can you eat cream cheese when pregnant

Yes, cream cheese is safe to eat during pregnancy as long as it is made from pasteurized milk. It is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamin A, which are beneficial for fetal development and maternal health. It can be consumed safely in all trimesters, typically in moderate amounts like a spread on bagels. The main caution is to avoid cream cheese made from unpasteurized milk due to the risk of listeria infection, which can be harmful during pregnancy. Also, proper storage and consumption before the expiration date are important to reduce any food safety risks.