Is It Safe To Have Eggnog During Pregnancy?

Do you love eggnog? Are you pregnant and craving eggnog? Do you want to prevent the risk of calcium deficiency during pregnancy? If your answer is ‘yes’ to these questions, then go ahead and read this post. If you are expecting and not sure if it is safe to have eggnog during pregnancy, then we can help you.

This post covers all about eggnog, – under what conditions it is safe to consume eggnog during pregnancy and what its health benefits are. So before you drink that glass of eggnog during your pregnancy, you will want to go ahead and read this post to have a clearer picture.

In This Article

• What Is Eggnog?
• Is It Safe To Have Eggnog During Pregnancy?
• Benefits Of Having Eggnog During Pregnancy
• Safety Concerns Regarding Drinking Eggnog While Pregnant
• Risks Of Consuming Eggnog While Pregnant
• Which Eggnog Options Are OK
• How To Make a Pregnancy-Friendly Eggnog
• Alternatives To Eggnog
• FAQs

What Is Eggnog?

Historically known as Milk Punch, Eggnog is a rich, chilled, sweetened, creamy beverage made traditionally with milk or cream, sugar, and raw eggs along with spices such as grated nutmeg, ground cinnamon, or vanilla flavor. Some people even add alcohol like brandy, rum, or bourbon to eggnog. (1) This is a traditional beverage consumed during Christmas for good cheer and prosperity.  This beverage was even recommended to patients following a convalescent diet (2)  to manage typhoid, tuberculosis, critical surgeries, and even diphtheria.

Is It Safe To Have Eggnog During Pregnancy?

EggNog is no doubt a delicious holiday treat and its consumption during pregnancy is a matter of concern.

The following considerations should be kept in mind to safely consume eggnog during pregnancy:

1. Eggs Need To Be Pasteurized

Most of the homemade eggnogs are made from raw and unpasteurized eggs. These eggs contain dangerous microbes, specifically Salmonella bacteria. This bacteria results in food poisoning and if it enters your system, you will have diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach infection. Combined, these symptoms can cause pre-term labor, and in some cases, even miscarriage. If left untreated, babies will be born with Sepsis or Meningitis. To avoid this, pasteurizing eggs (3) is very important. To this, prepare a double boiler and break these eggs into the top part of a double boiler. Heat these eggs to 140°F, and hold them at this temperature for 30 minutes. This is a standard method to inactivate Salmonella species.

2. There Is No Alcohol In The Eggnog

You are pregnant and going to a party. It is hard to tell whether the eggnog you are served at a party isn’t spiked with alcohol. Therefore, it’s best to avoid eggnog altogether at a party. Alcohol is harmful to your baby, and what’s worse, you don’t know how much and what type of alcohol there is in the eggnog and how it has been made. (4)

3. The Eggnog Is Cooked Properly

Ideally, Eggnogs are made from milk and eggs and both need to be pasteurized. If you are making eggnog at home, collect ingredients from a good store give it a proper boil, and then continue heating them together to at least 160° Fahrenheit. This will inactivate disease-causing microbes, such as Salmonella bacteria or even Listeria sp (5), and improve the quality of the beverage. Also, you can even buy pasteurized eggs (eggs that are heated commercially before being sold) from the market to use in the preparation of eggnog. You can even use store-bought eggnogs because they are made using pasteurized milk and eggs.

Benefits Of Having Eggnog During Pregnancy

Eggnog translates into holiday spirit for many of us. If a holiday season falls during your pregnancy, you will be seeing a lot of eggnogs around you all the time and might be tempted to have the same. It is alright to have it, in fact, it is even good to have it for the following reasons (however, ensure it meets all the three conditions mentioned above):

1. It Is A Very Tasty Beverage

Eggnog is made from eggs, milk, cream, and sugar. It is rich, filling, and satisfying. It becomes tastier when flavored with spices such as nutmeg cinnamon or vanilla which helps relieve nausea (6). Yes, it is loaded with calories. But it is alright to treat your taste buds occasionally and in moderate amounts.

2. It Is Rich In Antioxidants

Eggnog is vitamin A rich. Vitamin A, in turn, is antioxidant-rich. This means that if you have eggnog, your skin will be soft, help your eyesight, and revive damaged cells in the skin. Not just this, Spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg in Eggnog provide anti-inflammatory properties and relieve digestive issues while promoting the development of the fetus.

3. It Helps Develop The Placenta

Eggnog has adequate vitamin C, which is known to be helpful in placenta development. The presence of lutein(7) and choline(8) helps to develop the fetal brain and spinal cord. It also contains essential components that are absorbed and metabolized smoothies during gestation.

4. It Detoxifies

Thanks to all the antioxidant content, eggnog helps in removing free radicals from the body which detoxifies the body and provides skin as well as eye health.

5. It Helps Prevent Anemia

The vitamin C in the drink not only helps in placenta development, it also helps in better iron absorption by increasing red blood cell production, thus reducing the risk of anemia in pregnant women.

6. It Helps In Baby’s Bone Development

Thanks to the milk and egg in the eggnog, the drink is rich in minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. The intake of calcium together with phosphorus helps in strong bones for you and the unborn baby. Potassium and Sodium present in this beverage are important electrolytes involved in nerve impulse transmission, and cardiac and muscular functioning (9)

7. It Helps In Baby’s Brain Development

Eggnog contains proteins (from the egg white). The amino acids from these proteins become the building blocks of your child’s organs, including the brain. Not just this, the B-complex vitamins and minerals like iodine (10) improve biomarkers related to brain development.

Safety Concerns Regarding Drinking Eggnog While Pregnant

All pregnant ladies love to indulge and if you are one of them too, you can indulge safely. Eggnog is a festive treat enjoyed by all though for the expectant it becomes doubtful. When making your own eggnog recipe, there are certain points to be kept in mind to enjoy this fulfilling beverage safely.

1. Reduce The Amount Of Sugar And Calories

The amount of sugar added can be reduced to half and to intensely enhance the sweetness, a touch of nutmeg, cinnamon, or vanilla works best. Prepare eggnogs with soy milk or rice milk. These are plant-based alternatives containing less fat and calories compared with regular store-bought eggnog.

2. Check For Brands And Quality

Pregnant mothers should research the brand and check the quality of ingredients needed if they are looking to consume this beverage safely. Again, there are some eggnogs made by companies that produce alcoholic drinks, but that does not necessarily mean that their eggnog itself will always have alcohol in it. So, do read the label before you buy.  Also, Remember to use pasteurized eggs to prevent the risk of salmonella. If getting from stores, check the label and then go ahead.

Risks Of Consuming Eggnog While Pregnant

Pregnant women generally are among the vulnerable group to be infected with salmonella. If infected, she is at greater risk of severe illness which can be life-threatening or even miscarriage. Hence, as per the US Food and Drug Administration, pregnant women should avoid consuming raw eggs or drinking alcohol as it leads to infection and birth defects. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare eggnog with pasteurized eggs and without alcohol

Which Eggnog Options Are OK

For many people enjoying holidays, especially with family and friends, good food is the best. One such popular dish is Eggnog. If you are pregnant, there is some good news to look at.

1. Eggnog With Yogurt

Yes, you heard it right. This eggnog is prepared with yogurt replacing heavy cream. Hence, It is reducing the calories while giving a twist to this eggnog. Spices like Cinnamon go really well with this.

2. Spicy Coffee Smoothie

Is Eggnog in the smoothie version? Yes, it is possible. Shout out for this recipe with the versatile smell of coffee. This eggnog smells good (thanks to coffee and nutmeg) with desirable consistency. The best part is it is made with skim milk and you can add dates for sweetness and enjoy it like a smoothie

3. Vegan Eggnog

This eggnog boosts oxymoron and replaces whole milk and cream with plant-based milk such as almond milk rice milk or Soy milk. The calories are much reduced and give a nutty taste.

How To Make a Pregnancy-Friendly Eggnog

Do you want to enjoy eggnog without sin? Well, there is one. This can be made at home easily without a fuss and will leave you satisfied without any delinquency. As you are aware, traditional eggnog is a big no during gestation, but this recipe is a big yes. All you have to do is whisk eggs, dates puree, and soy milk/ skim milk in a medium saucepan. Place this mixture over medium heat and whisk regularly until the mixture starts coating the back of a metal spoon slightly. Once done, remove from the heat and allow to cool for around 10-15 minutes. Add cinnamon powder and mix well. Allow it to Chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Before serving, whisk well and then enjoy.

Alternatives To Eggnog

Traditionally, Eggnog is pretty heavy in terms of calories and too heavy. As a result, you may face vomiting, stomach pain or other GI Issues. To overcome this, there are certain alternatives you can look into the kitchen and incorporate in your meal pattern.

1. Dark Chocolate Frozen Bananas

Bananas are a good source of energy and Pyridoxine, an essential Vitamin known to relieve morning sickness during gestation. To prepare this quick frozen treat,  slice the ripe bananas and then coat them with dark chocolate, and stick them in the freezer.

2. Healthy Kulfi

Do you want to indulge sweet but not cutting nutrition? This is a yes-to-go recipe. Prepared with a combination of fiber-rich oats and lovely scraped coconut, this will raise the health quotient and make kulfi delicious, creamy, and good to go.

3. Fruit Custard

It is a healthy dessert enjoyed by all and you will like it too. The addition of skim milk or almond milk reduces the calories and boosts protein and calcium. Also, the addition of fruits imparts a good texture, taste, and of course nutrition. Just be cautious to enjoy limits.

Now the verdict seems to be clear. It is safe to consume eggnog during pregnancy as long as it is prepared correctly using pasteurized eggs and without any alcohol. Additionally, there are alternatives available in the market that can be a safer choice to prepare or substitute eggnog. So next time, if you crave eggnog, feel free to indulge in moderation and within safety borders.

Do comment and Share with us your favorite eggnog recipe.

FAQ’s

1. Can Eggnog Cause Miscarriage?

Eggnogs are usually prepared using raw eggs, rum/whisky, cream, and egg yolks. Raw eggs carry the Salmonella bacteria which is responsible for food poisoning and increases complications during gestation. Even the presence of alcohol (11) and sugar (12) in this beverage may increase the risk of premature delivery and stillbirths.

2. Can I Eat Store Bought Eggnog When Pregnant?

As per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Store Bought Eggnogs are safer than homemade ones. This is because they are made from pasteurized eggs or egg substitutes and don’t contain alcohol. It is prepared with skim milk or low-fat milk with no artificial additives. While buying, make sure to read labels properly.

3. Can Homemade Eggnogs Cause Food Poisoning?

Eggnogs if prepared at home safely can be consumed and may not cause food poisoning. It should be prepared with pasteurized eggs or egg substitutes like tofu. Instead of using full-fat or heavy cream/ milk, use low-fat dairy and skip alcohol. The only concern is it has to be consumed fresh and prepared carefully. Before including, take advice from a dietitian.

4. Can I Have Eggnog During Pregnancy to Improve Immunity?

Eggnogs are rich in antioxidants, B-complex vitamins as well as choline that support brain health. However, they are not safe for pregnant women. You will have to stay clear of them. To make a vegan version of this beverage one can use tofu or coconut milk.

References

1. Influence of heat treatments on Salmonella survival in eggnog drink – [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1878450X23001348]
2. Convalescent Food Practices in Ayurveda [https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4614-9628-1_7]
3. Pasteurised eggs – A food safety solution against Salmonella backed by sensorial analysis of dishes traditionally containing raw or undercooked eggs [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878450X22000828]
4. Making Sense of Advice About Drinking During Pregnancy: Does Evidence Even Matter – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6353268/]
5. An Update Review on Listeria Infection in Pregnancy – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8165209/]
6. The-association-of-vanilla-ice-cream-in-symptomatic-relief-of-6285 – [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350567142_the-association-of-vanilla-ice-cream-in-symptomatic-relief-of-6285_1]
7. Maternal Intake of Lutein and Zeaxanthin during Pregnancy Is Positively Associated with Offspring Verbal Intelligence and Behavior Regulation in Mid-Childhood in the Project Viva Cohort – [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348727989]
8. Choline: Exploring the Growing Science on Its Benefits for Moms and Babies – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6722688/]
9. Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, and Magnesium Concentrations in the Placenta, Umbilical Cord, and Fetal Membrane from Women with Multiple Pregnancies  – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9861628/]
10. Role of iodine-containing multivitamins during pregnancy for children’s brain function: protocol of an ongoing randomized controlled trial: the SWIDDICH study – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5898322/]
11. Maternal alcohol consumption and the risk of miscarriage in the first and second trimesters: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis – [https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/aogs.14566]
12. Effects of consuming sugars and alternative sweeteners during pregnancy on maternal and child health: evidence for a secondhand sugar effect – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7441786/]