can you eat ricotta when pregnant

You can eat ricotta cheese when pregnant as long as it is made from pasteurized milk. Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria like Listeria, which can cause serious infections during pregnancy. Most ricotta cheese available in stores is pasteurized and safe to consume during pregnancy. However, always check the label to ensure it states "pasteurized." Avoid unpasteurized ricotta or soft cheeses that have not been heated properly, as they may pose a risk. If the ricotta is part of cooked dishes like ravioli or baked ziti, that also reduces any risk. When in doubt, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable.