MioMama
Is Cream Cheese Safe During Pregnancy
Status
safeReason
Pasteurized cream cheese is considered safe in pregnancy; unpasteurized cream cheese should be avoided because of Listeria risk.
Safe Amount
No established safe limit — consult your provider.
Effects
- Pregnancy
- Higher Listeria risk in pregnancy; illness can lead to pregnancy complications.
- Mother
- May cause foodborne illness, including listeriosis.
- Baby
- Unpasteurized dairy can expose the baby to Listeria, which can cause serious harm.
Trimester Notes
- 1st Trimester
- Safe if made with pasteurized milk and kept refrigerated; avoid unpasteurized cream cheese.
- 2nd Trimester
- Safe if made with pasteurized milk and kept refrigerated; avoid unpasteurized cream cheese.
- 3rd Trimester
- Safe if made with pasteurized milk and kept refrigerated; avoid unpasteurized cream cheese.
Conditions & Warnings
- Use only cream cheese made with pasteurized milk.
- Keep refrigerated and within use-by date.
- Do not eat if it is unpasteurized or if you are unsure of the source.
Alternatives
- Pasteurized cottage cheese
- Pasteurized mozzarella
- Pasteurized hard cheese