Finding out you are expecting is absolutely one of the most precious moments of your life. You feel excited and the family becomes eager to welcome the newest member of the family. However, excitement isn’t just the only emotion you feel during pregnancy as a lot of emotions tend to rise as the baby bump grows each passing month. As a pregnant mother, you are worried about your health as it also affects your baby’s health as well. Since health is one of the main concerns during pregnancy, every expectant mother is suggested to include healthy foods and drinks into her diet and one of these is milk.
When it comes to choosing the safest milk for your baby’s development, you will have a lot of choices. One of the most beneficial is the milk from soybeans, but can soy milk be considered safe for pregnant moms to consume? Soy products such as soy milk are rich in protein and amino acids, yet we can never compromise its other effects especially during the course of pregnancy.
How can soy milk be beneficial in pregnancy?
One of the vital things a woman must take during pregnancy is calcium. This is because of the fact that calcium plays an important role in the good development of bones of the baby as well as his muscles and heart. Thus, it is imperative for every expecting woman to include calcium in her daily diet. However, some women find it tough to take.
Some women prefer to take soy milk as an alternative to other kinds of milk. Although the consumption of soy in pregnancy is said to bring some discrepancies, we can’t ignore the many benefits of soy milk which include the following:
1.Rich in folic acid
Folic acid is one of the essential minerals needed for a healthy pregnancy. It helps in improving the growth of nerve cells and increases the development of the baby inside your womb.
2. Rich in protein
Just like folic acid, protein helps in the development of your baby’s organs. Soy milk is rich in proteins such as threonine, lysine, glycine, and arginine.
3. Rich in carbohydrates
Soy products are also a good source of carbohydrates that serves as an energy booster for pregnant mothers.
4. Rich in calcium and vitamin D
Pregnant women who can’t have access to direct sunlight can get Vitamin D from taking in soy products such as soy milk. It is also rich in calcium that allows your baby to develop strong, healthy bones. It also helps in the growth and development of the fetus’s heart, nerves, and muscles.
The negative effects of soy milk during pregnancy
Soy contains high nutritional content but there are still probable negative effects that shouldn’t be ignored by expecting moms. Here are some of them:
1. Allergic reactions such as swelling, rashes, and breathing difficulties tend to appear in some expecting mothers who take soy milk on a regular basis.
- In some cases, soy milk causes anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction.
- It contains Isoflavones which can cause migraine headaches to pregnant women.
- It has a high-level of aluminum that is said to have harmful effects both to the mother and baby. It can accumulate in the brain and has been associated with neurological issues. Aluminum in soy is believed to be filtered from tanks in which they are processed.
- Early soy consumption can also lead to an increased risk of breast cancer.
The importance of milk consumption in pregnancy
It is always recommended for expecting mothers to include milk in their diet as it is rich in calcium which can also be found in other dairy products. If you can’t consume soy milk, try other kinds of milk such as fresh milk or formulated milk recommended by your doctor.
How to use soy products properly?
Packed with needed nutrients in pregnancy, soy milk taken in moderate amount can cause no serious harm to the baby inside your womb. It is safe to consume about 4 servings of soy milk every day.
Soybeans also have pregnancy benefits but should be consumed in moderation. It is always recommended to consult your doctor regarding the intake of soy milk as every woman is different. Incorrect consumption of soy products may lead to having the risk of having foodborne diseases which can put you and your baby in danger.
How safe is soy milk for pregnant women?
Not all pregnant women are the same. Some can take it, while others can’t. Always remember not to decide without asking your doctor, especially if you are unsure of it. When it comes to a healthy pregnancy, it is always best to ask or consult your doctor first.
When it comes to safety, soy milk can be considered safe to drink during pregnancy, but only to those who don’t have allergies. Soy milk can also be used along with other food but just make sure the food is healthy for your pregnancy. A change of diet may be given to you if ever you experience discomfort when consuming it.
Read Also:
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