Eggnog While Pregnant: Safe Ways to Get in the Holiday Spirit

Pregnancy is a beautiful time in life, but it can also be a confusing one. Questions and concerns arise every day about what is safe to eat and drink and what might be harmful. Eggnog, a favorite holiday treat, is no exception. While many women enjoy a glass or two during the holidays, there are concerns about safety when pregnant. As the holidays approach, many moms-to-be are asking, “Can I have eggnog while pregnant?”
The answer is not a cut and dry yes or no, and there are a few things to consider before you indulge. In this blog post, we will examine the benefits and risks associated with drinking eggnog while pregnant, so you can make an informed decision. We will also discuss some alternatives that can be enjoyed during pregnancy. With the right information, you can make sure that your holiday season is safe and enjoyable.

What determines the severity of a Salmonella infection?

The severity of a Salmonella infection can depend on a number of factors, including:

The strength of your immune system.

Age – the very young and elderly are most at risk.

The severity of the strain of Salmonella.

The amount of Salmonella you are exposed to.

Early diagnosis and treatment.

Not drinking enough fluids. (Though this will not prevent infection, it will help your body manage the dehydration that can result from severe diarrhea associated with a Salmonella infection. Keep yourself well-hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water supplemented with an electrolyte-enriched fluid such as Gatorade or Pedialyte. Remaining well-hydrated can also decrease cramping during pregnancy, it is important to stay hydrated even during the colder winter months when you are pregnant.)

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Staying Merry With Eggnog During Your Pregnancy

You might be anticipating drinking eggnog now that the holiday season has arrived. The frothy beverage, which is traditionally made with eggs, sugar, milk or cream, and alcohol, is a crucial component of the holidays for many people. However, you should use caution when drinking eggnog if you’re expecting. This is due to the risk that eggnog with alcohol and eggs, as well as eggnog lattes, pose to the health of both you and your unborn child. Thankfully, just because you’re expecting doesn’t mean you have to stop drinking eggnog. A number of steps minimize the health risks from eggnog.

The Dangers of Eggnog During Pregnancy

Consuming eggnog while pregnant carries a significant risk of salmonella infection. Salmonella has unfavorable side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, headaches, muscle pain, and bloody stools. Salmonella can even be fatal for a pregnant woman and her unborn child because it increases their risk of contracting meningitis. Consuming eggs contaminated with salmonella bacteria can result in infection. One of the most frequently found foods containing salmonella is raw, undercooked eggs and the products made from them. Traditionally, eggnog is made with raw eggs.

Along with raw eggs, eggnog can contain alcohol. The alcohol is typically a strong alcohol, such as bourbon, brandy, rum, or a combination of them. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can affect the unborn child through the placenta. Drinking too much can cause your unborn child to have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), which can result in birth defects of the body, mind, and behavior that last a lifetime. The more you drink, the higher your baby’s risk of FASD. The American Pregnancy Association warns that since it is unknown how much alcohol is safe to consume while pregnant, the group views any amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy as risky.

Additionally, keep in mind that just because an eggnog contains alcohol, doesn’t mean it’s necessarily safe from salmonella Contrary to popular belief, alcohol is unlikely to completely kill all bacteria in a drink made from tainted unpasteurized eggs.

During pregnancy, avoid consuming eggnog lattes, which are made with coffee, usually espresso. Because caffeine is both a stimulant and a diuretic, pregnant women are advised to consume as little of the substance as possible. This means that caffeine can cause dehydration and raise blood pressure and heart rate, both of which are harmful during pregnancy. Caffeine also crosses your placenta to your baby during pregnancy. The metabolism of your unborn child is still developing, so caffeine cannot be fully metabolized by her body.

Any amount of caffeine during pregnancy can interfere with your baby’s regular sleep and movement patterns, according to the American Pregnancy Association (APA). Numerous studies on animals have also demonstrated that caffeine increases the risk of low birth weight babies, premature labor, preterm delivery, and birth defects. While the exact amount of caffeine that a pregnant woman should consume is a matter of some debate, the March of Dimes recommends that she consume no more than 200 milligrams of caffeine daily, which is roughly equivalent to one 12-ounce cup of coffee. According to the APA, moderate caffeine consumption during pregnancy—defined as 150 to 300 milligrams per day—has not been associated with any side effects.

Approximately 63 milligrams of caffeine are present in one ounce of espresso, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In coffee shops, a shot of espresso usually equals one ounce of espresso. Ask the barista how many shots of espresso are in the eggnog latte you’re ordering at a shop. On the websites of some coffee shops, you can also find the caffeine content of their drinks.

FAQ

Is grocery store eggnog pasteurized?

Why can’t you have eggnog while pregnant?

Can you drink Starbucks eggnog while pregnant?

Does eggnog have cooked eggs?

Is It Safe to Consume Eggs While Pregnant?