Pregnancy is something amazing. It is important to have a balanced diet, but it can be challenging to be aware of all the dietary rules of safe and healthy pregnancy. Being pregnant needs paying attention to certain types of food. Is it safe to eat raw milk cheese when you’re pregnant? It is difficult to find a complete list of food that you should avoid while pregnant. This article will explain why you should avoid eating raw milk cheese while pregnant, the risks that are associated with eating raw milk cheese and what you need to do in case you already ate it.
Can you eat raw milk cheese while pregnant?
For cheese lovers, it is important to be aware of what types of cheese are safe to eat while pregnant. Is raw milk cheese a part of that list? The answer is no, it is not safe to eat raw milk cheese while pregnant.
What are the risks that come from eating raw milk cheese when you’re pregnant and what types of cheese are to avoid while pregnant?
The risks of eating raw milk cheese while pregnant
The two illnesses that can come from eating raw milk cheese during pregnancy are toxoplasmosis and listeriosis.
Toxoplasmosis can come from eating unwashed vegetables or fruits, uncooked fish and uncooked meat. All contact with cat stool is another example.
Listeriosis is the main risk. This disease is associated to a bacterium (Listeria) that proliferates in uncooked cheese. Once ingested by the mother, it can contaminate the fetus and cause a serious infection that can result in premature birth. It is important to avoid eating raw milk cheese while pregnant.
If you have to know more about listeriosis:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/listeriosis
Cheeses that are not advised while pregnant
While pregnant, it is not advised to eat raw milk cheese..
Right here is a short list of cheeses that are to avoid while pregnant:
- Fresh cheeses
- Soft cheeses made from raw or non-pasteurized milk: such as Brie, Camembert, Emmental made from raw milk, …
- Soft cheeses with mould rinds: Chavignol, coulommiers, …
- Blue cheese: Auvergne blue, Gorgonzola, Roquefort, …
- Semi-hard cheeses made from raw or non-pasteurized milk
- Feta cheese
Food search engine while pregnant
Is there a safe way of eating raw milk cheese while pregnant?
Yes, there are safe ways of eating raw milk cheese while pregnant. It must be cooked at very high temperatures, like raclette, and without the rind. Cheese fondue, for instance, isn’t cooked enough. If you’re unsure if whether or not the cheese is properly cooked, do not eat it- it will save you from worrying about it.
What if I’m pregnant and already ate raw milk cheese?
If you cooked it at a high temperature, there’s nothing to worry about- the Listeria bacterium cannot withstand the heat.
If you ate it insufficiently cooked or not cooked at all, do not be alarmed. Our advice is for you to wait and see if you have any symptoms like fever or headaches. If that happens within two months, you might see a doctor and have a blood test done. In case you are diagnosed with listeria, you will be prescribed with antibiotics.
We remind you that the risk of contamination with Listeria is low and not all that common, so there is no need to be over-alarmed.
Conclusion
You might avoid eating raw milk cheese while pregnant, in order to stay far from the risks that can come from that. Even though it isn’t advisable to eat raw milk cheese while pregnant, there are plenty of other things that are good for you and your baby.
