Types Of Cheese You Can Eat (Or Should Avoid) During Pregnancy

When it comes to eating cheese in pregnancy, there are certain cheeses you are advised to avoid eating because of the potential harm to you and your baby when you are pregnant. However, there are several types of cheese that are considered safe to eat during pregnancy.

It is recommended that pregnant women eat a balanced diet during pregnancy which includes milk and dairy foods, a good source of calcium which is important for the mother's and baby's teeth and bones. Cheese is an excellent source of both calcium and protein, when eaten in moderation. It’s important to make sure you are aware of the types of cheese you can eat during pregnancy, as well as cheese you should avoid during this time.

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Why Are Some Cheeses Not Allowed During Pregnancy?

Pregnant women are advised against eating certain types of cheese in pregnancy due to the risk of listeria (listeriosis), a bacterial infection. Some types of soft cheeses are less acidic than hard cheeses and contain more moisture. This means they can be an ideal environment for harmful bacteria, such as listeria, to grow in, which increases the risk of infection.

Even a mild form of listeria can lead to severe pregnancy complications. It can also lead to serious illness in a newborn baby.

If you are pregnant and showing signs of listeria infection, seek medical help straight away.

For more information on what is recommended to eat and avoid eating when you are expecting a baby, read our post on food during pregnancy.

But it’s not all bad news; while there are some types of cheese you should avoid in pregnancy, there are still some cheeses you can eat during pregnancy.

If there is anything you are unsure about when it comes to pregnancy food, always speak to your doctor or midwife.

What Cheese To Avoid During Pregnancy​

When it comes to cheese in pregnancy, the following cheeses are not recommended:

Can You Eat Soft Cheeses (With White Rinds) During Pregnancy?

It’s recommended that you DON’T eat mould-ripened soft cheese (cheeses with a white rind). This includes brie and camembert.

These cheeses are only safe to eat in pregnancy if they have been cooked through and are piping hot.

Can You Eat Goat’s Cheese During Pregnancy​?

You can eat goats cheese during pregnancy but ONLY if it is pasteurised soft goats cheese without a white coating on the outside (rind).

You should AVOID goats cheese if it is made from unpasteurised milk, or if it has a rind on the outside. This is because soft cheeses with a white coating on the outside have more moisture. This can make it easier for bacteria to grow.

Can You Eat Soft Blue Cheese?

It’s recommended that you DON’T eat soft, blue-veined cheeses. These include:

• Danish blue cheese is not recommended during pregnancy
• Gorgonzola cheese is not recommended in pregnancy
• Roquefort cheese is not recommended during pregnancy
• Soft blue cheeses are only safe to eat in pregnancy if they have been cooked through.

Cheese Made From Unpasteurised Milk

It is recommended that you don’t eat cheese made from unpasteurised milk in pregnancy, This includes soft goats cheese. This is due to the risk of listeria.

Further Cheese You Shouldn’t Eat During Pregnancy

• You shouldn’t eat any cheese made from unpasteurised milk, such as soft ripened goats' cheese.

• You shouldn’t eat pasteurised or unpasteurised mould-ripened soft cheeses with a white coating on the outside, such as brie, camembert and chèvre, unless these have been cooked until steaming hot.

• You shouldn’t eat pasteurised or unpasteurised soft blue cheeses, such as Danish blue, gorgonzola and roquefort (unless cooked until steaming hot)

• You can read more food tips from a midwife in our post on a healthy diet in pregnancy.

Cheese You Can Eat During Pregnancy

You Can Eat Hard Cheese

Any hard cheese is safe to eat during pregnancy. You can eat cheddar and parmesan cheese during pregnancy. Hard cheeses don't contain as much water as soft cheeses, so bacteria are less likely to grow in them. It's possible for hard cheese to contain listeria, but the risk is very low.

Cheese Made From Pasteurised Milk

During pregnancy you should only drink pasteurised or ultra-heat treated (UHT) milks, or dairy products and cheese made from pasteurised or ultra-heat treated (UHT) milks. This is because cheese made from milk that has been pasteurised has been heat-treated to kill bacteria and prevent food poisoning.

Some of the types of cheese in pregnancy that you can eat that are commonly asked about include:

Can you eat Boursin during pregnancy?

Yes, you can safely eat Boursin cheese during pregnancy. Boursin is made from pasteurised milk and is treated at a high temperature.

Can you eat feta cheese during pregnancy?

Yes you can safely eat feta cheese in pregnancy.

Can you eat halloumi when pregnant?

Yes, you can eat halloumi when pregnant.

Can you eat mozzarella cheese during pregnancy?

Yes, mozzarella is also safe to eat during pregnancy​.

Can you eat cream cheese during pregnancy?

Yes, cream cheese in pregnancy is considered safe to eat during pregnancy.

Can you eat Dairylea when pregnant?

Yes, you can also eat Dairylea cheese or other processed cheeses like cheese slices during pregnancy. You can also eat Dairylea Dunkers during pregnancy if you fancy a snack.

Can you eat ricotta during pregnancy?

Yes, you can eat ricotta when pregnant.

Can you eat cottage cheese during pregnancy?

Yes, you can eat cottage cheese when pregnant.

You Can Eat Blue Hard Cheese During Pregnancy

This one might surprise you, but on our list of cheese in pregnancy you can eat during pregnancy is hard blue cheese. You can eat Stilton during pregnancy.

You Can Eat Baked Cheese During Pregnancy

Cooking food at hot temperatures should kill the bacteria, so it’s OK to eat cooked mould-ripened soft cheese, such as brie and camembert and cooked, soft blue cheese, such as Roquefort or gorgonzola, or dishes that contain them, if they are cooked. It's important to make sure the cheese is thoroughly cooked until it's steaming hot all the way through.

Can I Have Pâté When I’m Pregnant?

Unfortunately, it is recommended that you avoid all types of pâtés during pregnancy, including vegetable pâtés, as they can contain listeria.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional regarding any medical condition. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in the blog and to describe best generally accepted current practices we cannot accept any liability for errors or omissions or for any consequences from application of the information given