is buttermilk good for pregnancy - #18655
I am 6 months pregnant and trying to eat as healthy as possible, but I'm honestly kinda confused about some food choices. I read somewhere that is buttermilk good for pregnancy, but then I found articles saying that dairy can be tough on some people. I’ve been feeling really nauseous, which I thought would go away after the first trimester, but here I am! My mom swears by buttermilk for digestion, but others are like, "stay away from all dairy." I don’t want to hurt the baby or anything! I’ve tried having buttermilk a couple times when I felt really heavy after meals, but it’s like, I feel good for a second and then it kinda goes downhill. I’m just worried, is buttermilk good for pregnancy or should I skip it? It’s also hard to find that balance between what I really crave (which is kinda weird!) and what’s actually good for me. Also, how do I know if I’m being too cautious or not cautious enough? I guess I just want some reassurance from you guys that if I drink buttermilk, it won’t cause any issues. Pls help!
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Doctors' responses
Buttermilk can be a part of a healthy diet during pregnancy for many women, as it’s rich in nutrients like calcium and probiotics which are beneficial for both you and your baby. However, whether buttermilk is good for you specifically might depend on your tolerance to dairy and any digestive issues you’re experiencing. It’s not uncommon for pregnant women to have lactose intolerance, which might explain why you feel good for a moment after drinking buttermilk, but then it goes downhill. This could be due to lactose lingering in your digestive system if your body is having trouble breaking it down. If this is the case, trialing lactose-free options could help. Additionally, some people might find fermented dairy products like buttermilk easier to digest than regular milk due to the presence of probiotics. These probiotics may indeed aid digestion and potentially help with nausea, though their efficacy isn’t guaranteed for everyone.
In terms of your nausea, persistent symptoms beyond the first trimester occur for some women, and it’s crucial to monitor the severity. It’s worth mentioning these symptoms to your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues such as hyperemesis gravidarum or other digestive concerns that might require specific attention or management. Meanwhile, maintaining a balanced diet that respects both your cravings and dietary needs is key. This involves listening to your body but also choosing nutrient-dense foods. While cravings can be powerful, they can also sometimes lead to choices that might not be the most beneficial for your baby’s growth.
If you’re concerned about taking not taking enough precautions or possibly being overly cautious, it might help to maintain a food diary. This can track which foods correlate with any negative or positive symptoms, providing a clearer picture of your body’s current responses. Also, staying hydrated and eating smaller, more frequent meals may help with managing both nausea and digestion. If certain foods cause discomfort consistently, it makes sense to avoid them.
Remember to always consult with your healthcare provider or a nutritionist for personalized advice tailored to your symptoms and overall pregnancy health, ensuring both you and your baby are well taken care of.
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