Packed with essential nutrients, yogurt is an excellent healthy choice for pregnant women. One serving of yogurt contains more calcium than a serving of milk and also is a good source of protein. The active cultures in many yogurts are not only safe for you and your baby but also might help you avoid an unpleasant side effect of pregnancy.
Cautions
Yogurt made from pasteurized milk is safe for pregnant women. Avoid raw milk yogurt or any yogurt product made from unpasteurized milk, since these can contain bacteria that are dangerous to you and your baby. Store yogurt in the refrigerator, check expiration dates and discard yogurt that is past the date.
Protein
Yogurt is a good source of protein, the essential building blocks for infant growth and development. According to pregnancy nutrition guidelines from MayoClinic.com, pregnant women should aim for 71 g of protein per day. Frequent, small, high-protein snacks such as yogurt also might help alleviate nausea and morning sickness.
Calcium
Yogurt in an excellent source of calcium, an essential mineral for the formation of new bones. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the U.S. recommended daily allowance for calcium is 1,200 mg per day for pregnant and lactating women 24 and older, and 1,200 to 1,500 mg for women under 24. You will need to consume at least four servings of calcium-rich foods and dairy products per day to ensure that you reach 1,200 mg.
Active Cultures
The active bacterial cultures found in many store-bought yogurts are safe for you and your baby. Some women find that yogurt with active cultures provides a good defense against yeast infections, which occur more commonly in pregnant women due to hormonal changes. The American Pregnancy Association recommends that you choose yogurts with lactobacillus acidophilus if you are prone to yeast infections.
