Is mozzarella safe while pregnant
Foods to avoid when pregnant
Foods to avoid when pregnant | Pregnancy Birth and Baby beginning of content6-minute read
Listen
There are some foods you should not eat when you're pregnant because they might make you ill or harm your baby. Make sure you know the important facts about which foods you should avoid or take extra care with when you're pregnant. The best foods to eat are freshly cooked or freshly prepared food.
Some types of cheese
Don't eat mould-ripened soft cheese, such as brie, camembert and chevre (a type of goat's cheese) and others with a similar rind. You should also avoid soft blue-veined cheeses such as Danish blue or gorgonzola. These are made with mould and they can contain listeria, a type of bacteria that can harm your unborn baby.
Although infection with listeria (listeriosis) is rare, it is important to take special precautions in pregnancy because even a mild form of the illness in a pregnant woman can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or severe illness in a newborn baby.
You can eat hard cheeses such as cheddar, parmesan and stilton, even if they're made with unpasteurised milk. Hard cheeses don't contain as much water as soft cheeses so bacteria are less likely to grow in them. Many other types of cheese are okay to eat, but make sure they're made from pasteurised milk. They include cottage cheese, mozzarella, cream cheese, paneer, haloumi, goat's cheese and processed cheeses such as cheese spreads.
Pâté
Avoid all types of pâté, including vegetable pâtés, as they can contain listeria.
Raw or partially cooked eggs
Make sure that eggs are thoroughly cooked until the whites and yolks are solid. This prevents the risk of salmonella food poisoning. Don’t eat foods that contain raw and undercooked eggs, such as homemade mayonnaise. If you wish to have dishes that contain raw or partially cooked eggs, consider using pasteurised liquid egg. Don’t use cracked or dirty eggs.
Raw or undercooked meat
Cook all meat and poultry thoroughly so it is steaming hot and there is no trace of pink or blood. Take particular care with poultry, pork, sausages and minced meat, including burgers.
Don't eat rare meat. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite that can be found in meat, soil, cat faeces and untreated water. If you are pregnant the infection can damage your baby, but it's important to remember that toxoplasmosis in pregnancy is very rare.
If you feel you may have been at risk, discuss it with your doctor, midwife or obstetrician. If you are infected while you're pregnant, treatment for toxoplasmosis is available.
Wash all surfaces and utensils thoroughly after preparing raw meat. It's also important to remember to wash and dry your hands after touching or handling raw meat. This will help to avoid the spread of harmful bugs such as salmonella, campylobacter and E. coli that can cause food poisoning.
Liver products
Don't eat liver or liver products such as liver pâté or liver sausage, as they may contain a lot of vitamin A. Too much vitamin A can harm your baby.
Supplements containing vitamin A
Don't take high-dose multivitamin supplements, fish liver oil supplements or any supplements containing vitamin A.
Some types of fish
Fish contains protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids, so it is recommended in pregnancy.
However, some types of fish have higher levels of mercury, which can affect the baby’s developing nervous system. It’s important to limit your intake of fish with higher levels of mercury. Shark (flake), broadbill, marlin and swordfish should be eaten no more than once a fortnight and don’t eat any other fish during that fortnight. Orange roughy and catfish should be eaten no more than once a week, and no other fish should be eaten during that week.
For more information about mercury in fish, visit Food Standards Australia.
Raw shellfish
Eat cooked rather than raw shellfish as it can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause food poisoning and have a higher risk of listeria contamination.
Pre-packaged salads
Pre-prepared or pre-packaged fruit or vegetable salads, including those from buffets and salad bars have a higher risk of listeria contamination.
Certain fruit and vegetables
Don’t eat rockmelon, due to a risk of listeria, or bean sprouts, due to salmonella.
Sushi
Don’t eat chilled seafood such as raw oysters, sashimi and sushi, smoked ready-to-eat seafood and cooked ready-to-eat prawns, which have a higher risk of listeria contamination.
The safest way to enjoy sushi is to choose the fully cooked or vegetarian varieties, such as those that include:
- cooked seafood, for example fully cooked eel (unagi) or shrimp (ebi)
- vegetables, for example cucumber (kappa) maki
- avocado — for example California roll
- fully cooked egg
Cold cured meats
Cold cured meats include salami, parma ham, chorizo and pepperoni. In Australia, pregnant women are advised to avoid eating cold cured meats or smoked fish as there is a small risk of these foods harbouring listeria, or the toxoplasma parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. These include:
- cold meats from delicatessen counters and sandwich bars, and packaged, sliced ready-to-eat meats
- cold cooked ready-to-eat chicken (whole, portions, or diced)
Unpasteurised milk
If you have milk, drink only pasteurised or UHT (ultra-heat treated) milk (also called long-life milk). If only raw (unpasteurised) milk is available, boil it first. Don’t drink unpasteurised goat’s or sheep’s milk or eat food that is made out of them, such as soft goat’s cheese.
Don't eat soft-serve ice-creams while you're pregnant as they have a higher risk of listeria contamination.
Alcohol
There is no safe level of alcohol that you can have during your pregnancy. Whether you are planning a pregnancy, already pregnant or breastfeeding, not drinking is the safest option as alcohol can harm your unborn baby.
Caffeine
High levels of caffeine can increase the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight and experiencing a difficult birth. Caffeine is naturally found in lots of foods, such as coffee, tea and chocolate, and is added to some soft drinks and energy drinks. Some cold and flu remedies also contain caffeine. Talk to your midwife, doctor or pharmacist before taking these remedies.
You don’t need to cut out caffeine completely, but don’t have more than 200mg a day. The approximate amounts of caffeine found in food and drinks are:
- 1 cup of instant coffee: 60mg
- 1 shot of espresso coffee: 100mg
- 1 cup of plunger coffee: 80mg
- 1 cup of tea: 30mg
- 375ml can of cola: 49mg
- 250ml can of energy drink: 80mg
- 100g bar of milk chocolate: 20mg
Don’t worry if you occasionally have more than 200mg, the risks are quite small. To cut down on caffeine, try decaffeinated tea and coffee, fruit juice or mineral water instead of regular tea, coffee and cola.
Energy drinks
Energy drinks are not recommended during pregnancy as they may contain high levels of caffeine, and other ingredients not recommended for pregnant women.
Foods with soil on them
Wash fruit, vegetables and salads to remove all traces of soil and visible dirt. Learn more about safe food preparation.
Peanuts and allergies
If you would like to eat peanuts or food containing peanuts (such as peanut butter) during pregnancy, you can choose to do so as part of a healthy balanced diet, unless you are allergic to them or your health professional advises you not to. Exclusion of any particular foods (including foods considered to be highly allergenic) from the maternal diet during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended, as this has not been shown to prevent allergies in your baby.
Check out our handy guide to food and drink during pregnancy (infographic) that you can print off to stick on the fridge or keep in your bag.
Sources:
Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (Infant feeding and allergy prevention), Food Standards Australia New Zealand (Caffeine), Food Standards Australia New Zealand (Mercury in fish), Eat For Health (Healthy eating during your pregnancy), NSW Food Authority (Foods to eat or avoid when pregnant), The Royal Women's Hospital Melbourne (Food safety during pregnancy), Department of Primary Industries (Food safety during pregnancy)Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: August 2020
Back To Top
Related pages
- Healthy diet during pregnancy
- Guide to food and drink during pregnancy
- Food preparation and safety
- Food cravings during pregnancy
- Alcohol and pregnancy
- Vitamins and supplements during pregnancy
Need more information?
Pregnancy diet: Foods to avoid
Everyone knows that when you're pregnant, you're eating for two. Less obvious, however, is knowing the particular foods pregnant women shouldn't eat in order to avoid infectious, food-borne diseases, as these can cause miscarriage, low birth weight or a higher risk of Mum getting sick.
Read more on Parenthub website
Guide to food and drink during pregnancy
This infographic is a handy guide to find out what is safe to eat during your pregnancy and the foods and drinks you should avoid.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Things to avoid during pregnancy
From hair dye to house paints, there are a few products or lifestyle habits pregnant women and their partners should be cautious of during pregnancy.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Food cravings during pregnancy
Food cravings are sudden urges to eat a particular type of food. They are a real phenomenon and affect many females during pregnancy.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Appetite changes and food aversions during pregnancy
It’s common to experience food cravings or a food aversion during pregnancy. Find out how to ensure you continue to eat healthily if this affects you.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Healthy diet during pregnancy
A healthy diet is an important part of a healthy lifestyle at any time, but especially vital if you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Your body needs extra nutrients during pregnancy and breastfeeding. You should also limit or avoid some foods and drinks. Here we look at the do's and don't's of eating while pregnant and breastfeeding, and when you should seek the services of an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD).
Read more on Dietitians Australia website
Pregnancy and your diet | NT.
GOV.AUFoods you should avoid, listeriosis information, mercury in fish, weight gain in pregnancy.
Read more on NT Health website
Pregnancy and Healthy Eating
It’s especially important to eat healthy food during pregnancy and while breast feeding.
Read more on Healthy Eating Active Living NSW website
Toxic household products to avoid during pregnancy
If you're pregnant but exposed to a small amount of chemicals, it's unlikely to harm you or your baby. But it’s still best to avoid contact with toxic products.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Disclaimer
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.
OKNeed further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?
1800 882 436
Video call
- Contact us
- About us
- A-Z topics
- Symptom Checker
- Service Finder
- Linking to us
- Information partners
- Terms of use
- Privacy
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is funded by the Australian Government and operated by Healthdirect Australia.
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is provided on behalf of the Department of Health
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby’s information and advice are developed and managed within a rigorous clinical governance framework. This website is certified by the Health On The Net (HON) foundation, the standard for trustworthy health information.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.
The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.
Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.
Support this browser is being discontinued for Pregnancy, Birth and Baby
Support for this browser is being discontinued for this site
- Internet Explorer 11 and lower
We currently support Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox and Safari. For more information, please visit the links below:
- Chrome by Google
- Firefox by Mozilla
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari by Apple
You are welcome to continue browsing this site with this browser. Some features, tools or interaction may not work correctly.
Can You Eat Mozzarella in Pregnancy? Isn’t It a Soft Cheese?
If you’re a cheese lover, the recommendation to avoid certain soft cheeses during pregnancy may feel downright demoralizing. No mold-ripened Roquefort, no fresh Camembert, no imported gorgonzola? What’s a cheese-ophile to do?
With some soft cheeses a no-go for 9 months, you may wonder if you can drown your sorrows in some stretchy mozzarella — only to hear buzz that fresh mozz might also be unsafe in pregnancy.
Fortunately, there’s good news about your favorite pizza cheese. As long as it’s made from pasteurized milk, mozzarella (even the softer fresh variety) is almost universally safe for you to eat while pregnant.
Keep reading for the lowdown on including it in your diet during pregnancy.
Remember your science lesson about pasteurization from way back when? Pasteurization is a process of heating foods — dairy products in particular — to temperatures high enough to kill pathogens.
Because pasteurization virtually eliminates harmful bacteria, mozzarella made from pasteurized milk is fine to consume during pregnancy, both cooked and in its fresh, uncooked form.
Read food labels carefully to be sure any mozzarella you purchase is made with pasteurized milk. Or, if dining out, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the origins of the cheese in your pasta or salad.
If it’s been pasteurized, you’re good to dig in.
Choosing pasteurized mozzarella is critical because the risks of eating soft cheese in pregnancy come down to one offending bacteria in particular: listeria. When unpasteurized or raw milk is used to make soft cheeses, listeria has more opportunity to grow and potentially cause infection.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeriosis (the bacterial infection caused by listeria) is especially serious in pregnancy.
When you’re pregnant, you’re 10 times more likely than other people to get a listeria infection, and the infection can spread to babies in utero. Serious complications can result, including miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm labor, and even death in newborns.
Beyond concerns of pasteurization, use your senses to assess the safety of any questionable cheese (you know, the hunk that’s been sitting in your fridge for ages).
If the mozzarella has a foul odor or any visible mold, don’t eat it. Especially during pregnancy, it’s smart to follow the old food spoilage adage: When in doubt, throw it out.
Believe it or not, the list of soft cheese to avoid during pregnancy is actually pretty short.
As long as cheese isn’t mold-ripened and is made with pasteurized milk, you’re in the clear to enjoy tons of delicious cheeses, including the following:
- feta
- ricotta and cottage cheese
- cream cheese
- paneer
- havarti
- halloumi
- Parmesan
- pecorino
- Romano
- cheddar
- Swiss
We don’t typically think of cheese as a health food, but mozzarella actually provides a number of nutritional benefits.
For one thing, its star nutrient, calcium, is a key player in bone health. Your body also funnels calcium to your unborn baby, helping them grow bones and teeth.
It’s recommended that if you’re over the age of 18, you should consume 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day during pregnancy.
Teens who are pregnant need 1,300 mg per day. With 200 mg per 1-ounce serving, mozzarella can provide a substantial chunk of this mineral.
Mozzarella also shines in its high protein content of 7 grams (g) per 1-ounce serving.
While the current recommended dietary allowance for protein is just 0.8 g per kilogram (kg) body weight (0.35 grams per pound or g/lb), you need more protein when pregnant.
Researchers suggest about 1.2 g of protein per 1 kg body weight (0.54 g/lb) during early pregnancy and about 1.5 g/kg (0.68 g/lb) during the later stages of pregnancy.
A serving of mozz will contribute to protein’s many functions during pregnancy, including creating breast and uterine tissue, increasing your blood supply, and promoting the growth of your baby’s brain.
As cheeses go, mozzarella is a relatively low-sodium option, with approximately 7 percent of your daily value per ounce. If you’re on a low-sodium diet due to preeclampsia or other concerns, a bit of the stretchy stuff can be a smart choice for satisfying that cheese craving.
Meanwhile, as a nutrient-dense food, mozzarella is an easy go-to for fulfilling your extra calorie allotment during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
And as that stick of string cheese fuels your own healthy weight gain, it might help your baby’s, too.
Studies from 2012 and 2019 showed a positive association between milk and dairy consumption during pregnancy and greater infant birth weight and length.
Like all full-fat dairy, cheese does have more than its fair share of saturated fat.
Whole milk mozzarella contains 4 g of saturated fat per ounce (about 20 percent of the daily value), and even part-skim mozzarella contains 3 g (16 percent of the daily value) per 1-oz serving.
Since saturated fat has been associated with health issues like heart disease and weight gain, you may have concerns about this cheese’s healthfulness. But keep in mind that you need healthy fat sources like cheese during pregnancy.
And intriguingly, some studies have indicated that not all saturated fat is created equal. Recent research indicates that whole foods like cheese may have protective health effects, despite their saturated fat content.
One 3-week study found that full-fat dairy foods didn’t adversely affect blood cholesterol, glucose, or insulin levels. (Note that this study was funded by the Danish Dairy Research Foundation.)
Another study even showed that eating more cheese led to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
As always, talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your diet during pregnancy.
Adding a bit of mozzarella to your pregnancy diet is simple! Try these healthy, low-prep snacks:
- Pair mozzarella slices with a handful of whole wheat crackers or a piece of fresh fruit.
- Make a caprese salad by drizzling balsamic vinegar over sliced mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil leaves.
- Spread marinara sauce on a whole wheat English muffin half. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and bake at 400 degrees for 8–10 minutes — you have yourself an easy pizza!
With all the foods off the menu during pregnancy, isn’t it nice to know you can still enjoy the gooey stretch and salty flavor of mozzarella?
Opt for cheese made with pasteurized milk and you’re in the clear to enjoy this savory favorite in pizza, pasta, and cheesy dips.
What kind of cheese can you eat during pregnancy?
Mozzarella, brie, goat cheese, mascarpone. Sometimes cheeses are a tasty and healthy substitute for pickles during pregnancy. But how useful?
Experts advise against cheese made from raw milk, as it may contain listeria monocytogenes, which is dangerous for the baby. In the worst case, infection leads to premature birth, miscarriage, or intrauterine death before birth. Fortunately, this doesn't happen often.
Why is cheese good for pregnancy?
Cheese is rich in calcium, vitamins B12 and D. Calcium is necessary for the formation of the child's bone mass. Vitamin D ensures proper absorption of calcium. Most types of cheese contain 25% of the daily value of calcium for a serving of 200 grams.
Which cheese is forbidden during pregnancy: raw milk cheese
As a rule, such cheeses are not found on store shelves, but if there is any doubt about the origin of the product, consult the seller. Be wary of softer varieties such as Brie, Roquefort and Camembert, as well as blue cheeses.
When you can't refuse cheese made from raw milk, consumption after heat treatment is acceptable, bacteria die when heated from 85 degrees Celsius.
Did you accidentally eat this cheese? The chance of being infected with the Listeria bacterium is very small. The first signs of infection are similar to the manifestations of the flu, consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and receive timely treatment.
Which cheese to choose during pregnancy: pasteurized
Pasteurized milk undergoes a rapid heat treatment at the factory, this is enough to deprive the product of all harmful bacteria. Thus, during pregnancy, you can eat mature hard cheeses, such as parmesan, cheddar, dutch. Other cheeses safe during pregnancy:
- Pasteurized soft cheeses: camembert, brie, cream brie, mozzarella.
- All pasteurized blue cheeses.
- Goat cheese. Listeria is rarely found in goat cheese, probably due to a certain substance in the composition. Hard goat cheese is safer than soft goat cheese. Reheating goat cheese in the oven certainly makes it safe.
If the cheese is made from raw milk, this must be stated on the packaging.
Mozzarella during pregnancy
Mozzarella is officially a raw milk cheese. Therefore, many women wonder if it is possible to eat it during pregnancy. Usually supermarket mozzarella is safe.
This cheese is warm enough that there is no risk of listeria infection. Please check the packaging before purchasing. If the product is pasteurized, it can be eaten as usual.
Would you like a mozzarella salad? Specify what milk it is based on: pasteurized or cheese. If it is a heated form, such as for pizza, you can eat it without worry.
Is it possible to eat goat cheese
There are different types of goat cheese: hard and soft. The solid version is made from pasteurized milk. Soft goat cheese is not always safe during pregnancy as it contains raw milk where bacteria can breed.
Cheese fondue during pregnancy
Would you like a delicious cheese fondue? It's possible. The cheese is heated, which kills the bacteria. Just in case, go to a cheese shop and indicate that you are pregnant, the sellers will make sure that the grated cheese is safe for you. Remember the dangers of alcohol, which should not be on your menu.
Hard cheeses
For reference, 95 percent of all hard cheeses - whether made from pasteurized milk or not - can be considered safe to eat during pregnancy. According to nutrition experts, hard cheeses don't contain as much water as soft cheeses, making it harder for bacteria to survive. The following hard cheeses are safe to eat:
- Parmesan cheeses
- Pecorino, but hard kind
- Gruyere
- Cheddar
- Gouda Cheese
- Emmental
- Edam
- Dutch Farm Cheese
- Manchego.
All soft pasteurized cheeses
Below is a list of soft cheeses made from pasteurized milk.
- feta
- Cream cheese
- Ricotta
- Soft cheese
- Specially prepared cheese spread.
Cheesecake while pregnant
Can I eat cheesecake while pregnant? Cheesecake is usually made with monchou or cream cheese. This cheese is pasteurized and can be eaten as usual, but be aware of the amount of sugar so as not to harm your health.
Pregnancy cheese intake: table
Which cheese is unsafe? | Raw milk hard and soft cheeses such as camembert, brie, gorgonzola, mozzarella, soft goat cheese, roquefort Other dairy products made from raw milk, such as yogurt or cottage cheese. |
Why not? | Listeria monocytogenes may be present because raw milk is not heated. |
How can you eat these foods? | Raw milk is safe after boiling. You can also eat raw milk cheeses after they have been properly heated, for example in a baking dish. |
What is generally safe? | All pasteurized cheeses not containing raw milk. Pasteurized milk, any milk in the supermarket. |
Share with your friends in any way convenient for you!
Related posts
What can cause preterm birth: an obstetrician's answer
Despite the progress made in prevention and treatment, preterm birth remains a serious obstetric problem, the earlier the baby is born before the due date, the less chance of survival ....
Share with your friends in any way convenient for you!
Ultrasound during pregnancy: 2D, 3D, 4D. How are they different from each other?
Ultrasound is the best way to assess the condition of the fetus, and modern versions of 3D - 4D do allow you to see the baby from a very close distance. What is the difference between 3D and 4D from the usual ...
Share with your friends in any way convenient for you!
Unplanned pregnancy: what to do?
Pregnancy is always a surprise, even if it is planned. Sometimes two stripes on the test cause mixed feelings - I'm not ready! Wrong age, big family, financial situation… Well…
Share with your friends in any way convenient for you!
Skin problems during pregnancy: acne, dryness, rosacea, pigmentation
The raging hormones in the body of the expectant mother have a significant impact on the skin condition, in addition to positive aspects, such as smoothing wrinkles, smoothness and radiance, you can also notice troubles, the fight against which, …
Share with your friends in any way convenient for you!
Unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy: how to deal with them
Early signs of pregnancy, such as nausea, dizziness, mood swings, disturb the expectant mother and complicate general well-being. How to relieve unpleasant symptoms in early pregnancy? Toxicosis During the first trimester…
Share with your friends in any way convenient for you!
Ultrasound during pregnancy: answers to exciting questions
Ultrasound is performed at least 3 times during the entire period of pregnancy. Ultrasound is safe, painless, gives complete information about the development of the fetus. Below are common questions about ultrasound and answers to…
Share with your friends in any way convenient for you!
Is it possible to eat mozzarella cheese during pregnancy?
If you are a cheese lover, the recommendation to avoid certain soft cheeses during pregnancy may seem downright demoralizing. No ripe Roquefort mold, no fresh Camembert, no imported Gorgonzola? What should a syrophila do?
Since some soft cheeses are banned for 9 months, you may wonder if you can drown your sorrows in some stretchy mozzarella — only to hear rumors that fresh mozzar might also be unsafe during pregnancy.
Luckily, there is good news about your favorite pizza cheese. If mozzarella (even the softer fresh variety) is made from pasteurized milk, it is almost always safe for pregnant women.
Continue reading to find out how to include it in your diet during pregnancy.
What's safe when it comes to mozzarella during pregnancy
Remember your science lesson about pasteurization? Pasteurization is the process of heating food, particularly dairy products, to a temperature high enough to kill pathogens.
Since pasteurization virtually destroys harmful bacteria, mozzarella made from pasteurized milk can be consumed during pregnancy both cooked and fresh, raw.
Read food labels carefully to make sure the mozzarella you buy is made from pasteurized milk. Or, if you're dining out, don't be afraid to ask questions about the origin of the cheese in your pasta or salad.
If it's been pasteurized, you can dig.
What to avoid when eating mozzarella during pregnancy
The choice of pasteurized mozzarella is critical because the risk of eating soft cheese during pregnancy comes down to one harmful bacterium in particular: Listeria. When unpasteurized or raw milk is used to make soft cheeses, Listeria have more room to grow and potentially cause infection.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeriosis (a bacterial infection caused by listeria) is especially dangerous during pregnancy.
When you are pregnant, you are 10 times more likely to get listeria than other people, and the infection can spread to your children in utero. This can lead to serious complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and even death of the newborn.
Pasteurization issues aside, use your senses to assess the safety of any questionable cheese (you know, the piece that's been sitting in your fridge for ages).
If the mozzarella has an unpleasant odor or any visible mold, do not eat it. Especially during pregnancy, it's wise to follow the old adage about food spoilage: when in doubt, throw it away.
Similar cheeses to avoid during pregnancy
Believe it or not, the list of soft cheeses to avoid during pregnancy is actually quite short.
As long as the cheese is not moldy and made from pasteurized milk, you can enjoy a variety of delicious cheeses, including:0024
Benefits of mozzarella cheese for you and your baby during pregnancy .
First, its main nutrient, calcium, plays a key role in bone health. Your body also sends calcium to your unborn child, helping him grow bones and teeth.
If you are over 18, it is recommended that you consume 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day during pregnancy.
Pregnant teenagers need 1,300 mg per day. With 200 mg per 1 ounce serving, mozzarella can provide a significant portion of this mineral.
Mozzarella is also high in protein, with 7 grams (g) per 1 ounce serving.
While the current recommended dietary allowance for protein is only 0.8 g per kilogram (kg) of body weight (0.35 g per pound or g/lb), you need more protein during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest about 1.2 g of protein per kg of body weight (0.54 g/lb) in early pregnancy and about 1.5 g/kg (0.68 g/lb) in later pregnancy.
A serving of mozza will contribute to many of the functions of protein during pregnancy, including building breast and uterine tissue, increasing blood supply, and stimulating the growth of your baby's brain.
When it comes to cheeses, mozzarella is a relatively low sodium option, around 7 percent of your daily value per ounce. If you're on a low-sodium diet due to preeclampsia or other issues, some stretchy foods may be a smart choice to satisfy those cheese cravings.
Meanwhile, mozzarella, as a nutritious food, easily replenishes your extra calories in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
And because this cheese stick helps you increase your own healthy weight, it can help your baby too.
Studies from 2012 and 2019 showed a positive association between milk and dairy consumption during pregnancy and higher birth weight and height.
Other Considerations When Eating Mozzarella Cheese During Pregnancy
As with all full-fat dairy products, cheese is higher in saturated fat.
Whole milk mozzarella contains 4 grams of saturated fat per ounce (about 20 percent DV), and even partially skimmed mozzarella contains 3 g (16 percent DV) per 1 ounce serving.
Since saturated fat has been linked to health problems such as heart disease and weight gain, you may have concerns about the health benefits of this cheese. But keep in mind that during pregnancy you eat healthy sources of fat like cheese.
And interestingly, some studies have shown that not all saturated fats are the same. Recent research suggests that whole foods like cheese may have a protective effect on health despite their saturated fat content.
one 3-week study found that high-fat dairy products did not adversely affect blood cholesterol, glucose, or insulin levels. (Please note that this study was funded by the Danish Dairy Research Foundation.