One study found that probiotics had no adverse effect on either pregnant women or their babies source: PMC. Consuming food that contains probiotics may help with gut health, and prevent diarrhea source: PubMed.

In all, it is safe and potentially beneficial to eat live yogurt in pregnancy. It may help your gut health, and in most cases, it can certainly do no harm. The same rules apply to probiotic yogurt concerning pasteurization explained above.

Probiotic yogurt made from raw, unpasteurized milk should be avoided. Yogurt can be eaten at any stage of pregnancy, including early pregnancy in the first trimester of pregnancy, right through to birth. Some yogurts are better than others depending on how they are processed and sweetened.

Yogurt can be a beneficial food for pregnant women, as it is an excellent source of calcium — an essential mineral for pregnant women. During pregnancy, you should try to increase your calcium intake up to mg per day source: WebMD.

Yogurt is also a good choice for increasing your calcium intake as the body absorbs calcium from unflavored natural yogurt equally as well as calcium from milk source: PubMed.

One cup of plain yogurt has almost mg of calcium source: NutritionData. Yogurt is also high in protein, B vitamins, and zinc source: WebMD. Yogurt, of course, lends itself to being a healthy ingredient in other food such as making a dip, or sprinkling with other pregnancy-friendly foods like fruit.

Natural or plain, unsweetened yogurt with no added sugar is usually the best bet in pregnancy. Some recommended brands are below. Staring at the shelves and wondering what the difference is between low-fat, no fat, unsweetened, Greek, organic, natural, grass-fed and all the rest of it can make it seem like the choice is overwhelming.

There is no hard and fast rule about how much yogurt pregnant women can eat daily. This is because there are many differences between brands of yogurt, and how yogurt is used e.

in cooking, or eaten on its own also varies. In the absence of any certified advice or clinical trials, it probably comes down to common sense, and having yogurt as part of a balanced diet during pregnancy. for a healthy breakfast.

If you do eat lots of yogurt, try to stick to the healthier versions described earlier in this article. Yogurt that is high in sugar and fat particularly if its flavored may raise your blood sugar, which can be a problem in pregnancy, particularly if you have gestational diabetes 1.

Popular brands of yogurt also come in drink form like Yoplait, Chobani, Activia etc. What to look out for in yogurt drinks is almost exactly the same as what to look out for when buying yogurt, which is covered above. Pregnancy is a phase that brings in lots of excitement, but it is also a time when you have to exercise maximum caution.

Whether it is the food you take, the exercises and activities you do, everything has an effect on you and the baby. The regular foods and vegetables that we eat are all almost OK, but there are some that your friends may suggest and you may not be too sure of. One among these is Greek Yoghurt.

Pregnancy is the time when you can eat anything and everything yet it is also the time when you need to exercise extreme caution as well. How to Check Pregnancy at Home - 5 Easy and Natural DIY Tests. Symptoms in the First Week of Pregnancy. How To Use Pregnancy Test Kits Effectively.

How to Get Pregnant Fast - Easy Tips To Follow. How to check pregnancy at home - 5 easy and natural DIY tests. There are certain foods that are considered good and safe during pregnancy.

And one such food is Greek Yogurt. Our proparent blogger Janaki Srinivasan shares some interesting insight on…. Simply put, it is yogurt that has been strained to leave aside lactose and whey.

It is creamy and tangy; in fact, it tastes just like sour cream and is rich in texture. Moreover, it contains half the amount of sodium and carbohydrates found in normal yogurt and this makes it a healthy substitute for normal yogurt.

In fact, Greek yogurt is believed to be rich in nutrients needed on a regular basis especially for a pregnant woman. So, if you are reading this and are pregnant, head to your local store and stock up. But be careful to check that it is made from pasteurized milk.

The ones made from unpasteurized milk are known to contain Listeria, a bacterium that might cross the placenta and can either cause miscarriage or can be fatal for the baby. So, remember to check the pack carefully before you get them.

Excellent for Improving Bone Health Greek yogurt contains traces of magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium that help to ensure your bones remain healthy during conception and delivery.

They are also helpful in averting osteoporosis as you tend to get older. Rich in Vitamin B Vitamin B, which is crucial for the proper development of fetal brain development, is also found in Greek yogurt. You can stop taking Vitamin B supplements and substitute it with Greek yogurt that is loaded with Vitamin B Iodine Rich Too Rich in iodine content too, Greek yogurt, thus helps in ensuring proper brain development of the fetus and also ensures normal thyroid levels.

Loaded with Probiotics Greek yogurt is rich in probiotics, beneficial bacteria that multiply in the intestine. They promote a healthy environment in your stomach and gut.

A diet rich in probiotics ensures that you have smooth digestion and bowel movement. If you are suffering from indigestion and constipation during pregnancy, supplementing probiotics is a good idea and greek yogurt is an excellent source of probiotics. It also maintains your vaginal health and prevents infections.

Cures Bloating Bloating feelings, indigestion and gastritis are all common woes of pregnancy. Having Greek yogurt along with your meals can help to cure this to a considerable extent. Maintains Blood Pressure within Normal Levels Greek yogurt as mentioned above contains calcium, potassium, and magnesium all of which aid to bring down blood pressure levels and maintain them within normal ranges.

Easy To Digest In addition to being lower in sugar, Greek yogurt also contains less lactose, making it easier to digest. But for those who can handle small amounts of lactose, it can be a good alternative to dairy products.

Although Greek yogurt has many positive health benefits, you need to take certain precautions while using Greek yogurt. Make sure that the Greek yogurt you buy or make is prepared from pasteurized milk.

The yogurt prepared from unpasteurized milk can contain traces of Listeria bacterium. Listeria can cause harm to the fetus growing inside you. Consult your doctor before adding this food to your daily diet. Ensure to read and check labels before purchasing this product from the market.

Greek Yogurt Recipes Compared to regular yogurt, Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier. It is incredibly versatile. You can add Greek yogurt to recipes, use it for cooking and baking, and blend it in smoothies.

Greek yogurt is great for snacking, cooking, and baking. Blueberry Greek Yogurt Muffins The taste of blueberry and Greek yogurt muffins is unbeatable. Delicious and moist, these blueberry muffins are loaded with juicy blueberries. Greek yogurt, coconut oil, and whole grains make this low-refined sugar treat.

It is a healthy snack or a perfect companion for your morning coffee. Blueberry Vanilla Buttermilk Greek Yogurt Pancakes This combo of buttermilk and Greek yogurt makes the fluffiest pancakes ever.

This protein-rich food will melt in your mouth and hence be a great choice for a healthy pregnancy breakfast. To make these extra special and nutritious, add fresh blueberries. Coming to the question, Is Greek Yogurt Safe During Pregnancy? Greek yogurt is safe and extremely healthy during pregnancy.

We Indians believe in ending every meal with yogurt and have done that for many decades. Greek yogurt can replace your daily snack and is an excellent substitute for a dessert. Remember, always speak with your doctor before adding anything new to your diet, including Greek yogurt.

Can Greek Yogurt Cause Weight Gain During pregnancy? It is highly unlikely. Greek yogurt is rich in protein and low in calories. A highly recommended food item for weight management. Is Greek Yogurt Nutrition for Pregnant Women? Yes, it is.

Bell peppers, for example, are high in vitamin C which will help you absorb iron , while berries are bursting with antioxidants. Salads are an easy way to combine colorful fruits and veggies.

Considering buying organic produce but concerned about cost? Check the Dirty Dozen list of 12 fruits and vegetables that might be worth the extra money because they have the most pesticide residue. Recipe: Steamed cod with spring veggies. Recipe: Zucchini noodles with sesame sauce.

Avocados are high in monounsaturated fatty acids the healthy fats , which help build your baby's skin and brain. They're also high in vitamin K, antioxidants, and folate , which helps prevent certain birth defects.

Plagued by leg cramps? The potassium in avocados might help. The fiber content is an antidote. Suffering from morning sickness? The vitamin B6 in avocados — which is also good for your baby's developing brain — can help ease nausea. Avocados deliver a lot of flavor, creamy texture, and nutrition.

Try spreading on whole-grain toast, or add to salads and smoothies. Recipe : Carnitas with avocado and pico de gallo. Recipe: Black bean and sweet potato tacos with avocado. Portable and nutrient dense, dried fruit offers a good occasional alternative to the fresh fruit that's so important in your pregnancy diet.

Look for dried fruit without added sugar. Depending on the dried fruit you choose, you'll boost your diet with a variety of vitamins and minerals like iron , as well as antioxidants and fiber. Prunes, for example, are a tried-and-true remedy for the constipation that plagues so many pregnant women.

Recipe: Grilled pork tenderloin with barley and dried apricots. Recipe: Turkey meatballs with prunes. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world.

When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals.

We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. Nutrition during pregnancy.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Pregnancy and nutrition. html Opens a new window [Accessed August ]. Eating healthy during pregnancy. March of Dimes. aspx Opens a new window [Accessed August ]. Tips for pregnant moms. Department of Agriculture.

pdf Opens a new window [Accessed August ]. FoodData Central. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service.

Nutritional needs during pregnancy. Elizabeth Dougherty is a veteran parenting writer and editor who's been contributing to BabyCenter since She's an intrepid traveler, devoted yogi, and longtime resident of Silicon Valley, where she lives with her husband and son.

Community Getting Pregnant Pregnancy Baby Names Baby Toddler Child Health Family Courses Registry Builder Baby Products Advertisement. What to eat when pregnant: The 12 best foods. Medically reviewed by Erin Hinga, M.

Photo credit: iStock. Best foods for pregnancy : Best foods for pregnancy : Best foods for pregnancy : Best foods for pregnancy : Best foods for pregnancy : Best foods for pregnancy : Best foods for pregnancy : Best foods for pregnancy : Best foods for pregnancy : Best foods for pregnancy : Best foods for pregnancy : Best foods for pregnancy : Tips for a healthy pregnancy diet.

Best foods for pregnancy. Photo credit: Thinkstock. Recipe: Frittata with chard, red onion, and feta Recipe : Ratatouille with baked eggs. Recipe: Pan-seared salmon with lentils and leeks Recipe: Roasted salmon BLTs with herbed mayo.

Recipe: Creamy white beans with sausage, broccolini, and bread crumbs extra easy, thanks to canned beans Recipe: Tofu, broccoli, and sugar snap pea stir-fry. Recipe: Curried chickpea and sweet potato turnovers Recipe: Baked sweet potato fries not just for kids!

Recipe: Chicken soup with farro and shiitake mushrooms Recipe : Quinoa with shrimp, tomato, and avocado. Advertisement page continues below.

Recipe: Kale salad with dried fruit and toasted almonds Video: How to make three perfect pregnancy meals. These recipes offer healthy options for comfort food. Recipe: Chicken and biscuits with Swiss chard Recipe: Roasted butternut squash and kale lasagna. Look for cuts that are around 95 to 98 percent fat-free.

Recipe: Steak fajitas with peppers and onions , featuring flank steak, a lean and flavorful cut of beef Recipe : Yellow curry with chicken, spinach, and butternut squash Recipe : Grilled chicken with pumpkin-seed pesto.

Recipe: Steamed cod with spring veggies Recipe: Zucchini noodles with sesame sauce. Recipe : Carnitas with avocado and pico de gallo Recipe: Black bean and sweet potato tacos with avocado. Recipe: Grilled pork tenderloin with barley and dried apricots Recipe: Turkey meatballs with prunes.

Tips for a healthy pregnancy diet. During pregnancy you need lots of protein and healthy fats, and more of certain vitamins and minerals such as folic acid , iron , and calcium. See our list of nutrients you need to help your baby grow.

Eating well during pregnancy doesn't mean eating a lot more. If you start off at a healthy weight, you don't need additional calories during the first trimester. You'll need about extra calories a day in the second trimester and about extra calories a day in the third trimester.

Learn more about pregnancy weight gain. Some foods can be dangerous when you're pregnant. See what to avoid. You'll also need to give up alcohol and limit caffeine during pregnancy. Healthy pregnancy snacks are where it's at!

Choose snacks that help meet your nutritional needs, and cut back on processed foods, packaged foods, and sugary desserts. If nausea , food aversions , heartburn , or indigestion make eating full-size meals uncomfortable, try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day.

As your pregnancy progresses and your baby increasingly crowds your stomach and other digestive organs, you'll have less space in your body for big meals anyway. Looking for more specifics? Most Greek yogurts provide you with around 2 percent of your daily iron and vitamin A requirements. Proteins also provide you with the much-required energy that pregnancy and delivery required.

Good news is that Greek yogurt has double the quantity of protein compared to other yogurts, which makes it an ideal addition to supplement your diet during the pregnancy phase.

Just a small pack of Greek yogurt approximately 7 ounces has twenty grams of protein. Helps to Keep Your Weight in Check Yet another positive aspect of Greek yogurt lies in the fact it does not have high traces of sugar, making it an ideal snack for women who are watching their weight.

Since yogurt is high in proteins, it helps to keep hunger pangs at bay and stops you from snacking on unhealthy foods. Low in Sodium Pregnant women should avoid consuming excess sodium. Besides increasing the risk of hypertension, sodium can also take a toll on heart health.

If you are seeking low sodium food during pregnancy, Greek yogurt would be an excellent choice. It offers a rich flavor without being high in sodium.

In fact, its sodium content is half that of the regular variety. Packed with Calcium: This mineral is vital for you and your unborn baby when you are pregnant.

Greek yogurt is rich in calcium and a single cup can meet around twenty percent of the calcium requirements during pregnancy. Excellent for Improving Bone Health Greek yogurt contains traces of magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium that help to ensure your bones remain healthy during conception and delivery.

They are also helpful in averting osteoporosis as you tend to get older. Rich in Vitamin B Vitamin B, which is crucial for the proper development of fetal brain development, is also found in Greek yogurt. You can stop taking Vitamin B supplements and substitute it with Greek yogurt that is loaded with Vitamin B Iodine Rich Too Rich in iodine content too, Greek yogurt, thus helps in ensuring proper brain development of the fetus and also ensures normal thyroid levels.

Loaded with Probiotics Greek yogurt is rich in probiotics, beneficial bacteria that multiply in the intestine. They promote a healthy environment in your stomach and gut. A diet rich in probiotics ensures that you have smooth digestion and bowel movement.

If you are suffering from indigestion and constipation during pregnancy, supplementing probiotics is a good idea and greek yogurt is an excellent source of probiotics.

It also maintains your vaginal health and prevents infections. Cures Bloating Bloating feelings, indigestion and gastritis are all common woes of pregnancy. Having Greek yogurt along with your meals can help to cure this to a considerable extent.

Maintains Blood Pressure within Normal Levels Greek yogurt as mentioned above contains calcium, potassium, and magnesium all of which aid to bring down blood pressure levels and maintain them within normal ranges. Easy To Digest In addition to being lower in sugar, Greek yogurt also contains less lactose, making it easier to digest.

But for those who can handle small amounts of lactose, it can be a good alternative to dairy products. Although Greek yogurt has many positive health benefits, you need to take certain precautions while using Greek yogurt. Make sure that the Greek yogurt you buy or make is prepared from pasteurized milk.

The yogurt prepared from unpasteurized milk can contain traces of Listeria bacterium. Listeria can cause harm to the fetus growing inside you. Consult your doctor before adding this food to your daily diet.

Ensure to read and check labels before purchasing this product from the market. Greek Yogurt Recipes Compared to regular yogurt, Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier.

It is incredibly versatile. You can add Greek yogurt to recipes, use it for cooking and baking, and blend it in smoothies. Greek yogurt is great for snacking, cooking, and baking.

Blueberry Greek Yogurt Muffins The taste of blueberry and Greek yogurt muffins is unbeatable. Delicious and moist, these blueberry muffins are loaded with juicy blueberries.

Greek yogurt, coconut oil, and whole grains make this low-refined sugar treat. It is a healthy snack or a perfect companion for your morning coffee. Blueberry Vanilla Buttermilk Greek Yogurt Pancakes This combo of buttermilk and Greek yogurt makes the fluffiest pancakes ever.

This protein-rich food will melt in your mouth and hence be a great choice for a healthy pregnancy breakfast. To make these extra special and nutritious, add fresh blueberries. Coming to the question, Is Greek Yogurt Safe During Pregnancy?

Greek yogurt is safe and extremely healthy during pregnancy. We Indians believe in ending every meal with yogurt and have done that for many decades. Greek yogurt can replace your daily snack and is an excellent substitute for a dessert.

Remember, always speak with your doctor before adding anything new to your diet, including Greek yogurt. Can Greek Yogurt Cause Weight Gain During pregnancy? It is highly unlikely. Greek yogurt is rich in protein and low in calories. A highly recommended food item for weight management.

Is Greek Yogurt Nutrition for Pregnant Women? Yes, it is. Greek yogurt is rich in many vitamins and proteins. It can give good energy without adding calories. Does Greek Yogurt Give me Enough Calcium During Pregnancy?

Greek yogurt is indeed rich in calcium. It can help meet your calcium requirements during pregnancy. Should I Eat Greek Yogurt for Fetal Development?

Greek yogurt is rich in Vitamin B This is essential for brain development for baby. This can be as good as your Vitamin B supplements.