There is one question that should be addressed when it comes to raw milk and pregnancy: is it okay to drink raw milk during pregnancy? Proponents would argue yes; however, the consensus among doctors as well as the National Institute of Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention is definitive in their answer – an unequivocal no. Here are the reasons why pregnant women should not ingest raw milk.
Raw milk can contain harmful bacteria that can lead to infections or other illnesses. These bacteria can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women and their babies.
Raw milk can also contain toxins that can harm the developing fetus.
Pregnant women who drink raw milk are at an increased risk for foodborne illnesses, including listeriosis. Listeriosis is a serious infection that can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery.
For these reasons, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid drinking raw milk altogether.
Raw milk that has not gone through the pasteurization process can contain harmful bacteria, such as listeria, salmonella, and E. coli. According to research, pregnant women are more likely to develop listeriosis than healthier adults. Listeriosis can be harmful not only to the pregnant woman but also to her fetus.
The domino effect can have a serious impact on both the mother and child during pregnancy. According to doctors, hormonal changes in a pregnant woman can affect the course of treatment for an illness. While medication may cure the illness, it may also affect the unborn fetus. This can lead to miscarriages, illness, and even death. Even if the newborn survives, the immune system in an infant is not fully developed and their illness can become even more pronounced which would require appropriate medications to treat the newborn. This is the domino effect.
Raw milk that is clean and comes from a reputable farmer can be safe to drink, but there is always the risk that bacteria in the milk can cause severe illness in pregnant women and affect the fetus. The “good” bacteria in raw milk can help prevent diseases in children, but it can have the opposite effect in pregnant women.
Foods made from raw milk, such as cheeses, can also be harmful to pregnant women. Some of the symptoms associated with drinking or eating foods derived from raw milk can include vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and body aches. These symptoms can be incredibly uncomfortable and dangerous for both mother and child, so it’s important to avoid these products if you’re pregnant.
A number of online blogs written by women claim that they have been drinking raw milk during and after pregnancy with no ill effects. In fact, some say that their babies have been born healthy after being exposed to raw milk as part of their family’s diet.
Although the controversy surrounding the question of drinking raw milk during pregnancy will undoubtedly continue, the data suggests that pregnant women have a higher chance of developing illness. As a result, it seems that pregnant women should not drink raw milk.
