Pregnancy is an exciting but delicate time. As an expectant mother, you want to keep your growing baby as safe and healthy as possible. This means being mindful of what you put into your body, including the foods and drinks you consume. One holiday drink that pregnant women are often told to avoid is eggnog. But why exactly can’t you have eggnog during pregnancy?
What is Eggnog?
Eggnog is a rich, creamy milk-based beverage traditionally made with milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. It’s often served chilled and is a popular seasonal drink during the winter holidays.
There are a few key ingredients in classic eggnog recipes that can be problematic during pregnancy:
Raw Eggs
Many traditional eggnog recipes call for raw eggs to be used. Raw eggs carry the risk of salmonella contamination, which can cause food poisoning. When you’re pregnant, food poisoning from salmonella can lead to serious complications, like dehydration, fever, and miscarriage. For this reason, pregnant women are advised to avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs.
Alcohol
Another classic eggnog ingredient is brandy, rum, or bourbon. Alcohol is not considered safe during pregnancy and should be avoided completely. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can negatively impact your baby’s development and lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous.
High-Fat Content
Finally, eggnog tends to be very high in fat and calories due to all the cream and milk. Consuming too many high-fat foods during pregnancy can lead to excessive weight gain, which carries risks like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and complications during delivery. It’s important to watch your fat intake when pregnant.
Health Risks of Eggnog During Pregnancy
So what potential health issues arise from drinking eggnog while pregnant? Here are some of the top concerns:
Food Poisoning
Raw, undercooked, or contaminated eggs used in eggnog can cause food poisoning due to salmonella or other bacteria. Food poisoning causes vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. This is particularly dangerous during pregnancy and may require hospitalization for IV fluids.
Harmful Bacteria
Even pasteurized eggs can occasionally become contaminated with bacteria like listeria, E. coli, and campylobacter. These can cross the placenta and infect your baby, leading to illness, premature birth, stillbirth, or serious health problems after birth.
Toxoplasmosis
Raw or undercooked eggs may contain a parasite called toxoplasma gondii. If contracted during pregnancy, it can cause toxoplasmosis infection, leading to flu-like symptoms in the mother and serious birth defects or neurologic problems in the baby.
Mercury Exposure
Some eggnogs may contain high-mercury ingredients like albacore tuna. Mercury consumption during pregnancy has been linked to brain damage and developmental delays in babies.
Alcohol Effects
Drinking alcohol anytime during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, premature birth, and a variety of lifelong physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities in the baby due to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Excess Calories
The high-calorie, high-fat content of eggnog can contribute to unhealthy weight gain during pregnancy. This increases risks like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, and obesity in the baby.
Food Allergies
Eggs, milk, and nuts used in eggnog can all cause allergic reactions in some people. Food allergy reactions tend to become more severe during pregnancy and may turn life-threatening.
Gestational Diabetes
The carbohydrates and sugars in eggnog can cause a spike in blood glucose levels. For women with gestational diabetes, this can be dangerous for both mother and baby. Uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to high birth weight, jaundice, low blood sugar, and breathing problems in the baby.
Safety Precautions for Pregnant Women
If you’re pregnant and want to indulge in something eggnog-like this holiday season, there are some safer ways to go about it:
Use Pasteurized Products
Opt for shelf-stable, pasteurized eggnog or make homemade eggnog with pasteurized eggs. Pasteurization kills any potential bacteria like salmonella or listeria. Refrigerated pasteurized eggnog has a shorter shelf life but is safer than raw eggs.
Avoid Alcohol
Leave out any brandy, rum, or other liquor from eggnog recipes. Substitute with milk, juice, or non-alcoholic beverages instead. There is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy.
Limit Fat and Sugar
Look for low-fat or skim milk eggnog options to reduce calories and fat. Adding healthier ingredients like fruit or spices can add flavor without excess sugar. Be mindful of portions to avoid excess weight gain.
Check Ingredients
If buying pre-made eggnog, check the label carefully to make sure no raw egg products were used. Also ensure the eggnog is alcohol-free. Watch out for allergens like nuts as well.
Talk to Your Doctor
Discuss eggnog and other holiday foods with your prenatal doctor to determine what’s safe for you to consume during pregnancy. Don’t eat anything you’re uncertain about.
Healthy Eggnog Alternatives When Pregnant
If you want to sip on something reminiscent of eggnog but safer for pregnancy, there are many ways to create healthier versions:
Coconut Nog
Blend coconut milk, coconut cream, coconut sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a dairy-free, egg-free, lower fat option.
Horchata Eggnog
Make horchata by blending almond milk, rice milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar for a plant-based take.
Protein-Packed Smoothie
Blend pasteurized eggnog with milk, yogurt, protein powder, banana, and nutmeg for a nutrient-dense smoothie.
Sparkling Cider Nog
Mix together sparkling apple cider, pasteurized eggnog, pumpkin puree, vanilla and spices for an autumnal mocktail.
Chai Eggnog
Combine chai tea concentrate with pasteurized eggnog, milk and maple syrup for a comforting latte-style drink.
Frozen Peppermint Mocha
Blend peppermint extract, cocoa powder, instant coffee, and pasteurized eggnog, then freeze for a refreshing holiday milkshake.
Conclusion
Ultimately, traditional eggnog made with raw eggs and alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy due to the potential for foodborne illness, toxoplasmosis, mercury exposure, and fetal alcohol effects. Pasteurized dairy alternatives can satisfy your cravings without the risks. Always check with your doctor about any holiday foods and beverages when expecting. Abstaining from eggnog for nine months is a small sacrifice to keep your growing baby safe and healthy.