Is Parmesan Safe During Pregnancy?

Is parmesan safe during pregnancy?

Hard aged cheeses like Parmesan have very low moisture that inhibits Listeria growth, so they are considered safe during pregnancy even when made from unpasteurized milk. In short, parmesan is generally considered safe during pregnancy when you follow the guidance below.

Why this is the guidance

During pregnancy your immune system is naturally suppressed and your body is sharing everything with your baby, so foods are judged on two things: the chance of foodborne illness (like listeria or salmonella) and whether anything in them — caffeine, mercury, alcohol, certain additives — can reach your baby.

How to enjoy it safely

You don't need to avoid parmesan. As with any food in pregnancy, choose fresh, store it properly, and cook or wash it as you normally would. A varied diet in normal portions is exactly the right approach — there's no special limit to worry about here.

What about breastfeeding?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding aren't the same — some things that are limited while you're pregnant are perfectly fine once you're nursing, and occasionally the reverse is true. If you're past delivery and wondering about parmesan while breastfeeding, check with your provider, since the answer can be different from the pregnancy guidance above.

The bottom line

Parmesan: generally considered safe in pregnancy. Enjoy it sensibly as part of a varied, healthy pregnancy. This page is general education, not medical advice — your provider knows your history and is the final word for your pregnancy.