⚕️ General information only — not medical advice. If pregnant or unwell, always follow the guidance of your midwife, GP or NHS 111. Full disclaimer

Can You Eat Probiotic Drinks When Pregnant?

Reviewed against NHS foods-to-avoid guidance · Updated September 2026

Nutritional data sourced from USDA FoodData Central and Public Health England. Always consult a registered dietitian for personal dietary advice.

🟢 SAFE

Yes — probiotic drinks like Yakult and Actimel are safe during pregnancy. They're made from pasteurised milk with added cultures.

VerdictSafe
AppliesAll trimesters
BreastfeedingSee guide
Pregnancy vitamins with folic acid — The NHS advises 400µg of folic acid daily — most people take it as a pregnancy multivitamin. Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you.
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Why is probiotic drinks safe in pregnancy?

Standard probiotic yoghurt drinks are made from pasteurised milk to which specific safe bacterial cultures are added afterwards. The NHS confirms probiotic drinks are fine during pregnancy.

You can also check the calorie content of probiotic drinks alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.

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Pregnancy essentials

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Pregnancy multivitamin

The NHS advises 400µg of folic acid daily — easiest as one daily tablet.

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Pregnancy food guide

A paper reference for the fridge door — no more mid-supermarket googling.

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Digital food thermometer

Cooked through means 75°C in the middle — a probe ends the guesswork.

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Want to know exactly what's in your food? Our ingredient checker covers E-numbers, allergens and vegan status. Enjoy a gut-friendly drink alongside? Hip Pop Living Soda from Hip Pop uses live cultures and 30% less sugar. Affiliate link. US: Managing digestive issues? at-home gastrointestinal testing from HealthLabs.com can help identify triggers.

Common questions

Can I eat probiotic drinks in the first trimester?

Yes — probiotic drinks is safe at every stage of pregnancy, including the first trimester.

Is a small amount of probiotic drinks OK during pregnancy?

There is no safety limit on probiotic drinks during pregnancy — enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.

I accidentally ate probiotic drinks while pregnant — what should I do?

No action needed — probiotic drinks is safe during pregnancy.

Is cooked probiotic drinks safe in pregnancy?

Yes — probiotic drinks is safe during pregnancy whether cooked or raw (where it's normally eaten raw).

Related answers

🟡Coffee when pregnant?🟡Kefir when pregnant?🟢Decaf Coffee when pregnant?🔴Kombucha when pregnant?

Primary source: NHS foods-to-avoid guidance.

The information on 247foodcheck.com is compiled from official public guidance (NHS, Food Standards Agency, USDA/FDA FoodKeeper) and is provided for general information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace guidance from your midwife, GP, health visitor or other qualified professional. When in doubt, throw it out — and if you feel unwell after eating something, contact NHS 111 or your doctor.