Blue Cheese and Pregnancy

Cheese is normally a good source of calcium and protein for women to eat during pregnancy. There are certain types of cheese, however, that pregnant women should avoid. These cheeses are prone to such bacteria growth as listeria, which could cause harm to the unborn child.

  1. Cheeses to Avoid

    • Doctors recommend pregnant women avoid soft, unpasteurized cheeses such as feta, goat, Brie and blue. Hard cheeses are safe for pregnant women to consume.

    Cheese Characteristics

    • Such cheeses are moister and less acidic than other cheeses, which makes them ideal for the growth of bacteria. Thorough, complete cooking of such cheeses should eliminate the risks, however.

    Listeria Symptoms

    • Non-pregnant, healthy adults with a listeria infection, or listeriosis, may experience short-term, flu-like symptoms. In pregnant women, however, listeriosis can develop into something more serious due to compromised immune systems. Symptoms may include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and muscle pain.

    Symptom Occurrence

    • Several weeks could pass before symptoms arise. This makes it difficult to know exactly which consumed food is responsible for the infection.

    Risks

    • Other than flu-like symptoms, pregnant women with listeriosis are at risk for premature delivery, stillbirth and miscarriage.

    Diagnosis

    • Listeriosis is determined through a blood test, and can be treated with antibiotics.

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