Is It Safe to Drink Raw Milk During Pregnancy?
30 Mar 2025
Drinking raw (unpasteurized) milk during pregnancy is NOT safe because it can contain harmful bacteria that pose serious risks to you and your baby.
Raw milk can carry Listeria, E. coli, Salmonella, and other dangerous bacteria, which can lead to foodborne illnesses, miscarriage, or stillbirth.
The safest choice? Stick to pasteurized milk and dairy products, which have been heated to kill harmful bacteria without affecting nutrition.
Let’s dive into the risks of raw milk, why pasteurization matters, and safe alternatives for pregnancy.
E. coli – Can cause kidney damage and serious complications.
Campylobacter – Leads to stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Pasteurization eliminates these bacteria without affecting the nutrients in milk.
Any probiotics in raw milk are not worth the risk—safe probiotics can be found in pasteurized yogurt and supplements. The risks of raw milk far outweigh any potential benefits.
Pasteurized yogurt (Greek yogurt is great for protein!)
Pasteurized cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, cottage cheese, etc.)
Plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy) with added calcium & vitamin D Avoid soft cheeses made from raw milk (unless they’re labeled "made with pasteurized milk"). Always check labels to make sure dairy products are pasteurized!
Call your doctor if you feel unwell—they may do a blood test for Listeria.
Stay hydrated and rest if you have mild stomach discomfort. Listeria can take up to 2 months to show symptoms, so don’t ignore unusual signs!
What Is Raw Milk?
Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized (heated to kill bacteria). It can come from cows, goats, or sheep and is sometimes sold at farms, farmers' markets, or specialty stores. Because it’s unpasteurized, raw milk can carry harmful bacteria that are especially dangerous during pregnancy.Why Is Raw Milk Dangerous During Pregnancy?
1. Risk of Listeria Infection (Listeriosis)
- Listeria is a bacteria found in raw milk that can cross the placenta and harm your baby.
- Even a mild infection in the mother can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm labor.
- Pregnant women are 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than the general population.
2. Other Harmful Bacteria in Raw Milk
Raw milk can also contain: Salmonella – Causes severe diarrhea, fever, and dehydration.E. coli – Can cause kidney damage and serious complications.
Campylobacter – Leads to stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Pasteurization eliminates these bacteria without affecting the nutrients in milk.
3. No Proven Health Benefits Over Pasteurized Milk
Some people believe raw milk has more nutrients and probiotics, but: Pasteurization does NOT destroy important nutrients like calcium or protein.Any probiotics in raw milk are not worth the risk—safe probiotics can be found in pasteurized yogurt and supplements. The risks of raw milk far outweigh any potential benefits.
Safe Alternatives to Raw Milk During Pregnancy
If you want to enjoy dairy safely, choose pasteurized options: Pasteurized whole, low-fat, or skim milkPasteurized yogurt (Greek yogurt is great for protein!)
Pasteurized cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, cottage cheese, etc.)
Plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy) with added calcium & vitamin D Avoid soft cheeses made from raw milk (unless they’re labeled "made with pasteurized milk"). Always check labels to make sure dairy products are pasteurized!
What If I Accidentally Drank Raw Milk While Pregnant?
Don’t panic! But do these steps: Monitor for symptoms (fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches).Call your doctor if you feel unwell—they may do a blood test for Listeria.
Stay hydrated and rest if you have mild stomach discomfort. Listeria can take up to 2 months to show symptoms, so don’t ignore unusual signs!
