Uncertainty and excitement are common throughout pregnancy, especially when it comes to knowing which meals are suitable for you and your growing baby.
Popular dairy item sour cream is frequently served with potatoes and is used to garnish dishes including soup, chili, and nachos.
You might be unsure if it’s ok to consume sour cream when you’re expecting it because it is a dairy product.
Even while sour cream consumption is typically regarded as harmless, there are a few factors to consider.
A dairy product called sour cream is created by fermenting ordinary milk cream with lactic acid bacteria.
Its name comes from the way the bacteria thicken the texture and somewhat sour the flavor of the cream when they combine.
Making your own sour cream is possible by blending heavy whipping cream with an acid, like lemon juice or vinegar, and some milk. Some types of sour cream contain additives and preservatives.
While you might believe that store-bought sour cream is healthier than homemade sour cream, there are advantages to doing so, particularly if you’re expecting it.
Read on to find out more.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ Sour cream and other pasteurized dairy products are completely safe to eat while pregnant.
✅ When selecting a product, be sure to check the label for the word “pasteurized,” and always store it in the refrigerator at a safe temperature.
✅ The sour cream must be used by the expiration date listed on the label, thus it’s critical to be aware of expiration dates.
It’s normally safe when you’re pregnant
Because it has undergone pasteurization, which entails heating the product to a temperature that will kill harmful bacteria so that it is safe to eat even during pregnancy, store-bought sour cream is typically safe to consume throughout pregnancy.
Before buying a sour cream product at the shop, make careful to check the label for the word “pasteurized.” Making your own sour cream will prevent it from being pasteurized. Consuming it during pregnancy could therefore be dangerous.
Potential dangers
Because unpasteurized sour cream can contain Listeria monocytogenes, a pathogen that pasteurization would usually eliminate, it is not advised to consume it while pregnant.
It is well-recognized that a listeria infection poses a risk to both pregnant women and unborn children because it can result in listeriosis.
For the expectant mother, this dangerous illness causes fever and flu-like symptoms, and it can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, and infections that are potentially fatal for the child.
Examine the expiration date of each product you buy, pasteurized or not. Sour cream and other dairy products should be kept in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or lower, where they can be safely maintained for one to three weeks.
It becomes unsafe to eat sour cream if it is left out of the refrigerator for an extended period of time, especially if you’re pregnant.
Examine the sour cream for mold and runny liquid to determine whether it has gone bad. It’s wise to err on the side of caution and utilize the sour cream closer to its expiration date as pregnant women are thought to be at risk for listeriosis.
Additionally, you should avoid placing a fork or other object in your mouth before dipping it into the sour cream container since the bacteria in your mouth can contaminate the food. Last but not least, asking your server if sour cream has been pasteurized before ordering a dish when dining out is good.
Is sour cream a nutritious option when pregnant?
Smaller amounts of sour cream are often consumed as a condiment or topping. However, if you expect, you could find yourself reaching for it more frequently because many pregnant women frequently seek creamy and high-fat foods.
Fat content in sour cream is generally high. Although eating too much fat during pregnancy can increase your risk of gestational diabetes, fat is an essential nutrient. Saturated fat, which makes up half of the fat in sour cream, has been connected to poor heart health.
Since sour cream is a fermented food, it theoretically could include bacteria that aid in digestion. However, the majority of commercial brands no longer contain these probiotics because the product has been pasteurized.
Since sour cream has a high-fat content and few significant health benefits, it’s advised to consume it in moderation while pregnant. You may try replacing sour cream with plain Greek yogurt, which has a comparable flavor and texture but provides far more nutritional value because it contains calcium and protein.