Being pregnant doesn't imply you have to say goodbye to all the delicious meals; it just means you need to know what works well for you and your baby. In this post, we will be sharing insight into whether eating custard during pregnancy is safe. 

Nutritional components of custard

Custard powder has a good amount of essential nutrients suitable for the growth and development of individuals. It is rich in carbohydrates, protein, and other minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium. Here's the breakdown of nutrients in 100gm of custard powder: 

Calories- 360kcal

Saturated Fat- 2g

Carbohydrates- 0.88g

Sodium- 281mg

Iron- 1.9mg

Calcium- 228mg

Cholesterol- 258mg

Phosphorus- 332mg

Potassium- 540m

Vitamin B2- 0.4mg

Vitamin B6- 0.2mg

Vitamin B1- 0.1mg

Vitamin B5- 2.2mg

Vitamin B1 2- 1.2µg

Health benefits of custard in pregnancy

As a pregnant woman looking for a healthy yet satisfying dessert, custard is a good option. It contains several essential nutrients that can make your pregnancy journey as healthy as possible. Some of the benefits of custard in Pregnancy include: 

•  Aid foetus development

Custard contains a high amount of calcium which helps in the development of strong bones during foetal development. Consuming custard made with milk and cream helps pregnant women meet their daily calcium needs and ensure the healthy growth and development of their baby’s bones and teeth.

• Growth and repair of tissues

Protein is an essential nutrient found in custard. It is necessary for the growth and repair of tissues in you and your developing fetus. Protein is also important for the development of the baby’s muscles and organs. 

• Absorption and utilisation of calcium

In addition to calcium and protein, custard is also a good source of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps in the absorption and utilization of calcium in the body. It also plays a role in the healthy development of the immune system. Custards made with fortified milk or cream can be a good source of vitamin D for pregnant women.

• Energy supply

Pregnant women need more calories to support the growth and development of their baby, custard supplies a good amount of calories per 100gm. Custard can provide a quick and easy source of energy that can help pregnant women meet their increased calorie needs.

Pregnant women should also be aware of the potential risks associated with eating custard, such as the presence of raw or undercooked eggs. Despite custard being a nutritious and healthy dessert option for pregnant women, there are also some potential risks associated with consuming custard during pregnancy. Some of these risks include: 

• Potential contamination 

Custard can be made using raw/uncooked eggs or pasteurised eggs. The use of raw or uncooked eggs can house a harmful bacteria called salmonella which can cause a serious infection, leading to complications in pregnancy. Complications such as miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, etc.

• Excessive weight gain

Custard contains high sugar and fat content. Consumption of too much sugar and fat can lead to excessive weight gain during pregnancy, which can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and other complications.

Custard is a healthy and essential dessert options, but it is important to consume custard in moderation, and opt for custard products that are free of artificial preservatives, colorings, and flavorings. Moderation is key. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I add honey to custard?

You can but moderation is key. Honey increases energy levels and reduces fatigue.

1. Does custard cause diarrhoea during pregnancy?

Custard doesn't cause diarrhoea if made with pasteurized eggs instead of raw or uncooked eggs, as salmonella bacteria can lead to fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea.

1. Is custard an energy-giving food? 

Custard has a good amount of energy.

Join over 200,000 Nigerian preggos in Nigeria's largest online antenatal class, PreggClass. Not all your antenatal concerns and questions will be answered in the hospital. With only N10,000, you gain 24/7 access to medical professionals, practical classes, live sessions, labour, delivery and motherhood classes. For more information, contact us on WhatsApp.