As a pregnant woman, eating for two, you should be aware that certain soft cheeses can become contaminated with bacteria called Listeria. If you become sick from Listeria, the baby you're carrying could get sick or die. To protect your unborn baby, eat hard cheeses instead of soft cheeses while you are pregnant. Soft cheeses that can easily become contaminated include Mexican-style soft cheeses like Queso Blanco, Queso Fresco, Queso de Hoja, Queso de Crema and Asadero.
Listeria can also contaminate other foods.
Contaminated food may not look, smell or taste different from uncontaminated food. Symptoms of infection can develop from 2 to 30 days after you eat contaminated food. If the infection spreads to your unborn baby, you could start early labor. Thoroughly reheat all meats purchased at deli counters, including cured meats like salami, before eating them. Keep the inside of the refrigerator, counter tops, and utensils clean.