The good news: you can!
It is a misconception that pregnant women have to give up cheese altogether. Quite the opposite, in fact: cheese contains many minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. It is also rich in trace elements such as iron, zinc and B vitamins. Combined with a high protein content – usually between 10 and 30 per cent– cheese provides important nutrients that are beneficial for the baby in the womb.
Background: What is listeriosis?
The problem with raw foods and raw-milk cheeses is that heat-sensitive pathogens are not rendered harmless at any stage of production and can therefore remain in the food. If a pregnant woman consumes such cheeses, there is a risk that she may ingest the agents that cause listeriosis. This infectious disease is relatively rare and is usually harmless to healthy adults. However, if it occurs in pregnant women, it can lead to complications for the baby.
