Yes, you often can, but it mainly depends on whether the brie is made from pasteurized milk and how it has been handled and stored. The reason brie is mentioned in many pregnancy tips is the risk of listeria, which in rare cases can cause serious infection in pregnant women and affect the pregnancy. Therefore, it's not about "banning" brie, but about choosing and preparing it in a way that makes it safer.
Brie during pregnancy: pasteurized or unpasteurized
When you have brie in your hand, the most important thing is to check the label. Brie can be made from either pasteurized or unpasteurized milk, and this is important for the recommended precautions during pregnancy.
How to check in practice
Look for words like "pasteurized milk" on the ingredient list. If it says "raw milk," "unpasteurized," or if it's not clearly stated, a cautious rule of thumb is to avoid it and choose a clearly pasteurized variety instead.
Listeria and soft cheeses during pregnancy
Soft cheeses like brie can require extra attention because their consistency and moisture can provide better conditions for bacterial growth if listeria is present. Listeria cannot always be seen, smelled, or tasted.
What does this mean for your choices?
This means that your risk is related to both the type of cheese and everyday food safety: proper cold chain, clean knife and cutting board, and ensuring the cheese has not been left out for too long after opening.
Can you eat brie on pizza or baked in the oven while pregnant?
Heating can be a practical way to make soft cheeses safer because sufficient heat can reduce bacteria. If you are unsure about the brie (e.g., at a restaurant or buffet), a thoroughly heated dish might be a better choice than cold brie.
Practical rule of thumb
Choose brie that is clearly hot and fully melted, rather than brie that is only lukewarm. If you prepare it yourself, you can ensure that it gets properly hot all the way through.
Brie in the fridge - storage and shelf life when pregnant
Many "can you/can't you" questions are, in practice, about storage. Even pasteurized brie can become a bad idea if stored incorrectly.
A simple checklist at home
- Store brie cold and put it back in the fridge quickly after serving.
- Use clean utensils every time to avoid transferring bacteria.
- Discard if it smells different from usual, becomes slimy, or has been left open for a long time and you can't remember when.
If you have already eaten brie while pregnant - what to do
It's completely normal to worry if you later doubt whether a brie was "okay." In most cases, nothing happens.
Next steps without alarm
- Try to find out if it was pasteurized and how it was stored and served.
- Contact a doctor or midwife if you develop symptoms of infection or feel uneasy. They can assess your situation based on pregnancy week, symptoms, and exposure.
Relevant products for pregnancy and the time after
As you navigate many dietary guidelines and new considerations, it can also help to have comfort and support in place in your daily life. In the Pregnancy collection, you'll find products tailored to the changing needs of pregnancy. For example, if you need relief for your abdomen and lower back as your body changes, a support belt like the Maternity Support Belt may be relevant. For the postpartum period, some choose gentle support and a "held together" feeling, and here the New Mum Care Pack can be a practical complete solution.