Goat milk is increasingly chosen by many people as a substitute for cow's milk thanks to its characteristic flavor and easy-to-digest ability for some people. However, for pregnant women, this is not always the optimal choice.
According to Dr. Chetna Jain, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Cloudnine Hospital (India), pregnant women can use sterilized goat milk but should not consider it as a source of milk or main nutrients during pregnancy.
One of the important reasons is that goat milk has a low natural folate (vitamin B9) content. Folate plays an essential role in the development of the fetus's brain and spinal cord, especially in the early weeks of pregnancy. Folate deficiency can increase the risk of neural tube defects, including spina bifida.
According to experts, if pregnant women depend too much on goat milk without supplementing enough folate from food or pills as prescribed by a doctor, the risk of deficiency of this nutrient may increase. This is considered one of the most worrying nutritional issues in the early stages of pregnancy.
In addition to folate, goat milk also contains very little iron, a nutrient that plays an important role in the process of creating hemoglobin, helping to transport oxygen to the mother's and fetal bodies. During pregnancy, iron needs increase to meet the development of the baby. If pregnant women do not supplement enough iron from other food sources and are heavily dependent on goat milk, the risk of anemia may increase. This condition not only causes fatigue and decline in health in the mother but also affects the development of the fetus and increases the risk of premature birth.
Despite certain limitations, milk and dairy products are still considered part of a healthy diet during pregnancy. A study published in 2022 in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition showed that women who use more dairy products tend to give birth to children with a more suitable weight and are less likely to give birth to underweight babies.
However, experts emphasize that this benefit does not mean that goat milk is the best choice for all pregnant women. It is important to ensure a balanced diet and fully meet nutritional needs throughout pregnancy.
In addition to nutrition, pregnant women should especially avoid using fresh or unpasteurized goat milk. This type of milk may contain disease-causing bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella, Campylobacter or E. coli. These agents can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth or serious infection in infants.
Experts recommend that if pregnant women want to use goat milk during pregnancy, they should only choose sterilized products and use them in appropriate amounts. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure adequate supplementation of folate, iron and other essential nutrients through a diverse diet and prenatal vitamins according to the doctor's instructions.
