Everything About Yogurt During and After Pregnancy
Having Yogurt While Pregnant
Functional medicine nutritionists have long emphasized yogurt’s role in balancing the gut microbiome. Recent studies support this claim — probiotic-rich yogurt has been associated with improved digestion, lower inflammation, and even a reduced risk of certain pregnancy complications (He et al., 2020; Tan et al., 2023).
For expecting mothers, yogurt offers a nutrient-dense snack packed with probiotics and pr0biotics that can benefit both mom and baby. But not all yogurts are created equal. Many commercial brands contain high levels of added sugar, artificial flavorings, and stabilizers that may offset their health benefits. Pasteurization , the process that makes dairy safe for consumption, kills harmful bacteria but can also diminish some of the live probiotics. Always make sure your yogurt contains pasteurized milk as recommended by health professionals.
Consider Yogurt Brands Made with Pregnant Women in Mind
What to Look For
Yogurt can be a sweet, satisfying snack during pregnancy — but not all are created equal. Safe and beneficial choices usually include:
Live and active cultures (probiotics) to support digestion and immune function (Mayo Clinic, 2025)
Pasteurized milk sources to reduce the risk of foodborne illness (CDC, 2025)
Low or moderate added sugar — plain or lightly sweetened yogurts are ideal (FDA Guidelines on Added Sugars)
Full-fat or moderate-fat content to aid in vitamin absorption and fetal development
Organic or minimally processed ingredients to limit unnecessary additives
Yogurt Brands Made with Pregnant Women in Mind
Zeno’s Yoghurt
According to Zeno’s Yoghurt’s FAQ page, all Zeno’s products contain live bacteria (probiotics), which are particularly beneficial during pregnancy. Their milk is pasteurized, though the yogurt itself is not — a process that preserves live cultures for optimal gut support. Zeno’s Unsweetened Greek Style, Plain Set, and Labneh varieties are ideal for mothers seeking a clean-label, keto-friendly option without added sugars. The brand’s focus on natural fermentation makes it a standout choice for those wanting both purity and functionality in a yogurt.
Stonyfield Organic
Stonyfield Organic yogurts are certified organic and made without artificial flavors or colors. They include multiple probiotic strains and offer whole-milk options that support healthy fat intake during pregnancy.
Siggi’s Icelandic-Style Skyr
Siggi’s offers thick, high-protein yogurt with lower sugar content compared to most flavored yogurts. It’s a great option for satisfying sweet cravings while maintaining blood sugar balance — an important consideration during pregnancy.
Fage Total 2% Greek Yogurt
Fage is known for its smooth texture and clean ingredient list. The 2% Greek Yogurt version offers a balanced amount of protein and fat, making it a go-to for a filling snack or breakfast base.
Prebiotics That Are Beneficial, Especially to Pregnant Women
Prebiotics are fibers that nourish the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Including prebiotic foods alongside probiotic yogurt can improve gut health and digestion during pregnancy.
Pregnancy-safe prebiotic foodsthat can pair nicely with probiotic yogurt include:
Bananas (especially slightly green)
Garlic and onions
Asparagus
Oats
Apples
Chicory root
Pairing prebiotics with probiotic yogurt may help reduce inflammation, as some studies show lower levels of hs-CRP and TNF-alpha in pregnant women who regularly consume probiotic yogurt (He et al., 2020).
Safety Notes & Guidelines
Always choose pasteurized milk yogurt to avoid the risk of Listeria monocytogenes (CDC, 2025).
Avoid high-sugar or artificially flavored varieties; choose plain or lightly sweetened options.
Store yogurt properly and discard it if left at room temperature too long.
If you have dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, or gestational complications, consult your healthcare provider or a functional nutritionist before introducing probiotic products.
How Yogurt May Support Mother & Baby
Yogurt intake during pregnancy has been associated with a reduced risk of infant eczema in a 2023 cohort study (Tan et al., 2023).
Probiotic yogurt consumption can reduce oxidative stress markers like hs-CRP in pregnant women (He et al., 2020).
Some studies show a lower risk of gestational diabetes among those who include probiotic yogurt in their diet (Xiaoqian et al., 2019).
Frequent yogurt consumption has also been linked to a lower risk of preterm delivery in observational studies (Kriss et al., 2018).
Can You Feed Yogurt to an Infant?
Parents often wonder when it’s safe to introduce yogurt to their baby’s diet. Health authorities and pediatric nutrition experts recommend waiting until around 6 months of age, when infants are developmentally ready for solid foods (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2024). Before this stage, a baby’s digestive system isn’t mature enough to process dairy-based solids efficiently.
Another consideration is ingredient safety. Many yogurts, especially Greek or flavored varieties, contain additives, colorings, or high sugar levels that aren’t suitable for infants. The type of sweetener matters, too — avoid giving honey to babies under 12 months, as it can contain spores that cause infant botulism (CDC, 2024).
It’s always best to review a brand’s FAQ or ingredient information before offering yogurt to a baby. For example, Zeno’s Yoghurt notes that some of their products, such as their Honey Bottom flavor, contain honey as a natural sweetener. Their Unsweetened Greek Style and Plain Set Yoghurts, however, are suitable options for children beginning solids after 6 months (Zeno’s Yoghurt FAQs, 2025).
If You Want a Sweet Treat
Plain or Greek yogurt with fresh fruit, cinnamon, or a touch of honey (if safe in your area) is a great dessert alternative. Try Zeno’s unsweetened Greek Style or Plain Set for minimal sugar. Brands like Stonyfield or Siggi’s can offer sweeter options, but check labels.
If you are interested in developing a custom meal plan for your pregnancy journey, speaking to a functional nutritionist is recommended.
References
Effect of daily consumption of probiotic yogurt on oxidative stress in pregnant women: a randomized controlled clinical trial, Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism, 2023.
Maternal consumption of yogurt during pregnancy and infantile eczema, prospective cohort study, Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, 2023.
Effects of daily probiotic yogurt on inflammatory markers in pregnant women, randomized controlled trial, Clinical Nutrition etc.
Association between probiotic yogurt intake and gestational diabetes mellitus, Chinese case-control study, 2021.
Yogurt consumption during pregnancy and risk of preterm delivery, prospective analysis in Mexican women, 2017.