. Good For Bone development 

As sour cream is rich in calcium, it helps with the development of the bones in the foetus. It even helps to prevent osteoporosis and the threat of having a bad bone mass later in life.

3. Helps in the Growth of the Foetus

The protein content in sour cream helps in the proper development of the foetus as well as adequate weight gain during pregnancy.

4. Helps With Stomach Issues

Microorganism found in sour cream is excellent for digestion troubles, stomach disorders, and acid reflux.

However, sour creams with maize starch, calcium sulfate, salt, and sodium phosphate are not good for the unborn child as it is toxic and not good for the developing baby.

Side Effects of Eating Sour Cream During Pregnancy

It is fine to have sour cream in a moderate quantity in a balanced diet. If taken in excess, especially with a high-fat diet, it can result in these side effects.

• It can be harmful to you and the baby, as excess weight gain due to saturated fats can put the baby in danger.
• Sour cream can trigger triglyceride (a type of fat) and blood pressure.
• It can result in premature babies.
• Having foods post the expiry date is toxic so having sour cream after expiry may result in pregnancy complications.
• Consumption of unpasteurized milk products, like cheese and sour cream can result in food poisoning due to the presence of listeria bacteria.
• A pregnant woman must not consume sour creams at hotels and restaurants as they might not be pasteurized or has unpasteurized milk products not good for pregnancy.
• Excess consumption of sour cream can lead to high cholesterol levels which increases the chances of heart disease.
• The inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in all dairy products, can result in lactose intolerance resulting in diarrhea and bloating.

[Read : Eating Out During Pregnancy]

Types of Sour Creams

Sour cream is a thick white product that has a distinct smell. It is a combination of a specific kind of bacteria with cream.

Here are the types of sour creams from different parts of India

1. Classic American Sour Cream

Another name for classic American sour cream is a salad or cultured cream. Cream fermented with lactic acid results in the classic American sour cream.

• Acidified Sour Cream- Adding Lime juice or vinegar to milk helps in preparing acidified sour cream.
• Cultured Sour Cream- Milk, lactic acid, and flavoring compounds are the main components for preparing cultured sour cream.

2. Mild Flavored Mexican Sour Cream

Heavy cream and buttermilk help in preparing Mexican dishes, especially stews, and soups.

• It is a good option for topping salsa, burritos, enchiladas, tacos, etc.
• Adding this cream to the dish adds natural tartness and acidity to the dish.

Thus, all types of pasteurized products, sour cream being one of them is safe for consumption during pregnancy. It is however important to watch out for the label and store it at a proper temperature while choosing sour cream or sour cream products. It is best to look for the expiry date and then consume the same.

FAQ’s

1. Does Sour Help Pregnancy Nausea?

Having sourness helps to increase salivation. Things like lemon, sour candies, and lime help to reduce nausea. There have been no side effects from consuming these as well.

2. Can Babies Taste Sour in the Womb?

Yes, Babies can taste sour in the womb. So, the different flavours taken by the mother reach the amniotic fluid as well as the breast milk that the baby gets fed on. 

Read Also: Is Greek Yogurt Safe During Pregnancy?