Can I eat soft cheese when pregnant?
Quick Answer
No, not all soft cheeses are safe to eat during pregnancy.
Soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk can contain harmful bacteria like Listeria, which can lead to serious illness in pregnant women and their unborn babies. However, soft cheeses made from pasteurized milk are generally safe to eat.
What Is It?
Soft cheese is a category of cheeses that are characterized by a smooth, creamy texture and often have a mild flavor. They include cheeses like brie, camembert, feta, and blue cheese.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating soft cheese during pregnancy can pose certain risks:
- Listeriosis: This is a serious infection caused by the bacteria Listeria which can be found in unpasteurized milk and products made from it, including some soft cheeses.
- Miscarriage or stillbirth: Listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, or stillbirth.
- Newborn infections: Newborns can also become seriously ill from listeriosis if the mother consumes contaminated products during pregnancy.
Safe Method?
To safely consume soft cheese during pregnancy, ensure that it is made from pasteurized milk. Check the product label for this information.
Safe Alternatives
If you’re craving soft cheese but can’t find a pasteurized version, consider alternatives like cream cheese, cottage cheese, or mozzarella, which are typically made from pasteurized milk and are safe to eat during pregnancy.
Storage Tips
Store soft cheese in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, and consume it by the ‘use by’ date on the packaging.