When we talk about healthy diet during pregnancy, it is necessary to understand the importance of dairy products that provide high amounts of essential nutrients like calcium and protein.

Pregnant women should consume cheese as it contains an adequate amount of dairy products, but they need to be cautious about the types of cheese they include in their diet. Not all cheese is safe to consume during pregnancy as they may carry risks of bacterial infections.

What are the risks with cheese during pregnancy?

Many types of cheese can carry a risk of Listeria that may cause severe diseases in pregnant women and other vulnerable people. Listeria is a harmful bacteria that can cause flu-like symptoms, meningitis, and sepsis.

It can also increase the risk of premature or stillbirth.

The risk of Listeria can be increased by eating cheese that is either unpasteurized or made from raw milk.

Therefore, it is necessary for pregnant women to avoid soft and semi-soft cheese that is not made from pasteurized milk like feta, brie, camembert, and blue cheese. These types of cheese can harbor bacteria under their rind. Additionally, grated cheese and pre-packaged sliced cheese should be avoided as they may also contain Listeria bacteria.

Safe Cheese options for Pregnant Women

As cheese contains an ample amount of calcium and protein, pregnant women should consume cheese made from pasteurized milk, which is necessary for the healthy growth and development of the fetal bones, teeth, and muscles.

Some of the safe cheese options for pregnant women include:.

Cheddar Cheese:

It is one of the most popular types of cheese worldwide and is made from pasteurized milk, making it safe to consume during pregnancy. Cheddar cheese is a great source of protein, calcium, and vitamin A, required by developing fetuses.

It is mildly flavored and can be eaten on a variety of foods like sandwiches, omelets, and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Swiss Cheese:

It is made from pasteurized milk and contains a high amount of calcium and protein that is necessary for fetal development. Swiss Cheese is a versatile cheese that can be used in sandwiches, grated on top of casseroles, or melted on vegetables.

Hard Cheese:

Hard cheese like parmesan, gouda, and provolone is made from pasteurized milk, which makes them safe to consume during pregnancy. Hard cheese is an excellent source of calcium and is lower in fat compared to soft and semi-soft cheese.

It can be grated over pasta dishes, salads, or used as a snack.

Cottage Cheese:

Cottage cheese is a fresh cheese made from curdled milk and is safe to consume during pregnancy as it is made from pasteurized milk. It is a great source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus beneficial for fetal development.

Cottage cheese is versatile and can be eaten with fruit, sprinkled with spices, or added to casseroles and dips.

Mozzarella Cheese:

It is a mild and tasty cheese made from pasteurized milk and is perfect for pregnant women to consume. Mozzarella cheese is an excellent source of calcium, protein, and vitamin B12 that is essential for fetal development.

It can be added to salads, sandwiches, or cooked dishes.

Closing Thoughts:

Cheese is an essential dairy product that provides critical nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins needed for fetal growth and development.

However, pregnant women should be cautious when selecting cheese to avoid the risks of bacterial infections. To prevent the risk of Listeria, one should select cheese made from pasteurized milk like cheddar, cottage cheese, mozzarella, hard cheese, and Swiss cheese.

The consumption of cheese also depends on the stage of pregnancy, so consulting a healthcare provider is recommended to make the right dietary choices.