Can pregnant women drink yogurt?

Jun 13, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I've been craving some yogurt lately. May I ask if pregnant women can drink yogurt?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu

Pregnant women can适量 consume yogurt, which is beneficial for their health.

Yogurt is made by fermenting milk. It retains the high-quality protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A and other nutrients found in milk. The fermentation process also breaks down lactose, making it easier to digest and absorb, thus suitable for pregnant women with weak gastrointestinal function or lactose intolerance. In addition, yogurt contains a large amount of active probiotics, such as bifidobacteria and lactobacillus acidophilus. These beneficial bacteria help regulate the balance of intestinal flora, alleviate common pregnancy constipation issues, and enhance intestinal immunity.

However, when consuming yogurt, attention should be paid to choosing products from reputable sources with qualified quality. Avoid flavored yogurts with excessive added sugar and flavoring agents to prevent excessive sugar intake, which may increase the risk of gestational diabetes. Furthermore, it is advisable to drink yogurt at room temperature; allow it to sit for a while after taking it out from the refrigerator before consumption, to prevent cold-induced gastrointestinal discomfort. Pregnant women experiencing diarrhea should consume yogurt cautiously and consult a doctor when necessary to ensure the health of both mother and baby.

Also, maintain good oral hygiene while consuming yogurt to prevent acidic components from damaging teeth.