Craving cheese during pregnancy? It's important to know which types are safe and which ones you should avoid.
The Answer: FALSE
Feta cheese should generally be avoided during pregnancy due to potential contamination risks.
Why is Feta Cheese Risky?
Feta cheese may be contaminated with Listeria, a bacteria that can be dangerous to unborn babies and harmful to adults. Listeria infection can cause:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- In severe cases, complications for the pregnancy
Other Cheeses to Avoid
Feta isn't the only cheese that poses a risk. Other unpasteurised soft cheeses to avoid include:
- Camembert
- Brie
- Goat's milk cheese (soft varieties)
- Blue cheeses like Gorgonzola and Roquefort
- Any cheese made from unpasteurised milk
Safe Cheese Alternatives
The good news is that you can still enjoy cheese during pregnancy! You can eat hard cheese like cheddar because bacteria is less likely to grow in cheese that is hard.
Safe options include:
- Cheddar
- Parmesan
- Gruyere
- Stilton (despite being blue, it's generally considered safe due to low moisture)
- Cream cheese (made from pasteurised milk)
- Cottage cheese
- Mozzarella
What If You've Already Eaten It?
If you're experiencing symptoms after eating soft cheese, consult your doctor. They can prescribe antibiotics before any infection affects the baby. Don't panic - the risk is small, but it's best to be cautious.
The Key Takeaway
Check labels for pasteurisation information and when in doubt, choose hard cheeses. Your cheese cravings can still be satisfied safely!
Have questions about pregnancy nutrition? Book a scan at Ultrasound Ireland by calling 01 210 0232.