What Milk Is Best for Pregnancy? (The Ultimate Guide)

Choosing the Right Milk for Pregnancy: What Really Matters?

If you’re pregnant (or planning to be), you’ve probably heard a thousand different opinions about what you should and shouldn’t eat. And let’s be real—milk is one of those controversial topics.

Some people swear by full-fat dairy, while others insist that plant-based alternatives are the way to go. So, what’s the best milk for pregnancy? Let’s break it down—without the confusing jargon and with real, practical advice.

1. Why Is Milk Important During Pregnancy?

Before diving into the "which milk is best?" debate, let’s talk about why milk matters at all.

Calcium powerhouse: Your baby’s bones and teeth need calcium to develop properly.
Protein boost: Helps with fetal growth and keeps you strong.
Vitamin D magic: Supports calcium absorption and reduces pregnancy risks like preeclampsia.
Hydration: Staying hydrated is key, and milk is a great way to get extra fluids with benefits.

I remember a friend telling me she craved milk like crazy during her pregnancy. Turns out, her body probably needed that extra calcium!

Now, let’s get into the best options.

2. Dairy Milk: The Classic Choice (But Is It Best?)

Whole Milk vs. Skim Milk – Which One?

• Whole milk (full-fat) contains more healthy fats, which are crucial for brain development in babies.
• Low-fat or skim milk still has calcium and protein, but less fat.
• If you struggle with weight gain, low-fat might be the better option.

Watch out for raw (unpasteurized) milk! It can contain bacteria that pose risks during pregnancy. Always choose pasteurized milk.

Personally, I prefer whole milk—it just tastes better! But if you’re concerned about calories, a low-fat version still gives you the benefits.

3. Plant-Based Milks: Are They Safe for Pregnancy?

Dairy isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Whether you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or just prefer non-dairy options, here’s what you need to know.

1. Almond Milk – Light and Nutritious

Low in calories, high in vitamin E (great for skin!)
Often fortified with calcium and vitamin D
Low in protein compared to dairy

A friend of mine switched to almond milk during pregnancy because dairy made her bloated. She just made sure to pick a calcium-fortified version.

2. Soy Milk – The Best Dairy Alternative?

High in protein (almost as much as cow’s milk!)
Contains folic acid, which is essential for baby’s brain development
Fortified versions have calcium and vitamin D
Some concerns about phytoestrogens (but research says moderate intake is safe)

I used to think soy milk was bad during pregnancy, but after reading actual studies, I realized it's totally fine in normal amounts!

3. Oat Milk – Creamy and Full of Fiber

Naturally sweet and delicious
High in fiber (helps with pregnancy constipation—trust me, you’ll thank me later)
Often fortified with calcium and vitamin D
Lower in protein than dairy or soy milk

If you love creamy milk in coffee or cereal, oat milk is a great choice. Just check the labels for added calcium!

4. Coconut Milk – Tasty but Not the Best Everyday Option

High in healthy fats (good for baby’s development)
A good alternative for those who can’t tolerate other milks
Low in protein and calcium
Can be high in saturated fats

I love coconut milk in smoothies, but it’s not my go-to for daily nutrition. Think of it as a “sometimes” milk.

4. What’s the Final Verdict?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a quick cheat sheet:

🥛 Dairy milk – Great if you can tolerate it. Go for whole or low-fat, but always pasteurized.
Soy milk – Best plant-based alternative for protein and nutrients.
Almond milk – A light option, but low in protein.
Oat milk – Delicious, full of fiber, but less protein than soy.
🥥 Coconut milk – Tasty but not the most nutritious choice for pregnancy.

Key takeaway? The best milk is the one that gives you the nutrients you and your baby need while fitting into your lifestyle. Listen to your body and go with what works for you!

Now tell me—which milk do you prefer during pregnancy?

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.