Can You Eat Blue Cheese While Pregnant?

Cravings are a problem when you become pregnant. Cheese is an ingredient that’s used in almost every dish you come across. From sandwiches, dips, quesadillas, pizzas and rice bowls, melted cheese is a delicacy mothers enjoy. However, they have to forego cheese when they’re pregnant because most of these soft cheeses are made from unpasteurised milk.

When a pregnant mom eats soft cheese, she is at the risk of being contaminated by Listeria. It’s a type of bacteria that can cause flu-like symptoms and has the possibility of crossing the placenta barrier and affecting the baby. But what if the mother indulges in hard blue cheese over the soft blue one? Blue cheese and pregnancy is a tricky slope and we’ll get into that below.

What Is Blue Cheese?

Blue cheese is an aged cheese made from cow’s, goat’s or sheep’s milk. Noted for its distinctive spots, the cheese has a salty, sharp and pungent note to it. This type of cheese is low in fat but high in sodium which means anyone watching their blood pressure should take care. Mold in foods may be considered dangerous to consume but not all molds are the same. In cheese, the molds do not produce the two toxins that generally occur – mycotoxins and aflatoxins. This makes them safe to eat and the spotted appearance in blue cheese is simply a sign of fermentation take place.

In fact, when you partake in pasteurised blue cheese in your diet you end up improving your gut health. There are studies coming out that show that blue cheese may improve cardiovascular health and slow down signs of ageing.

What Is It Made Up Of?

Most blue cheeses are made using pasteurised cow’s or sheep’s milk. The cultures of the mold penicillium are used to refine the cheese and produce its distinctive dotted appearance. Most stories of how the blue cheese originated begin with someone forgetting they left their cheese in a cave. When they return, they find out it has turned spotted.

Roquefort blue cheese is made using ewe’s milk. The blocks are mixed with the mold of Penicillium roqueforti and it takes between three to six months for the spores to ripen. After the spots appear, a machine may be used to make finer perforations on the blocks. Gorgonzola blue cheese may sometimes be an exception. Usually, they are prepared in caves and that’s because of the stable and moist environment which lends it a distinctive appearance. Some blue cheeses are soft and salty while other varieties may be hard and pungent. In countries around the world, some of the popular varieties include Bleu de Bresse, Bleu d’Auvergne, Danablu, and Blue Cheshire. From mild to bold flavours, the most delicious blue cheese is always made from goat’s or sheep’s milk that comes from the countryside.

Can You Have Blue Cheese While Pregnant?

If you’re thinking of having blue cheese while pregnant, you can. But you have to be careful. Most blue cheeses are made using unpasteurised goat’s milk. Unpasteurised blue cheese has a bacteria called listeria which is known for causing miscarriages. Cooking the cheese or getting pasteurised blue cheese are good ways to get rid of that. Listeriosis is an infection that occurs from being exposed to these bacteria. It leads to the weakening of the mother’s immune system which makes her more prone to diseases and other infections. Abnormal child development post-birth is another possibility and side effect of Listeriosis which is something you don’t want for your child. In summary, cooked blue cheese is much safer for consumption by pregnant moms.

What Kind of Blue Cheese Are Unsafe During Pregnancy?

As a rule of thumb, pregnant women should avoid all soft blue cheeses. This is because soft blue cheese may contain higher counts of the Listeria bacteria, thus putting them at risk of complications during pregnancy.

Examples of soft blue cheeses that are unsafe are:

• Gorgonzola cheese.
• Roquefort cheese.
• Cambozola cheese.
• Blue brie.
• Danish blue.

There is a risk of listeria while eating blue cheese salad dressing, so be sure to watch out for that.

Risks of Eating Unsafe Blue Cheese in Pregnancy

Here are the risks associated with eating unsafe blue cheese when pregnant:

• Risk of getting Listeriosis, a condition that causes flu-like symptoms and baby miscarriages.
• Diarrhoea, fever and headaches.
• The weakening of the immune system and newborn illnesses.
• Abnormal development of the baby in the womb.

What Kinds of Cheeses Are Safe During Pregnancy?

In general, going with hard blue cheese during pregnancy is a safe bet.

When it comes to safe soft blue cheeses to eat during pregnancy, this is what we recommend as long as they are pasteurized:

• Halloumi and goat cheese.
• Cream cheese.
• Cottage cheese and paneer.
• Processed cheese spreads.
• Mozzarella cheese.

The only exception of eating unpasteurised blue cheese is Stilton. Stilton is a hard blue cheese but since it is more acidic and very low moisture bacteria, it renders the bacteria harmless. You can also eat Stilton blue cheese that’s made from unpasteurised milk. It’s an exception and considered very safe. But besides Stilton, avoid all soft and hard cheeses made from unpasteurised milk.

How Can You Eat Blue Cheese Safely During Pregnancy?

If you’re a cheese lover who happens to be pregnant, you may be wondering whether it’s safe to indulge in one of the stinkiest and most divisive cheeses out there: blue cheese. While many types of cheese are off-limits during pregnancy due to the risk of listeria, a bacterial infection that can be harmful to both you and your baby, the good news is that blue cheese can be safe to eat if you take a few precautions. By following a few simple guidelines, you can satisfy your cravings for that funky, pungent flavour without putting yourself or your little one at risk.

Ways To Make Blue Cheese Baby Safe

If you’re pregnant and craving blue cheese, don’t despair! There are a few simple steps you can take to enjoy this pungent delight safely:

1. Choose pasteurised blue cheese – Always look for blue cheese made from pasteurized milk. This type of cheese is heated to a high temperature to kill off any harmful bacteria, which makes it safe to eat during pregnancy.

2. Check the label – Read the label carefully to make sure the cheese is made from pasteurised milk. If you’re not sure, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid it.

3. Eat it cooked – If you’re still worried about the safety of blue cheese, you can always opt to eat it cooked. Heating the cheese to at least 165°F will kill off any harmful bacteria.

4. Practice good food hygiene – Make sure to store your blue cheese properly in the fridge, and avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meats and cheeses.

By following these simple steps, you can safely enjoy the tangy, complex flavours of blue cheese during pregnancy.

Safety Rules

When it comes to safety, it’s important to always err on the side of caution. Here are two simple safety rules to keep in mind:

1. Better safe than sorry – When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. If you’re unsure about the safety of a food or activity, it’s better to avoid it altogether rather than risk harm.

2. Practice good hygiene – Good hygiene is key to staying healthy and avoiding illness. Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating or handling food, and avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meats and produce.

By following these two simple safety rules, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from harm and stay healthy and happy.

Safe Blue Cheese Dishes During Pregnancy

Obviously you’re wondering what can you make out of your hard blue cheeses? There are tons of recipes out there online but we’ve gone with our favourite dishes. We don’t talk about recipes but instead what you can do with blue cheese.

1. Blue Cheese Pizza

Did we mention we love pizza? Who doesn’t!. Sprinkle some hard blue cheese on your pizza over the toppings for a delicious treat. You can add mushrooms, jalapenos, vegetables and spices to play around with the flavours. Pizza is a great way to satisfy your bread and cheese cravings simultaneously. You won’t regret it and it’s healthy for you!

2. Tortilla Wraps

Tortillas are a good source of protein, fibre and carbs. Making a tortilla wrap stuffed with juicy chicken breast, salads, and melted blue cheese is simply delicious. If you are trying to boost your iron and folate intake during pregnancy, adding some wraps to your diet might just do the trick. It’s a guilt-free indulgence!

3. Blue Cheese Steak

Nothing beats a nice, chunky, juicy steak topped with gooey melted blue cheese. We recommend beef steak for the best results. Serve it with a side of fries, salad and you have yourself a wholesome and nutritious meal! If you’re craving seafood, you can go with a grilled fish steak and top it with shredded pasteurised blue cheese. Sprinkle Wakame or seaweed and it turns into a delicious treat!

4. Blue Cheese Dips

We mentioned blue cheese was versatile. Blue cheese dips can be enjoyed as a salad dressing, with tacos and even burritos. You can even dip crackers into them and enjoy occasionally.

5. Fresh Salads

If you’re tired of your regular salad dressings, you can use pasteurised blue cheese sauce instead. The best thing about salads is how easy and simple they are to make. You can top them with chicken breast, nuts, veggies and olive oil. When you add blue cheese dressing to it, they get an extra layer of creaminess. Throw in a few grass-fed bacon slices and it becomes a wholesome and filling meal.

What to Do If a Pregnant Woman Accidentally Consumes the Blue Cheese?

If you’re pregnant and have accidentally consumed unpasteurised soft blue cheese, don’t panic. Symptoms of Listeriosis infection don’t show up usually before 30 days. But just to play it safe, monitor your health and look for signs of flu and fever. If your fever goes beyond 100.5°F (38°C) you will have to contact your local healthcare provider and ask for help.

Sometimes nothing may happen and you could luck out. But don’t take chances and watch for the expected symptoms because you want to prevent the infection from getting worse as soon as possible. Also, we recommend doing a blood test since that will tell you if you’ve been infected or not. For cases where there’s an early diagnosis, usually, antibiotics are prescribed for effective treatment.

That’s pretty much everything you have to be aware of blue cheese. Just for a recap, if it’s soft – cook it and eat. If it’s hard, eat it directly and nothing will happen. That’s the takeaway from this article. But if you find yourself reaching out for soft cheeses a lot, we will always suggest making sure they’re made from pasteurized milk. Pasteurising kills the bacteria and makes it extremely safe for your baby.

FAQs

1. Is It Safe To Eat Blue Cheese Crumbles And Dressing While Pregnant?

If you’re pregnant and wondering whether it’s safe to indulge in blue cheese crumbles and dressing, the answer is… it depends. While some blue cheese products, such as those made from pasteurised milk, can be safe to eat during pregnancy, others may carry a risk of listeria, a bacterial infection that can be harmful to both you and your baby. If you’re unsure about the safety of a particular blue cheese product, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider or avoid it altogether. Remember, better safe than sorry!

2. Is It Safe To Eat Cooked Blue Cheese While Pregnant?

If you’re pregnant and craving a dish that features cooked blue cheese, you may be wondering whether it’s safe to indulge. The good news is that in most cases, cooked blue cheese is safe to eat during pregnancy. Cooking blue cheese to the proper temperature can help kill off any harmful bacteria, such as listeria, that may be present. However, it’s important to be aware that not all blue cheese products are created equal, and some may carry a higher risk of contamination than others. As always, if you’re unsure about the safety of a particular food or dish, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before digging in.

When you’re pregnant, we know that watching your diet can feel hard but adding some cheese to it just makes everything so much better. And who doesn’t love blue cheese? We sure do.

Also Read:

Eating Butter in Pregnancy
Drinking Milk While Pregnant
Consuming Ricotta Cheese during Pregnancy