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can I eat goat cheese during pregnancy?
Penny found 20 sources
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1 peer-reviewed research article
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Goat Cheese and Pregnancy: What’s Safe and What’s Not
You can eat goat cheese during pregnancy, but there are important details to keep in mind for safety. The main concern is the risk of listeriosis, a rare but serious infection caused by the bacteria Listeria, which can be more harmful during pregnancy.
Which Goat Cheeses Are Safe to Eat?
Pasteurized and Hard Cheeses Are Generally Safe
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Hard goat cheeses (like aged or crumbly varieties) are considered safe, whether made from pasteurized or unpasteurized milk, because their low moisture makes it difficult for harmful bacteria to grow.
What Cheese Can You Eat In Pregnancy | VitabioticsHowever, there are several types of cheese that are considered safe to eat during pregnancy. It is recommended that pregnant women eat a balanced diet during pregnancy which includes milk and dairy foods, a good source of calcium which is important for the mother's and baby's teeth and bones.Read full articleSource: vitabiotics.comListeriosis in Animals - Infectious Diseases - Merck Veterinary ManualThe uterus of all domestic animals, especially ruminants, is susceptible to infection with L monocytogenes at all stages of pregnancy, which can result in placentitis, fetal infection and death, abortion, stillbirths, neonatal deaths, metritis, and possibly viable carriers. The metritis has little or no effect on subsequent reproduction; however, Listeria may be shed for 1 month or longer via the vagina and milk.Read full articleSource: merckvetmanual.com
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Soft goat cheeses (such as chèvre) are safe only if they are made from pasteurized milk.
Cheese & Dairy in Pregnancy | Goat’s Cheese & More | AptaclubKnowing which cheeses are safe can get complicated, so we’ve answered the most common cheese-related pregnancy questions. Some types of goat’s cheese are fine to eat during pregnancy, as long as they’re made from pasteurised milk7. However, chèvre and other soft goat’s cheese should be avoided while you’re pregnant as they can contain higher levels of listeria.Read full articleSource: aptaclub.co.ukFoods to avoid in pregnancy - NHSsoft or blue cheese (pasteurised or unpasteurised) that has been cooked until steaming hot · any other foods made from unpasteurised milk, such as soft ripened goats' cheeseRead full articleSource: nhs.ukListeriosis in Animals - Infectious Diseases - Merck Veterinary ManualThe uterus of all domestic animals, especially ruminants, is susceptible to infection with L monocytogenes at all stages of pregnancy, which can result in placentitis, fetal infection and death, abortion, stillbirths, neonatal deaths, metritis, and possibly viable carriers. The metritis has little or no effect on subsequent reproduction; however, Listeria may be shed for 1 month or longer via the vagina and milk.Read full articleSource: merckvetmanual.comFood safety during pregnancy - PMCPregnant women should avoid consuming unpasteurized milk and dairy products, soft cheeses (both pasteurized and unpasteurized), deli meats, and smoked fish owing to the potential risk of listeriosis.Eating well in pregnancy | Ready Steady Baby!You’re safe to eat some milk and dairy foods, including: All hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan or Gruyere · Pasteurised semi-hard and soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, feta, paneer, ricotta, halloumi, cream cheese, cheese ...Read full articleSource: NHS InformFood Choices During PregnancyLet’s take a look at some of the best foods to choose, and which to avoid: Eat this: Hard cheeses, such as Swiss or cheddar. Semi-soft cheeses such as mozzarella are safe to consume as well.Read full articleSource: bmhvt.org
- Always check the label for “pasteurized milk” before eating any goat cheese. If you’re unsure, it’s best to avoid it or ask for more information.
Goat Cheeses to Avoid During Pregnancy
Unpasteurized and Mold-Ripened Soft Cheeses Carry Higher Risk
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Avoid any soft goat cheese made from unpasteurized (raw) milk, as these are more likely to contain Listeria.
Cheese & Dairy in Pregnancy | Goat’s Cheese & More | AptaclubKnowing which cheeses are safe can get complicated, so we’ve answered the most common cheese-related pregnancy questions. Some types of goat’s cheese are fine to eat during pregnancy, as long as they’re made from pasteurised milk7. However, chèvre and other soft goat’s cheese should be avoided while you’re pregnant as they can contain higher levels of listeria.Read full articleSource: aptaclub.co.ukFoods to avoid in pregnancy - NHSsoft or blue cheese (pasteurised or unpasteurised) that has been cooked until steaming hot · any other foods made from unpasteurised milk, such as soft ripened goats' cheeseRead full articleSource: nhs.ukWhat Cheese Can You Eat In Pregnancy | VitabioticsHowever, there are several types of cheese that are considered safe to eat during pregnancy. It is recommended that pregnant women eat a balanced diet during pregnancy which includes milk and dairy foods, a good source of calcium which is important for the mother's and baby's teeth and bones.Read full articleSource: vitabiotics.comListeriosis in Animals - Infectious Diseases - Merck Veterinary ManualThe uterus of all domestic animals, especially ruminants, is susceptible to infection with L monocytogenes at all stages of pregnancy, which can result in placentitis, fetal infection and death, abortion, stillbirths, neonatal deaths, metritis, and possibly viable carriers. The metritis has little or no effect on subsequent reproduction; however, Listeria may be shed for 1 month or longer via the vagina and milk.Read full articleSource: merckvetmanual.comEating well in pregnancy | Ready Steady Baby!You’re safe to eat some milk and dairy foods, including: All hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan or Gruyere · Pasteurised semi-hard and soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, feta, paneer, ricotta, halloumi, cream cheese, cheese ...Read full articleSource: NHS InformFood Choices During PregnancyLet’s take a look at some of the best foods to choose, and which to avoid: Eat this: Hard cheeses, such as Swiss or cheddar. Semi-soft cheeses such as mozzarella are safe to consume as well.Read full articleSource: bmhvt.org
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Avoid mold-ripened soft goat cheeses (often with a white rind, like chèvre, brie, or camembert styles), even if pasteurized, unless they are thoroughly cooked until steaming hot.
Cheese & Dairy in Pregnancy | Goat’s Cheese & More | AptaclubKnowing which cheeses are safe can get complicated, so we’ve answered the most common cheese-related pregnancy questions. Some types of goat’s cheese are fine to eat during pregnancy, as long as they’re made from pasteurised milk7. However, chèvre and other soft goat’s cheese should be avoided while you’re pregnant as they can contain higher levels of listeria.Read full articleSource: aptaclub.co.ukFoods to avoid in pregnancy - NHSsoft or blue cheese (pasteurised or unpasteurised) that has been cooked until steaming hot · any other foods made from unpasteurised milk, such as soft ripened goats' cheeseRead full articleSource: nhs.ukWhat Cheese Can You Eat In Pregnancy | VitabioticsHowever, there are several types of cheese that are considered safe to eat during pregnancy. It is recommended that pregnant women eat a balanced diet during pregnancy which includes milk and dairy foods, a good source of calcium which is important for the mother's and baby's teeth and bones.Read full articleSource: vitabiotics.comListeriosis in Animals - Infectious Diseases - Merck Veterinary ManualThe uterus of all domestic animals, especially ruminants, is susceptible to infection with L monocytogenes at all stages of pregnancy, which can result in placentitis, fetal infection and death, abortion, stillbirths, neonatal deaths, metritis, and possibly viable carriers. The metritis has little or no effect on subsequent reproduction; however, Listeria may be shed for 1 month or longer via the vagina and milk.Read full articleSource: merckvetmanual.comFood safety during pregnancy - PMCPregnant women should avoid consuming unpasteurized milk and dairy products, soft cheeses (both pasteurized and unpasteurized), deli meats, and smoked fish owing to the potential risk of listeriosis.Eating well in pregnancy | Ready Steady Baby!You’re safe to eat some milk and dairy foods, including: All hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan or Gruyere · Pasteurised semi-hard and soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, feta, paneer, ricotta, halloumi, cream cheese, cheese ...Read full articleSource: NHS Inform
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If a goat cheese is baked or cooked until steaming hot (such as on pizza or in a tart), it is considered safe because the heat kills harmful bacteria.
Cheese & Dairy in Pregnancy | Goat’s Cheese & More | AptaclubKnowing which cheeses are safe can get complicated, so we’ve answered the most common cheese-related pregnancy questions. Some types of goat’s cheese are fine to eat during pregnancy, as long as they’re made from pasteurised milk7. However, chèvre and other soft goat’s cheese should be avoided while you’re pregnant as they can contain higher levels of listeria.Read full articleSource: aptaclub.co.ukEating well in pregnancy | Ready Steady Baby!You’re safe to eat some milk and dairy foods, including: All hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan or Gruyere · Pasteurised semi-hard and soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, feta, paneer, ricotta, halloumi, cream cheese, cheese ...Read full articleSource: NHS InformListeriosis in Animals - Infectious Diseases - Merck Veterinary ManualThe uterus of all domestic animals, especially ruminants, is susceptible to infection with L monocytogenes at all stages of pregnancy, which can result in placentitis, fetal infection and death, abortion, stillbirths, neonatal deaths, metritis, and possibly viable carriers. The metritis has little or no effect on subsequent reproduction; however, Listeria may be shed for 1 month or longer via the vagina and milk.Read full articleSource: merckvetmanual.comFood Choices During PregnancyLet’s take a look at some of the best foods to choose, and which to avoid: Eat this: Hard cheeses, such as Swiss or cheddar. Semi-soft cheeses such as mozzarella are safe to consume as well.Read full articleSource: bmhvt.org
Why Listeria Is a Concern in Pregnancy
Pregnancy Increases Susceptibility to Foodborne Illness
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Listeria infection is rare but can cause serious complications in pregnancy, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns.
Listeriosis in Animals - Infectious Diseases - Merck Veterinary ManualThe uterus of all domestic animals, especially ruminants, is susceptible to infection with L monocytogenes at all stages of pregnancy, which can result in placentitis, fetal infection and death, abortion, stillbirths, neonatal deaths, metritis, and possibly viable carriers. The metritis has little or no effect on subsequent reproduction; however, Listeria may be shed for 1 month or longer via the vagina and milk.Read full articleSource: merckvetmanual.comCheese & Dairy in Pregnancy | Goat’s Cheese & More | AptaclubKnowing which cheeses are safe can get complicated, so we’ve answered the most common cheese-related pregnancy questions. Some types of goat’s cheese are fine to eat during pregnancy, as long as they’re made from pasteurised milk7. However, chèvre and other soft goat’s cheese should be avoided while you’re pregnant as they can contain higher levels of listeria.Read full articleSource: aptaclub.co.uk
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Pregnant people are more susceptible to listeriosis because of changes in the immune system.
Listeriosis in Animals - Infectious Diseases - Merck Veterinary ManualThe uterus of all domestic animals, especially ruminants, is susceptible to infection with L monocytogenes at all stages of pregnancy, which can result in placentitis, fetal infection and death, abortion, stillbirths, neonatal deaths, metritis, and possibly viable carriers. The metritis has little or no effect on subsequent reproduction; however, Listeria may be shed for 1 month or longer via the vagina and milk.Read full articleSource: merckvetmanual.com
How to Make Safe Choices
Simple Steps for Enjoying Cheese Safely
- Always read labels and ask about pasteurization when eating out.
- When in doubt, choose hard cheeses or cook soft cheeses until steaming hot.
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If you have eaten unpasteurized or mold-ripened soft goat cheese, the risk of illness is still low, but contact your OB/GYN if you develop symptoms like fever, muscle aches, or gastrointestinal upset.
Listeriosis in Animals - Infectious Diseases - Merck Veterinary ManualThe uterus of all domestic animals, especially ruminants, is susceptible to infection with L monocytogenes at all stages of pregnancy, which can result in placentitis, fetal infection and death, abortion, stillbirths, neonatal deaths, metritis, and possibly viable carriers. The metritis has little or no effect on subsequent reproduction; however, Listeria may be shed for 1 month or longer via the vagina and milk.Read full articleSource: merckvetmanual.com
Wrapping Up: Enjoying Goat Cheese with Confidence
Goat cheese can be a tasty and nutritious part of your diet during pregnancy as long as you stick to hard cheeses or soft cheeses made from pasteurized milk. Avoid unpasteurized and mold-ripened soft goat cheeses unless they are cooked until steaming hot. Checking labels and asking questions can help you enjoy cheese safely while pregnant.
Cheese & Dairy in Pregnancy | Goat’s Cheese & More | Aptaclub
Knowing which cheeses are safe can get complicated, so we’ve answered the most common cheese-related pregnancy questions. Some types of goat’s cheese are fine to eat during pregnancy, as long as they’re made from pasteurised milk7. However, chèvre and other soft goat’s cheese should be avoided while you’re pregnant as they can contain higher levels of listeria.
Read full article
Source:
aptaclub.co.uk
Foods to avoid in pregnancy - NHS
soft or blue cheese (pasteurised or unpasteurised) that has been cooked until steaming hot · any other foods made from unpasteurised milk, such as soft ripened goats' cheese
Read full article
Source:
nhs.uk
What Cheese Can You Eat In Pregnancy | Vitabiotics
However, there are several types of cheese that are considered safe to eat during pregnancy. It is recommended that pregnant women eat a balanced diet during pregnancy which includes milk and dairy foods, a good source of calcium which is important for the mother's and baby's teeth and bones.
Read full article
Source:
vitabiotics.com
Listeriosis in Animals - Infectious Diseases - Merck Veterinary Manual
The uterus of all domestic animals, especially ruminants, is susceptible to infection with L monocytogenes at all stages of pregnancy, which can result in placentitis, fetal infection and death, abortion, stillbirths, neonatal deaths, metritis, and possibly viable carriers. The metritis has little or no effect on subsequent reproduction; however, Listeria may be shed for 1 month or longer via the vagina and milk.
Read full article
Source:
merckvetmanual.com
Food safety during pregnancy - PMC
Pregnant women should avoid consuming unpasteurized milk and dairy products, soft cheeses (both pasteurized and unpasteurized), deli meats, and smoked fish owing to the potential risk of listeriosis.
Eating well in pregnancy | Ready Steady Baby!
You’re safe to eat some milk and dairy foods, including: All hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan or Gruyere · Pasteurised semi-hard and soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, feta, paneer, ricotta, halloumi, cream cheese, cheese ...
Read full article
Source:
NHS Inform
Food Choices During Pregnancy
Let’s take a look at some of the best foods to choose, and which to avoid: Eat this: Hard cheeses, such as Swiss or cheddar. Semi-soft cheeses such as mozzarella are safe to consume as well.
Read full article
Source:
bmhvt.org
Providing feedback helps us improve Penny's responses.
Peer-Reviewed Research
Published, peer-reviewed scientific studies from journals or databases.
5
Food safety during pregnancy - PMC
Pregnant women should avoid consuming unpasteurized milk and dairy products, soft cheeses (both pasteurized and unpasteurized), deli meats, and smoked fish owing to the potential risk of listeriosis.
Isolation of Listeria monocytogenes from goat cheese associated with a case of listeriosis in goat - PubMed
Important vectors for Listeria monocytogenes transmission at farm dairies manufacturing fresh sheep and goat cheese from raw milk. Schoder D, Melzner D, Schmalwieser A, Zangana A, Winter P, Wagner M. Schoder D, et al. J Food Prot. 2011 Jun;74(6):919-24. doi: 10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-10-534. J Food Prot. 2011. PMID: 21669068 · Pathogenesis of listeriosis during pregnancy...
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Source:
PubMed
Clinical Guidelines & Professional Sources
Clinical recommendations from government, public health organizations, or professional medical provider associations.
1
What Cheese Can You Eat In Pregnancy | Vitabiotics
However, there are several types of cheese that are considered safe to eat during pregnancy. It is recommended that pregnant women eat a balanced diet during pregnancy which includes milk and dairy foods, a good source of calcium which is important for the mother's and baby's teeth and bones.
Read full article
Source:
vitabiotics.com
2
Listeriosis in Animals - Infectious Diseases - Merck Veterinary Manual
The uterus of all domestic animals, especially ruminants, is susceptible to infection with L monocytogenes at all stages of pregnancy, which can result in placentitis, fetal infection and death, abortion, stillbirths, neonatal deaths, metritis, and possibly viable carriers. The metritis has little or no effect on subsequent reproduction; however, Listeria may be shed for 1 month or longer via the vagina and milk.
Read full article
Source:
merckvetmanual.com
3
Cheese & Dairy in Pregnancy | Goat’s Cheese & More | Aptaclub
Knowing which cheeses are safe can get complicated, so we’ve answered the most common cheese-related pregnancy questions. Some types of goat’s cheese are fine to eat during pregnancy, as long as they’re made from pasteurised milk7. However, chèvre and other soft goat’s cheese should be avoided while you’re pregnant as they can contain higher levels of listeria.
Read full article
Source:
aptaclub.co.uk
4
Foods to avoid in pregnancy - NHS
soft or blue cheese (pasteurised or unpasteurised) that has been cooked until steaming hot · any other foods made from unpasteurised milk, such as soft ripened goats' cheese
Read full article
Source:
nhs.uk
6
Eating well in pregnancy | Ready Steady Baby!
You’re safe to eat some milk and dairy foods, including: All hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan or Gruyere · Pasteurised semi-hard and soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, feta, paneer, ricotta, halloumi, cream cheese, cheese ...
Read full article
Source:
NHS Inform
Safer Food Choices for Pregnant Women | Food Safety | CDC
Learn what foods and beverages to avoid consuming while pregnant and which foods and beverages are safer options.
Medical & Academic Institutions
Information from hospitals, research institutions, or academic medical centers known for clinical expertise and research contributions.
7
Food Choices During Pregnancy
Let’s take a look at some of the best foods to choose, and which to avoid: Eat this: Hard cheeses, such as Swiss or cheddar. Semi-soft cheeses such as mozzarella are safe to consume as well.
Read full article
Source:
bmhvt.org
General Health & Web Sources
Publicly available health-related articles from non-peer-reviewed sources. These may reference research or clinical guidelines, but are not primary sources.
Everything you need to know about eating goat cheese during pregnancy
Thanks to the pasteurisation process, this goat cheese is safe to consume if you are pregnant. All Henri Willig goat's cheeses are hard goat's cheeses and are made according to Gouda recipe!
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Source:
henriwillig.com
What is the role of dairy products during pregnancy? | Soignon
The absence of Listeria is one of the safety control criteria for ALL our cheeses here at Soignon. Among the offering available from Soignon, whipped goat cheese and goat cheese slices made with pasteurized milk can, for example, feature daily on the plate of future moms. In addition, our range includes light, mild-tasting cheeses which you will particularly enjoy if typical cheeses like the plain goat cheese log don't appeal to you. Gaining a little weight during pregnancy is both normal and necessary.
Read full article
Source:
soignon.com
Can Pregnant Women Eat Goat Cheese? 3 Pasteurized Types
Because of the low moisture content in hard cheese, harmful bacteria cannot thrive, and thus there is a very little risk of contamination. Hard cheese, made from pasteurized and unpasteurized milk, is considered safe to consume during pregnancy.
Read full article
Source:
MedicineNet
Can You Eat Goat Cheese While Pregnant? | The Prenatal Nutritionist
Cheeses made from pasteurized milk, including pasteurized goat milk, are considered safe for pregnant people to consume. If, for example, you’re putting together a pregnancy-safe cheese board and you want to include goat cheese, gouda, and ...
Why you shouldn't eat goat's cheese during pregnancy?
Because during pregnancy a woman’s body cannot fight bacteria as effectively as normal, pregnant women are up to 20 times more likely to develop listeriosis than the general population. This means that while goat’s cheese may be a healthy and nutritious choice for most people, it can cause serious problems for pregnant women. Ensuring safety is particularly important for expecting mothers.
Read full article
Source:
moominbaby.com
Can You Eat Goat Cheese While Pregnant? Pasteurization & Safety - Femia
However, unpasteurized goat cheese poses a risk of Listeria, so it should be avoided unless thoroughly cooked. Always check labels or ask when dining out to ensure the cheese you’re eating is safe during pregnancy.
Read full article
Source:
Femia Health
Are Soft Cheeses Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?
All those warnings that you may have seen about soft cheeses are often “based on the seriousness that soft cheese can cause a listeria infection,” says Jessica Monroe, PhD, RD, LD, a registered dietitian who specializes in fertility, pregnancy and postpartum, and the owner of Fresh Nutrition & Wellness.
Read full article
Source:
The Bump
r/pregnant on Reddit: TIC because I accidentally ate goat cheese
Even when I googled in English, there was no distinction made in terms of safety between pasteurized vs non-pasteurized cheese. But I talked to my midwife and she said that I’m probably fine. Who knows 🤷🏻♀️ ... I found plenty of articles stating that pasteurized (heated to 100 degrees to kill bacterie and prevent listeria) cheeses are fine. Also I have plenty of friends and family who have had babies and enjoyed pasteurized cheeses throughout their pregnancies.
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Reddit
Is It Safe To Eat Goat Cheese During Pregnancy?
The simple answer is ‘yes’, ... can be classified into types: hard version and soft version. The hard goat cheese is generally considered safe during pregnancy....
Can Pregnant Women Eat Goat Cheese?
Pasteurized goat cheeses. Pasteurization is a process used to kill the bacteria, yeast, and mold naturally found in milk. All pasteurized goat cheeses — except surface-ripened ones — are safe to eat during pregnancy (
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Source:
Healthline
Goat Cheese During Pregnancy: A Safety Guide
According to the Australian Dietary Guidelines for pregnancy, consuming around two and a half servings of cheese per day is considered safe during pregnancy. However, individual needs may vary, and you should consult a doctor for personalized ...
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Source:
momjunction.com
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