Accidentally Ate Queso Fresco While Pregnant: Risks & Precautions to Take

As a soon-to-be mom, I was constantly warned about the dangers of certain foods during pregnancy. I avoided raw fish, deli meats, and even my beloved sushi. But one day, I made a mistake that could have had serious consequences. I accidentally ate Queso Fresco while pregnant, a cheese known to potentially contain harmful bacteria.

I immediately panicked, but after researching and speaking with my doctor, I learned valuable lessons about food safety during pregnancy. In this article, I want to share my experience, what I learned, and offer advice to other expecting moms who may find themselves in a similar situation.

Accidentally Ate Queso Fresco While Pregnant — Is It Safe?

Can you eat queso fresco while pregnant?

Yes, it’s safe to eat queso fresco as long as it’s made from pasteurized milk.

However, the CDC advises pregnant women to avoid unpasteurized soft cheeses, including queso fresco that uses unpasteurized milk, because they could contract listeriosis.

Statistics show that pregnant women stand a higher chance to get Listeria infection than other people. Additionally, about 200 pregnant women contract the infection yearly putting you at a higher risk to contract Listeriosis if you take queso fresco.

Cheeses made from raw milk contain low salt content and higher moisture. As a result, they create a conducive breeding environment for Listeria and other bacteria.

Listeriosis during pregnancy may lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. If the infection spreads beyond your uterus to your bloodstream or other organs, it can cause:

Fever
Muscle aches
Headaches
Stiff neck

What if I ate queso fresco while pregnant? Contact your healthcare provider right away. They’ll review your medical history and symptoms to determine the best action.

What is Queso Fresco?

Queso fresco, meaning “fresh cheese” in Spanish, is a popular cheese variety in Mexican cuisine. It’s a mild, slightly tangy, and crumbly cheese that is typically made from cow’s milk or a combination of cow and goat milk. Due to its soft and creamy texture, queso fresco is often used as a topping for tacos, salads, and other dishes, adding a delightful taste and contrasting texture.

Unlike aged cheeses, queso fresco is a young cheese that is only aged for a short period, ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks. The production process involves curdling milk using an acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice, and then draining the whey to form a curd. The curd is then shaped and salted to create the finished product.

It’s important to note that queso fresco made from unpasteurized milk can pose a risk to pregnant women due to the possible presence of harmful bacteria like Listeria.

Can I Eat Queso Fresco While Pregnant? What’s the Risk?

So the question returns- can you eat queso fresco while pregnant?

Well, yes, as long as it’s made from pasteurized milk.

As we’ve seen, eating queso fresco made from unpasteurized milk while pregnant can cause listeriosis. Here are other risks of eating this soft cheese during pregnancy:

Brucella

One of the most common risks of eating queso is Brucella bacteria, which causes brucellosis or undulant fever. This disease can cause serious complications in pregnant women, including miscarriage and stillbirths. It also increases their chances of having a low birth weight baby who may suffer from problems like diarrhea and vomiting later in life.

The symptoms of brucellosis include fever, headache, loss of appetite, fatigue, joint pain, and muscle aches. If left untreated, brucellosis can result in serious complications such as meningitis (brain inflammation), endocarditis (inflammation of the heart), and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Salmonella

Eating queso during pregnancy is that it may contain salmonella bacteria. Pregnant women are more susceptible to this infection because their immune systems are already compromised. The pregnancy hormones suppress the body’s response to inflammation-causing substances like histamines and prostaglandins. Infection may lead to miscarriage or premature birth.

If you get infected with salmonella, you will likely experience symptoms like

Fever, headache, and body aches
Diarrhea, which may contain blood
Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain

M. Bovis

M. bovis is the bacteria that causes tuberculosis in cattle. It can be transmitted to people through the milk and other products from infected animals.

Queso fresco made from unpasteurized milk increases the risk of M. bovis transmission to humans. However, this risk is low if you eat queso fresco kept at or below 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius) and cooked thoroughly.

Infection with M. bovis may cause a mild illness or pulmonary disease, but it’s usually not serious. However, pregnant women are at increased risk of developing severe complications if infected with M. bovis during pregnancy.

What to Do if You Accidentally Ate Queso Fresco While Pregnant

If you accidentally consumed queso fresco while pregnant, the first step is to remain calm and avoid panicking. Assess the situation by considering the type of queso fresco you consumed – was it made from pasteurized or unpasteurized milk? If it was pasteurized, the risk of complications is significantly lower.

However, if the cheese was made from unpasteurized milk, it’s essential to contact your healthcare provider immediately. Inform them about the situation and any symptoms you may be experiencing. They will likely ask you about the specifics of the cheese, such as the brand and where it was purchased.

Your doctor may recommend blood tests or other diagnostic measures to determine if you’ve contracted an infection. Early detection and treatment are crucial in minimizing the risk of complications for both you and your baby.

How To Choose A Cheese That’s Safe For You And Your Baby

Choosing cheese that’s safe for pregnant women can be a challenge. But there are several ways to ensure your cheese is safe during pregnancy.

Here are some tips:

Cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, both important for a baby’s growth and development. When you’re pregnant, it’s important that you eat a well-balanced diet that includes all food groups. But some cheeses may not be safe for pregnant women to eat. Here are some tips for choosing a cheese that’s safe for pregnant women :

Choose Hard Cheeses

Hard cheeses, such as cheddar and Parmesan, are considered safe for pregnant women. They contain less moisture than soft cheeses, meaning listeria contamination is less likely. However, they still need to be a good idea if you have listeria-related food poisonings symptoms such as fever or diarrhea.

Avoid Unpasteurized Soft Cheeses

Soft cheeses, such as Queso fresco and queso blanco, are a concern because they’re often made with unpasteurized milk. This means they may contain listeria bacteria (which can cause miscarriage), even though the cheese is aged for a long time.

Pasteurization is a process that kills harmful bacteria by heating the milk. Unpasteurized milk can contain listeria, a bacteria that can cause miscarriage or stillbirth. Avoid eating soft cheeses that haven’t been pasteurized during pregnancy to lower your risk of listeria infection.

Don’t Eat Soft, Mold-Ripened Cheese

The higher moisture content in this type of cheese provides a conducive listeria breeding environment. Unlike hard cheese, mold-ripened cheese is less acidic, which will harbor more bacteria. Avoid these cheese types, even pasteurized varieties.

Mold-ripened cheese is soft with a moldy or white rind. Some examples of this cheese include Chevre and Brie.

Be Cautious With Imported Cheeses

Imported cheeses can be a tempting choice due to their unique flavors and textures, but they may not always follow the same safety standards as domestic cheeses. Some countries may allow the use of raw milk in cheese production, making it potentially unsafe for pregnant women.

To minimize the risk, stick to domestic brands or imported cheeses from countries with strict pasteurization and food safety regulations. If you’re unsure, consult your healthcare provider for guidance on safe cheese options during pregnancy.

Opt For Low-Sodium Cheeses

During pregnancy, it’s essential to be mindful of your sodium intake, as excessive consumption can contribute to high blood pressure and fluid retention. Many kinds of cheese can be high in sodium, so seek out low-sodium varieties when possible.

Some options include Swiss, mozzarella, and cottage cheese. By incorporating these lower-sodium cheese options into your diet, you can still enjoy the taste and nutritional benefits of cheese while maintaining a healthy sodium intake during pregnancy.

What To Do If You’ve Eaten Unsafe Cheese While Pregnant

If you’ve eaten cheese and are worried about the possible effects on your unborn baby, you should talk to your doctor. They can advise based on what type of cheese you ate and how much.

Symptoms of listeria infection (such as fever, muscle pain, and diarrhea) usually start within a few days after eating contaminated food. If left untreated, it can cause serious illness and death in people with weakened immune systems – including pregnant women, newborns, and older adults.

If you accidentally ate queso fresco while pregnant once or twice, it will not do any big harm, however, you may still want to have a chat with your doctor about it. If you think you have symptoms of listeria infection, such as fever, muscle pain, or diarrhea, you might need immediate medical attention.

Pregnancy-Safe Cheese Brands

While there are numerous cheese brands on the market, not all of them are suitable for consumption during pregnancy. Here is a list of pregnancy-safe cheese brands that offer pasteurized options, reducing the risk of harmful bacterial infections:

Organic Valley: This brand is known for producing organic dairy products, including a variety of pasteurized cheeses. Organic Valley offers several hard and soft cheese options, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and feta, which are safe for pregnant women.
Sargento: Sargento is a well-known cheese brand offering a wide range of pasteurized cheeses. They provide many hard cheese options, like cheddar, Swiss, and Colby-Jack, as well as softer cheeses, like pasteurized queso fresco, ensuring a safe choice for expectant mothers.
BelGioioso: BelGioioso is an Italian cheese brand that produces an assortment of pasteurized cheeses, such as Parmesan, Asiago, and Provolone. Their high-quality cheeses can be enjoyed safely during pregnancy, providing an authentic taste of Italy.
Cabot: Cabot is a brand that offers a variety of pasteurized cheeses, including cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack. Their cheeses are made with high-quality milk and are a safe option for pregnant women.
Laughing Cow: Laughing Cow is a brand that specializes in spreadable cheese wedges made from pasteurized milk. These soft, creamy cheeses are a convenient and safe choice for pregnant women looking for a versatile cheese option.

Tips For Maintaining a Healthy Diet During Pregnancy

When you ask me if can I eat Queso Fresco while pregnant, I’d say yes, of course; however, you must maintain a healthy diet during your pregnancy – not only for yourself but also for the angel you are holding inside.

Prioritize fruits and vegetables: Aim to consume at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are essential for a healthy pregnancy. Opt for a variety of colors to ensure a wide range of nutrients.
Include quality protein sources: Protein is vital for the growth and development of your baby. Focus on lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, tofu, legumes, and low-fat dairy products. Aim for at least 3 servings of protein-rich foods per day.
Don’t forget whole grains: Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread, and oatmeal, provide essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and fiber. Aim for 6-8 servings of whole grains daily to support a healthy pregnancy.
Consume healthy fats: Healthy fats like those found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are crucial for your baby’s brain development. Incorporate moderate amounts of healthy fats into your daily meals to support optimal health during pregnancy.
Take prenatal vitamins: Prenatal vitamins ensure that you’re getting the necessary nutrients, such as folic acid, iron, and calcium, that might be difficult to obtain through diet alone. Consult your healthcare provider to determine the best prenatal vitamin for your needs.
Limit processed and sugary foods: While occasional indulgences are acceptable, strive to minimize your consumption of processed foods, sugary snacks, and beverages, which can contribute to excessive weight gain and gestational diabetes.

Practice portion control: Overeating can lead to excessive weight gain, which may increase the risk of gestational diabetes and other complications. Be mindful of portion sizes and eat until you’re comfortably full, not overly stuffed.
Stay active: Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga, to maintain a healthy weight, improve digestion, and boost overall well-being during pregnancy. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any exercise program.
Listen to your body: Pregnancy can bring about unique cravings and aversions. Pay attention to your body’s signals and try to find healthy alternatives to satisfy your cravings. For example, if you’re craving something sweet, opt for fruit instead of candy.
Seek professional guidance: If you’re unsure about your nutritional needs or need additional support, consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist who specializes in prenatal nutrition. They can help you create a personalized meal plan tailored to your unique needs and preferences during pregnancy.

Bottom Line

I accidentally ate queso fresco while pregnant- should I be worried? No queso fresco is safe to eat while pregnant as long as it came from pasteurized milk, but you should avoid consuming it excessively.

If you have a craving for queso fresco, go ahead and indulge! Just don’t make a habit of eating it every day. It’s best to keep your daily intake to less than 1/2 cup per day, the same amount of cheese recommended by the USDA as part of a healthy diet.

When you choose to eat queso fresco, ensure it has been made with pasteurized milk—this means that the milk has been heated to at least 161 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 30 seconds. This will kill any harmful bacteria that may be present in the milk or cheese-making process.