Also, on a separate issue, which cheeses are safe to eat when pregnant? Is cottage cheese ok?
--Sam, About.com User
It is not a good idea for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consume raw milk, nor should raw milk be consumed by people with weakened immune systems. Hard cheeses are OK, however soft cheeses made from raw milk need to be avoided. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control:
"Avoid soft cheeses such as Feta, Brie, Camembert, blue-veined, and Mexican-style cheese. (Hard cheeses, processed cheeses, cream cheese, cottage cheese, or yogurt need not be avoided.)"
These soft cheeses may be contaminated with listeria, which can cause a serious infection in pregnant women, newborns and people with compromised immune systems. Cottage cheese is safe to eat when you are pregnant.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Listeriosis." Updated March 2008.
