When pregnant, make careful food choices because your body during this season is delicate and highly sensitive to your intake. You can eat some foods comfortably without causing mishaps, but some can be harmful not only to you but also to the unborn. You will get to know by the end of this article whether goat cheese right for pregnant women to eat. And if you love goat cheese and you don’t know whether to eat it during pregnancy or not, keep reading to find out.
So can I eat goat cheese while pregnant?
The answer is yes, but certain types of goat cheese are a no go zone during pregnancy. Goat cheese has been classified into two; soft and hard versions. The hard version is safe to eat during pregnancy, while the soft version is not recommended during pregnancy. So, can you distinguish between the two versions of cheese? You press your fingers into it, and the soft one will indent while the hard one won’t. It is important to check the expiry date when buying plus the type of cheese. One more important fact; cooking cheese will kill yeast and bacteria, so when using cheese as toppings for food that must pass through heating, you can heat your cheese even when pregnant.
Cheeses you can eat when pregnant:
Eat the following types of cheese while pregnant because they contain a negligible amount of food poisoning agents.
Hard goat cheese: Hard goat cheese comes from pasteurized milk, besides having little moisture content making it safe for pregnant women to consume. The slight moisture in the hard goat cheese makes it impossible for bacteria to thrive. Hence hard goat cheese has fewer chances of contamination compared to soft goat cheese. So whether pasteurized or unpasteurized hard goat cheese, they are both safe for pregnant women.
Pasteurized goat cheese: Any pasteurized goat cheese is considered safe for pregnant women to eat except for those ripened at the surface. The process where mould, bacteria, and yeast are eliminated is called pasteurization.
Cheese from sheep’s milk: Feta and halloumi are varieties of cheese made from sheep’s milk, and they are both considered safe for pregnant women to eat. Owing to the way these kinds of cheese are made, they are safety guaranteed. Feta cheese has high salt content while halloumi has a hard-brined consistency making it safe for consumption during pregnancy because the chances of bacteria and yeast thriving are eliminated.
Those were the cheeses you can eat when pregnant, and there are other versions you can eat too. So I hope this answers the question, “can I eat goat cheese while pregnant” if you have something to add or critique, reach out in the comment box.
Can you eat soft cheese when pregnant?
Some goat cheese is better avoided during pregnancy because it can lead to food poisoning. Soft goat cheese included. Here is a comprehensive list of soft cheese you better avoid during pregnancy:
Soft cheese: So, can you eat soft cheese when pregnant? No, soft cheese is unsafe for pregnant women. This is because soft cheese comes from unpasteurized milk, which has a higher risk of bacteria contamination.
White rind cheese: Also known as chevre and is considered unsafe for pregnant women to eat. It is a variety that is mould-ripen similar to brie & camembert likely to cause listeriosis.
All other mould-ripened cheeses are considered unsafe, and the risks include; listeriosis, blood infection, flu-like symptoms followed by fever. Meningitis is a possible risk when you consume soft goat cheeses.
Can pregnant women eat cream cheese?
Whether you like cream cheese over bagel or velvet cake, this treat is simply irresistible, and you are sure you can satisfy your cravings for this delicious food. But can pregnant women eat cream cheese? You can generally eat cream cheese but with a few things to keep in mind before indulging in a full-grown cream cheesemonger. You have heard about concerns related to soft cheese and pregnant women. the story is the same here, eat creamy cheese sparingly when pregnant or better abscond altogether.
But if you are keen to consume cream cheese, here is the good news; cream cheese comes from pasteurized milk, which means the heat kills pathogens, making it safe for consumption. Lactic acid bacteria are then introduced to curdle. The curds are then heat and stabilizers plus thickeners added to give cream cheese the smooth texture.
So, why is cream cheese generally safe to eat during pregnancy? As mentioned, heating kills harmful bacteria, including listeria, that cause dangerous infections, especially in those with compromised immune systems like pregnant women and infants. So we can safely conclude that cream cheese is safe for pregnant women.
What are the benefits of eating goat cheese (pasteurized) while pregnant?
Eating goat cheese while pregnant is beneficial in so many ways. Below are some of them:
- It is a creamy dairy source, and it is suitable for healthy bones.
- The fat content in cheese is different from the rest; it doesn’t lead to rapid weight gain.
- Goat cheese is easy to digest, unlike other cheese types, plus it can help fight nausea and vomiting.
- Goat’s cheese is highly nutritious and with plenty of minerals beneficial during pregnancy.
- Goat’s cheese is high in protein, good for the developing baby.
- It is packed with many healthy fats.
- Goat’s cheese plays a role in maintaining a healthy gut.
- Compared to other cheeses, it contains less lactose.
- It is rich in antioxidants to contain free radicals for a healthy heart.
Conclusion
Can I eat goat cheese while pregnant? Yes, you can eat when pasteurized; else, don’t. During pregnancy, you must give a deep thought to any food you eat. Despite cravings taking over, some food is a capital NO because they can cause more harm than good. You should wait until your little bun is out of the oven to indulge in a food eatery. A parting shot: If you consume goat’s cheese or any other cheese and experience diarrhea, vomiting, or food poisoning, consult your doctor immediately. During pregnancy, be cautious with your diet.
