Is it safe to eat cheese during pregnancy?

In general, yes, it is safe to eat cheese during pregnancy, as long as it is made from pasteurized milk. Pasteurization is the process of heating the milk to a high temperature to kill harmful bacteria. All cheeses made with pasteurized milk are safe to eat during pregnancy, while unpasteurized milk and cheeses made from unpasteurized milk should be avoided.

Here are some specific guidelines for eating cheese during pregnancy:

* Pasteurized cheeses: These are the safest cheeses to eat during pregnancy, as they have been heated to a high temperature to kill any harmful bacteria. Some examples of pasteurized cheeses include cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Swiss cheese.

* Unpasteurized cheeses: These cheeses should be avoided during pregnancy, as they may contain harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. Some examples of unpasteurized cheeses include brie, Camembert, feta, and blue cheese.

* Soft cheeses: These cheeses are made from unripened milk and usually have a high moisture content. Some examples of soft cheeses include ricotta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese. Soft cheeses can be made from pasteurized or unpasteurized milk. It is important to check the label to make sure that the cheese is made from pasteurized milk.

* Hard cheeses: These cheeses are made from ripened milk and usually have a low moisture content. Some examples of hard cheeses include cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss cheese. Hard cheeses are always safe to eat during pregnancy, as they are made from pasteurized milk.

If you are pregnant and have any questions about whether or not it is safe to eat a certain type of cheese, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.