Can You Eat Blue Cheese While Pregnant? A Complete Guide

When pregnancy cravings strike, they can lead you down some interesting culinary paths. But before you dive into that charcuterie board, let's talk about one of pregnancies most debated delicacies: blue cheese.

Introduction: The Importance of Safe Eating in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and yes—an overwhelming amount of dietary advice. Suddenly, the simple act of grocery shopping becomes a careful navigation through aisles of "can I eat this?" and "is this safe?" One moment you're happily enjoying your favourite foods, and the next, you're meticulously reading food labels like your life depends on it.

Among the many food questions that arise during pregnancy, cheese consumption—particularly blue cheese—remains a common source of confusion. With its distinctive bold flavour and creamy texture, blue cheese is a favourite for many. But during pregnancy, is it a friend or foe?

At Myrtle & Maude, we understand that pregnancy is a time when you need clear, reliable information about what goes into your body. After all, you're not just eating for yourself anymore! That's why we've created this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the complex world of pregnancy nutrition, specifically addressing the question: can you eat blue cheese while pregnant?

While we focus on providing you with organic, natural solutions for common pregnancy concerns like morning sickness and third-trimester discomfort with our specially formulated teas and vitamin infused sweets, we also believe in empowering you with knowledge about all aspects of pregnancy wellness. Let's dive into the blue cheese debate!

 

What Is Blue Cheese? Characteristics and Types

Before we address the safety concerns, let's understand what makes blue cheese unique in the first place.

Blue cheese gets its distinctive appearance and flavour from specific mould cultures (primarily Penicillium roqueforti or Penicillium glaucum) that are added during the cheese-making process. These cultures create the characteristic blue or blue-green veins throughout the cheese and contribute to its sharp, slightly tangy flavour profile.

Some popular varieties of blue cheese include:

• Roquefort: A French sheep's milk cheese with a crumbly texture and distinctive tang
• Stilton: A British cow's milk cheese with a rich, creamy texture
• Gorgonzola: An Italian cow's milk cheese that ranges from soft and creamy to firm and crumbly
• Danish Blue: A cow's milk cheese with a milder flavour than other blue varieties
• Blue Brie: A hybrid that combines the creaminess of brie with blue cheese's distinctive veining

What all these cheeses have in common is that they are aged and contain edible moulds that give them their unique character. But it's precisely these characteristics that raise questions about their safety during pregnancy.

Safety Assessment: Can You Eat Blue Cheese While Pregnant?

Now for the question you've been waiting for: can you eat blue cheese while pregnant?

The short answer is: it depends on how the cheese is made.

Most health authorities, including the FDA and the NHS, advise pregnant women to avoid soft blue-veined cheeses unless they are cooked thoroughly. This is because soft blue cheeses can contain a bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause an infection called listeriosis.

During pregnancy, your immune system is naturally suppressed to prevent your body from rejecting your baby. This suppression, however, makes you more susceptible to foodborne illnesses like listeriosis. While listeriosis is rare, it can have serious consequences for pregnant women, including miscarriage, premature birth, or even stillbirth.

However, there's good news for blue cheese lovers!

You can safely enjoy blue cheese if it's:

1. Made with pasteurised milk AND cooked until steaming hot: Cooking kills the Listeria bacteria, making the cheese safe to eat.

 

2. Hard blue cheeses like Stilton: Some sources suggest that hard blue cheeses, even when made with pasteurized milk, have a lower risk because their lower moisture content makes it difficult for bacteria to grow. However, opinions vary among health authorities, and many still recommend caution.

When in doubt, always check the label to confirm that the cheese is made from pasteurised milk, and when possible, cook it thoroughly before consuming.

Health Risks of Consuming Soft Cheeses in Pregnancy

Understanding why certain cheeses pose risks during pregnancy can help you make informed decisions about your diet.

Listeriosis: The Primary Concern

Listeriosis is the main reason why soft blue cheeses raise red flags during pregnancy. Here's what you need to know about this infection:

• Symptoms: Listeriosis can initially present as flu-like symptoms—fever, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea or diarrhoea. In more severe cases, it can lead to headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions.
• Incubation period: Symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to two months after consuming contaminated food, making it difficult to trace the source.
• Risk to pregnancy: The bacteria can cross the placenta and infect the baby, potentially leading to serious complications including premature delivery, infection in the newborn, or pregnancy loss.
• Treatment: Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics, which can prevent infection of the foetus if administered promptly. However, prevention is always better than cure.

The risk of listeriosis from properly manufactured, pasteurised dairy products is very low. However, the potential consequences are serious enough that healthcare providers recommend taking precautions.

Other Considerations

Beyond listeriosis, there are a few other factors to consider when it comes to blue cheese:

• Mould safety: While the moulds in blue cheese are generally considered safe for consumption (unlike the moulds that grow on expired food in your refrigerator), some pregnant women prefer to avoid all types of mould as a precaution.
• Unpasteurised milk: Some traditional blue cheeses are made with raw or unpasteurised milk, which can harbour various harmful bacteria beyond just Listeria. These should definitely be avoided during pregnancy.
• Individual sensitivities: Pregnancy can change how your body reacts to certain foods. Some women find that previously enjoyed strong-flavoured foods like blue cheese become unpalatable during pregnancy.

For those experiencing morning sickness, strong-smelling foods like blue cheese can sometimes trigger nausea. If you're struggling with pregnancy nausea, our Myrtle & Maude Morning Sickness Relief Tea, made with 100% organic ingredients, can provide natural relief while you adjust your diet to more pregnancy-friendly options.

Safer Cheese Alternatives for Pregnancy

If you're a cheese lover feeling disheartened by the blue cheese restrictions, don't worry! There are plenty of safe and delicious cheese options to enjoy during pregnancy:

Safe Cheese Options

• Hard cheeses: Cheddar, Parmesan, Manchego, and other hard cheeses are generally considered safe, pasteurised is preferred. The low moisture content and aging process make it difficult for harmful bacteria to survive.
• Processed cheeses: Cream cheese, cottage cheese, and processed cheese slices made with pasteurised milk are safe options.
• Halloumi and paneer: These cheeses are cooked during production, making them safe choices.
• Mozzarella: Fresh, pasteurised mozzarella is a safe and versatile option.
• Feta and goat cheese: If pasteurised and served hot, these can be enjoyed safely.

Creative Substitutions for Blue Cheese

Missing that distinctive blue cheese flavour?

Try these alternatives:

• Use a combination of sharp cheddar with a touch of Greek yogurt for a tangy dip base
• Experiment with nutritional yeast for a savoury, cheese-like flavour in dressings
• Aged Gouda can provide complex flavours that satisfy the craving for something bold
• For salads, try a thoroughly cooked blue cheese dressing made with pasteurized ingredients

FUN FACT: Did you know?

Pregnancy changes your taste buds! Up to 93% of pregnant women report some changes in taste preferences.Source: Journal of Perinatal Education, 2014

Nutritional Considerations: Benefits of Cheese in Pregnancy

Despite the precautions surrounding certain cheese varieties, cheese in general can be a valuable addition to your pregnancy diet when chosen wisely.

Nutritional Benefits of Including Safe Cheeses

• Calcium: Essential for developing your baby's bones, teeth, heart, nerves, and muscles. Your baby will take what they need from your body, so maintaining adequate calcium intake helps preserve your bone health too.
• Protein: Crucial for your baby's tissue growth and your increased blood supply.
• Vitamin D: When fortified, cheese provides vitamin D which works with calcium for bone development and helps support immune function.
• Vitamin B12: Important for your baby's brain development and preventing neural tube defects.
• Zinc: Supports immune function and healthy cell division.

Hard cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan are particularly good calcium sources, providing approximately 200mg of calcium per ounce, which contributes significantly toward your daily pregnancy requirement of 1000-1300mg.

 

Healthy Eating Tips: Alternatives to Blue Cheese in Pregnancy Diets

Let's explore some practical ways to maintain a balanced, enjoyable diet while adhering to pregnancy food safety guidelines.

Building a Pregnancy-Safe Charcuterie Board

If you're entertaining or simply want to treat yourself, here's how to create a delicious spread without blue cheese:

• Cheese selection: Include hard cheeses like aged cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan
• Protein options: Add pasteurised hummus, cooked chicken slices, or hard-boiled eggs
• Fruits and vegetables: Fresh fruit, roasted vegetables, and pickles add colour and nutrition
• Crackers and bread: Whole grain options provide fibre and sustained energy
• Sweet touches: Dried fruits, honey, or dark chocolate can satisfy sweet cravings

Balanced Meal Ideas Without Blue Cheese

• Breakfast: Cottage cheese with fresh berries and a sprinkle of granola
• Lunch: Grilled cheddar sandwich with tomato soup and a side salad
• Dinner: Pasta with roasted vegetables and Parmesan
• Snacks: Apple slices with pasteurized cream cheese and cinnamon

Remember to complement your meals with adequate hydration. Our caffeine-free herbal teas, designed specifically for different stages of pregnancy, can be a flavourful way to stay hydrated while providing supportive herbs and nutrients.

Conclusion: Prioritising Safety and Nutrition in Pregnancy Choices

Pregnancy is a time of careful choices, and while you may need to temporarily say goodbye to certain foods like unpasteurised blue cheese, remember that these adjustments are temporary and made with the best interests of both you and your baby in mind.

At Myrtle & Maude, we understand the challenges of pregnancy and are committed to supporting you through every stage with our range of organic, vegan-certified products specifically formulated for the pregnancy journey. From our Morning Sickness Relief candies infused with vitamin B6 to our Third Trimester Raspberry Leaf Tea, we've crafted natural solutions to common pregnancy concerns.

Remember that good nutrition during pregnancy doesn't have to be complicated or feel like deprivation. With the right knowledge and high-quality supportive products, you can enjoy this special time while nourishing your body and your growing baby.

FUN PREGNANCY FACT:

The average pregnant woman makes approximately 20% more blood volume during pregnancy, making hydration even more crucial.Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheese and Pregnancy

Q1: Can I eat blue cheese dressing while pregnant?

A: Commercial blue cheese dressings are typically made with pasteurised ingredients and are considered safe. However, homemade versions or restaurant offerings may use unpasteurised blue cheese. When in doubt, ask about ingredients or choose another dressing option.

Q2: Is it safe to eat blue cheese if I'm trying to conceive?

A: If you're actively trying to conceive, it's a good practice to follow pregnancy food safety guidelines, including being cautious with blue cheese. Try Myrtle & Maude's Fertility Support Tea to complement your pre-conception nutrition plan. (LINK)

Q3: If I accidentally ate blue cheese during pregnancy, what should I do?

A: Don't panic! The chances of contracting listeriosis are relatively low. Monitor yourself for any symptoms like fever, muscle aches, or digestive issues, and contact your healthcare provider if you develop these symptoms or have concerns.

Q4: Are blue cheese flavoured foods (like chips or crackers) safe during pregnancy?

A: Most blue cheese flavoured products don't actually contain real blue cheese but rather flavouring agents that mimic the taste. Check the ingredient list to be sure, but these products are generally considered safe.

Q5: When can I enjoy blue cheese again after pregnancy?

A: You can return to enjoying unpasteurised blue cheese after delivery. However, if you're breastfeeding, some healthcare providers recommend continuing to exercise caution with unpasteurised products. Our Myrtle & Maude Breastfeeding Support Tea  can help support your nutrition during the postpartum period while you reintroduce favourite foods.

References

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). "Food Safety for Pregnant Women." https://www.fda.gov/food/people-risk-foodborne-illness/food-safety-pregnant-women
2. National Health Service UK. (2023). "Foods to avoid in pregnancy." https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/
3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). "Nutrition During Pregnancy." https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/nutrition-during-pregnancy

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Every pregnancy is unique, and individual dietary needs may vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific nutritional needs and food safety questions during pregnancy.

Myrtle & Maude products are formulated to support common pregnancy concerns but are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Our herbal teas and supplements are designed to complement, not replace, a balanced diet and proper prenatal care under the guidance of a healthcare professional.