Cheeses in pregnancy: which to eat and which to avoid?

While awaiting a new arrival, many women wish to ensure the utmost well-being for their bodies and the unborn child.

Among the various dietary considerations, the consumption of cheese holds an important place. However, not all cheeses are the same when it comes to pregnancy.

In this article, we will explore the cheeses that are allowed and those to avoid during this stage of life.

Prohibited Cheeses: Raw Milk, Soft Rind, and Molds

During pregnancy, cheese made from unpasteurized raw milk should be absolutely avoided.

The processing of this type of milk may expose the future mother to risks of bacterial contamination. However, there are exceptions: cheeses such as grana and parmesan, although made with raw milk, are considered safe due to their long aging.

Soft and creamy rind cheeses should also be avoided, such as camembert, brie, roquefort, taleggio, feta, gorgonzola, tome, and tomini.

It is advisable to avoid them because their high water content creates a favorable environment for bacterial proliferation.

In particular, blue cheeses like gorgonzola and roquefort should be handled with extreme caution, as the molds used during production may pose risks during pregnancy.

Common Beliefs and Rind Caution

It is important to debunk the myth that goat cheeses are automatically safe during pregnancy.

The danger is related to the processing method, not to the animal producing the milk.

Additionally, the part most at risk of contamination is the rind, so even cheeses considered safe like grana or parmesan should be handled with care.

Allowed Cheeses: Tasty Exceptions and Allies of the Diet

Fortunately, there are many delicious exceptions to the list of cheeses to avoid.

Hard cheeses, such as parmesan, grana, emmental, and pecorino romano or toscano, are considered safe due to their low water content and long aging.

Other allowed cheeses include fontina, ricotta, mozzarella, cream cheese, robiola, and cottage cheese, which are valid allies of the pregnant woman's diet.

Nutritional Importance of Cheeses During Pregnancy

Cheeses, rich in proteins, calcium, vitamins, and other essential nutrients, are crucial foods during pregnancy.

They provide the necessary nutrients for the baby's bone development and maintain the mother's bone health.

Careful selection of cheeses during this phase is fundamental to ensure the well-being of both.

In conclusion, choosing cheeses during pregnancy is a matter of attention and awareness.

Avoiding high-risk cheeses and opting for safe varieties guarantees a balanced and safe diet for the future mother and the baby.

Always remember to consult your doctor for personalized advice on your pregnancy diet.

Angela Cordioli

S&M