Pregnant and craving feta cheese? Learn everything you need to know about its safety, plus other tips for the first time mom!
If you’re a first time mom, you’re probably wondering what foods are safe to eat. You’ll likely experience cravings or food aversions as part of your pregnancy symptoms.
If you have a hankering for cheese, you’ll want to be careful with what you choose.
So, is feta cheese safe for pregnant women?
Here’s what you should know!
Is feta cheese safe during pregnancy?
The short answer is yes and no!
Most soft cheeses are not safe to consume during pregnancy and feta is considered to be a soft cheese. However, American feta cheeses are likely to have gone through the pasteurization process, making them much safer.
Pasteurized cheeses and other dairy products like sour cream are generally safe during pregnancy and this information can usually be found on the product’s label. If it’s not listed or you can’t find out from the company’s website, it’s best to steer clear!
However, it’s important to note that there’s still a chance your cheese may contain harmful bacteria if the manufacturing facility where it was processed wasn’t properly sanitized.
So, while you’re not likely to get sick, you should proceed with caution and eat in moderation. Choose cheeses from major manufacturers that are less likely to have problems.
What’s wrong with unpasteurized cheese?
So, what’s the big deal with unpasteurized cheese?
Soft cheeses and other foods made from animal byproducts as well as foods grown in soil like lettuce and celery may be contaminated with listeria bacteria.
This strain of bacteria can be very harmful to humans, especially pregnant women and their unborn babies.
Listeriosis can lead to miscarriage in the first trimester or premature birth later on.
If your baby is infected with the bacteria, they may experience complications such as developmental disorders, seizures, paralysis, and even blindness.
If you do choose to eat feta cheese and you experience any of the following symptoms, you should talk to your doctor right away:
- Fever
- Headache
- Chills
- Malaise (general feelings of being unwell)
All in all, it’s likely safe to eat feta cheese, but there is still a slight risk of harm. Proceed with caution or avoid altogether to be completely safe!
Did you also know that food plays a large role in conceiving a baby? Here are 26 Foods That Increase Sperm Count, including the foods your partner should avoid when trying to increase male fertility.
Check here for more pregnancy help and tips for the first time mother, including the secrets to first time mom labor, postpartum body changes, newborn baby hacks, newborn sleep tips, and more!