Sour cream can generally be thought of as healthy, and safe to consume when you’re pregnant. Sour cream is a dairy product produced from regular milk by fermenting it in the presence of bacteria lactic acid. When the bacteria is mixed with the cream and thickens it, it improves the texture and alters the taste to somewhat sweet, hence the name.

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Certain brands of sour cream have preservatives and additives, however, you can create your own by mixing heavy whipping cream and an acid such as vinegar or lemon juice, and a little milk.

Sour cream you buy at a store is usually safe for pregnant women because it has been subjected to pasteurization that requires heating it to an appropriate temperature to eliminate harmful bacteria, ensuring it is safe to consume even in the pregnancy.

Make sure to look for “pasteurized” on the label before buying a sour cream product at the grocery store.

If you decide to make your own sour cream, It won’t be pasteurized. Therefore, it might be unsafe to eat during pregnancy.

Sour cream is generally consumed in smaller quantities as an accompaniment or topping. But, you might be tempted to eat it more frequently when you’re pregnant, since many women who are pregnant desire creamy and high-fat food items.

Sour cream is generally rich in fat. Fat is a crucial nutrient during pregnancy; however, eating too much can increase the risk of developing gestational diabetics. A majority of fat in sour cream is also saturated. Saturated fat has been linked to heart health.

It is a fermented item which means that in theory, it could contain probiotics that can aid digestion. But, since the product is pasteurized, the majority of commercial brands do not have these probiotics.

Due to its high content of saturated fat as well as the lack of significant advantages for health, it’s advised to consume sour cream at a moderate rate during pregnancy.

Try substituting the sour cream for simple Greek yogurt. It is similar in taste and texture, however, it offers more nutritional value for the buck, because it contains calcium and protein.