Can you have feta cheese when pregnant

Feta is one of those great cheeses to add to a salad, frittata, pizza or even just to eat as a snack. It’s super tasty and it goes with so many different things so it’s little wonder you may be keen to know if it’s ok to eat while you’re pregnant.

Feta is one of those grey areas when it comes to pregnancy food safety. Many countries now say it’s fine to eat, but the Australian guidelines still tend to recommend against consuming feta while pregnant.

Technically speaking, most feta on the market in Australia is made from pasteurised milk and therefore should be ok. However, it’s still classed as a soft cheese, which is why it’s often found on the lists of things to avoid. All soft cheeses are considered a listeria risk so they’re probably best avoided where possible.

But I’m really craving feta, is there a way that I can still eat it?

If feta is one of your all-time favourite foods, or you’ve just suddenly found it to be something you’re craving, don’t worry, there is a safe way to eat feta cheese while pregnant. The trick? You just have to cook it. And luckily for us all, feta tastes great cooked too!

You can easily add feta to your pizza toppings, tarts or quiches, or even bake it whole. According to the NSW Food Authority, as long as the internal temperature reaches 75 degrees celsius you can consider your feta listeria free.

Is feta good for me and my baby?

As a dairy product, feta contains protein, calcium and B vitamins. Like most cheeses, it is high in fat and salt, but, because you don’t tend to eat as much of it as say, big slices of cheddar or Edam, it’s generally considered a healthier choice.

If you have accidentally consumed some uncooked feta, try not to stress too much. The chances of any listeria bacteria being present on commercially available Australian feta is quite slim. If you feel unwell afterwards it’s always best to check with your doctor.

Otherwise, cook that feta up and enjoy as part of your healthy pregnancy diet!

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Pregnant and craving feta cheese? Learn everything you need to know about its safety, plus other tips for the first time mom!

If you’re a first time mom, you’re probably wondering what foods are safe to eat. You’ll likely experience cravings or food aversions as part of your pregnancy symptoms.

If you have a hankering for cheese, you’ll want to be careful with what you choose.

So, is feta cheese safe for pregnant women?

Here’s what you should know!

Is feta cheese safe during pregnancy?

The short answer is yes and no!

Most soft cheeses are not safe to consume during pregnancy and feta is considered to be a soft cheese. However, American feta cheeses are likely to have gone through the pasteurization process, making them much safer.

Pasteurized cheeses and other dairy products like sour cream are generally safe during pregnancy and this information can usually be found on the product’s label. If it’s not listed or you can’t find out from the company’s website, it’s best to steer clear!

However, it’s important to note that there’s still a chance your cheese may contain harmful bacteria if the manufacturing facility where it was processed wasn’t properly sanitized.

So, while you’re not likely to get sick, you should proceed with caution and eat in moderation. Choose cheeses from major manufacturers that are less likely to have problems.

What’s wrong with unpasteurized cheese?

So, what’s the big deal with unpasteurized cheese?

Soft cheeses and other foods made from animal byproducts as well as foods grown in soil like lettuce and celery may be contaminated with listeria bacteria.

This strain of bacteria can be very harmful to humans, especially pregnant women and their unborn babies.

Listeriosis can lead to miscarriage in the first trimester or premature birth later on.

If your baby is infected with the bacteria, they may experience complications such as developmental disorders, seizures, paralysis, and even blindness.

If you do choose to eat feta cheese and you experience any of the following symptoms, you should talk to your doctor right away:

• Fever
• Headache
• Chills
• Malaise (general feelings of being unwell)

All in all, it’s likely safe to eat feta cheese, but there is still a slight risk of harm. Proceed with caution or avoid altogether to be completely safe!

Did you also know that food plays a large role in conceiving a baby? Here are 26 Foods That Increase Sperm Count, including the foods your partner should avoid when trying to increase male fertility.

Check here for more pregnancy help and tips for the first time mom, including the secrets to first time mom labor, postpartum body changes, newborn baby hacks, newborn sleep tips, and more!