A milkshake is a classic cold, dairy-based confection, and enjoying one while pregnant is generally acceptable. Moderate consumption of this sweet treat is fine, provided that a few important food safety and nutritional guidelines are followed. The primary considerations revolve around ensuring the ingredients are safe from harmful bacteria and being mindful of the high sugar and fat content. Addressing these points will allow you to safely satisfy that craving.
Ensuring Dairy Safety Through Pasteurization
The foremost safety concern with any dairy product during pregnancy is the risk of listeriosis, a serious foodborne illness caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium is particularly dangerous for pregnant people because the infection can be passed to the fetus, potentially leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in the newborn. To minimize this risk, the milkshake must be made exclusively with pasteurized milk and pasteurized ice cream. The pasteurization process involves heating the dairy product to a specific temperature for a set time, which is effective at killing Listeria and other harmful pathogens.
While the dairy base may be pasteurized, an additional point of contamination can be the equipment used to prepare the milkshake, specifically the shake machine itself. These commercial machines, especially those that dispense soft-serve or thick shakes, can harbor bacteria if they are not cleaned and sanitized according to strict manufacturer protocols. Listeria has been known to persist in the internal tubing and surfaces of these machines. Choosing milkshakes from establishments known for their high standards of hygiene is a sensible precaution.
Moderating Sugar and Caloric Intake
Beyond microbiological safety, the major consideration with milkshakes shifts to their nutritional profile, which is high in both added sugars and saturated fats. A single large commercial milkshake can contain a significant amount of sugar, sometimes exceeding the recommended daily limit for an adult. Excessive intake of these components can contribute to a higher risk of developing complications like excessive gestational weight gain.
Excessive gestational weight gain is associated with a greater risk of high birth weight, which can complicate delivery, as well as an increased likelihood of developing gestational diabetes. This form of diabetes, which appears during pregnancy, is linked to the mother’s inability to process sugar effectively due to hormonal changes. To enjoy a milkshake responsibly, consider choosing a smaller serving size or sharing one with a partner to cut down on the overall caloric load. A homemade shake using plain yogurt and fresh or frozen fruit can also offer a lower-sugar, nutrient-denser alternative.
Specific Flavoring Additives to Monitor
Certain milkshake flavors contain ingredients that introduce additional considerations, most notably caffeine. Chocolate, coffee, and espresso-based milkshakes contain varying amounts of this stimulant, which can cross the placenta to the fetus. Health experts recommend that pregnant individuals limit their total daily caffeine consumption to 200 milligrams or less. A large coffee-flavored shake could easily contribute a substantial portion, or even exceed, this daily threshold.
Another set of ingredients to be aware of are non-nutritive sweeteners, which are sometimes used in “light” or “diet” milkshake options. While most FDA-approved artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose and aspartame, are considered safe for moderate consumption during pregnancy, experts suggest limiting their intake. For example, those with the rare genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid aspartame entirely.