Is It Safe for Pregnant Women to Drink Unpasteurized Milk?
As the popularity of unpasteurized milk rises on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, many pregnant women are questioning whether they should incorporate it into their diets. While raw milk is often praised for its nutritional benefits, health experts caution against its consumption during pregnancy due to potential health risks.
Unpasteurized milk, often described as having a rich taste and distinctive flavor, is milk that has not undergone the pasteurization process. This means harmful microorganisms that can cause foodborne illnesses remain alive and can multiply. The UK Food Standards Agency warns that raw milk may harbor dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli, which pose severe health threats, especially to vulnerable groups like pregnant women.
During pregnancy, a woman's immune system is naturally weakened, increasing susceptibility to infections. Consuming raw milk can expose expectant mothers to pathogens that can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the fetus. Health organizations, including the World Health Organization, recommend that pregnant women only consume pasteurized dairy products to mitigate these risks.
The pasteurization process, developed in the 19th century, involves heating milk to 72 degrees Celsius for 15 seconds to kill harmful bacteria. This method has been instrumental in preventing diseases such as tuberculosis, and now it plays a role in safeguarding against other potential threats like the H5N1 avian influenza virus, which has recently been detected in dairy cows.
For those who still wish to consume raw milk, it is crucial to boil it at home to ensure safety. Boiling should be done by heating the milk to 72 degrees Celsius for 20 to 30 seconds until it begins to boil and form foam. However, store-bought milk is generally safe as it is heat-treated before sale, providing peace of mind for pregnant women and their families.
