You should be cautious with Mr. Whippy and other soft-serve ice creams during pregnancy because the dispensing machines can harbor Listeria bacteria if not cleaned properly, which poses risks like miscarriage, though commercial versions with pasteurized ingredients may be safer if the machine is reputable; check for high hygiene ratings (4 or 5) or ask if it self-pasteurizes, as unpasteurized dairy and Listeria are dangers, but pasteurized products are generally fine.
The concern is not the ice cream itself, but the machines that dispense it. When properly maintained, soft-serve from reputable sources carries minimal risk. However, poorly cleaned machines can harbour Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria particularly dangerous during pregnancy.
Mcflurries/soft serve ice cream
Fresh whipped cream is made from pasteurised milk and is safe in pregnancy. It is, of course, important that it is stored in the fridge and once opened used within two days. 'Squirty' cream in a can is UHT (ultra heat treated) and is also safe in pregnancy.
Key Takeaways. It is best to avoid soft-serve ice cream during pregnancy due to the risk of Listeria bacteria contamination. Good news: you can safely swap that cone for hard-frozen ice cream, gelato, or delicious, acid-loving soft-serve yoghurt instead!
MacDonald's Rule
That distance, measured in centimeters, is approximately equal to the weeks of gestation, from about mid-pregnancy until nearly the end of pregnancy. This is known as MacDonald's Rule.
"Eating fast food in moderation can still be part of a healthy pregnancy," says Erin Hinga, a registered dietitian and member of the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board. "Focus on small healthy swaps and mindful choices to maintain balance."
Foods to avoid:
Eggs – raw and undercooked eggs (e.g. in homemade mayonnaise, some desserts and soft 'dippy' yolks) Ice cream – 'Mr Whippy' style ice cream. Caffeine – No more than 200mg a day (e.g. two mugs of coffee or three mugs of tea) Avoid fizzy 'energy' drinks e.g. Coke, Red Bull.
During pregnancy, avoid high-risk foods like deli meats/pâté, soft cheeses, raw or undercooked eggs/meat/seafood, unpasteurized dairy/juices, and large predatory fish (shark, swordfish) due to Listeria, Salmonella, Toxoplasmosis, and mercury risks, plus alcohol, excess caffeine, and unwashed produce/sprouts to protect your baby from serious infections and developmental issues.
This product is likely Pregnancy Friendly.
Avoid Raw Egg Concerns
To stay safe, skip any ice cream that might contain unpasteurized eggs, as they can carry salmonella. Stick to store-bought brands or ask about ingredients at ice cream parlors.
Ok for vegetarians but not vegans, (do not contain eggs or gelatine, made with skimmed milk powder, Gluten Free). Cones – wafer (medium) Box of 300: £11.16.
For pregnancy-safe takeaway, focus on freshly cooked, steaming hot meals like stir-fries, grilled chicken, or thoroughly cooked fish, eating immediately to avoid bacteria; avoid raw/undercooked items, deli meats (unless heated), unpasteurized cheeses, and risky sushi, and ensure quick refrigeration of any leftovers to prevent listeria and other contaminants.
Every year in the United States, about 1 in 25,000 pregnant women are infected with Listeria. Listeria can spread to your baby during pregnancy cause harm, even if you do not feel very sick. Sadly, 1 in 4 pregnant women who get this illness lose their pregnancy or their baby shortly after birth.
Listeria is killed by pasteurization and cooking.
Cold cuts are now sprayed with a food additive that helps prevent Listeria before packaging. You don't need to panic if you are pregnant and have been eating deli meats. The probabilities are in your favor that nothing has happened.
Ice cream is a popular pick for pregnant women, which makes sense because calcium is found in dairy products. Your baby needs calcium to build strong bones and develop a healthy heart, nerves and muscles. Getting enough calcium also reduces your risk of hypertension and preeclampsia.
One approach is the 'ten day rule,' which states that "whenever possible, one should confine the radiological examination of the lower abdomen and pelvis to the 10-day interval following the onset of menstruation."
Ice cream might be the top pregnancy craving of all time.
Do avoid exposure to pesticides, lead, and mercury. Don't smoke or vape tobacco or marijuana, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs during your pregnancy. If you face addiction or substance use challenges, tell your pregnancy health provider. They can help you to quit and connect you to support groups.
Foods to avoid include: unpasteurised dairy (milk and cheese) soft-serve ice cream (such as a '99' ice cream)
Soft ice cream and processed products should be fine as they are made with pasteurised milk and eggs. This means that any risk of salmonella food poisoning has been eliminated. If it's homemade ice cream you're after then make sure you use a pasteurised egg substitute or follow an egg-free recipe.
We advise all pregnant women to discuss any queries about what to eat during their pregnancy with their GP or midwife as advice will depend greatly on the individual. However, you may like to know that all our sauces and milk products are fully pasteurised.
ALL CHICKEN PRODUCTS CONTAIN MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR INFANTS BELOW 12 MONTHS AND PREGNANT WOMEN.
Listeria in pregnancy
Foods that might contain Listeria and should be avoided include: unpasteurised dairy products. soft cheeses such as brie, camembert, ricotta, and fresh fetta, unless they are cooked (yellow, hard cheese, and processed packaged cheese are safe) soft serve ice cream and thick shakes.
If you're grabbing fast food, there are ways to make it work within a healthy pregnancy diet. Here's how to make better choices: Choose grilled over fried. Grilled chicken or fish sandwiches and wraps tend to have less saturated fat than fried options.