Pizza is a baked flatbread topped with tomato sauce and cheese, often with vegetables or meat. Freshly baked and hot, it is a safe pregnancy meal; the care is in the toppings.
Why it's good in pregnancy
The cheese on a hot pizza is a useful source of calcium and protein, the base brings B vitamins and energy, and vegetable toppings add fibre and vitamins. Because it is baked at high heat, cheese and cured-meat toppings are cooked through, which removes the usual pregnancy worries about them.
Key nutrients
CalciumMelted cheese provides calcium for your baby's developing bones and teeth.
ProteinCheese and any meat toppings add protein that supports growth.
B VitaminsThe base and tomato sauce contribute B vitamins that help energy metabolism.
Serving ideas
A margherita with extra tomato and basil
Vegetable-loaded slices with a side salad
Homemade pizza on a wholegrain base
A couple of slices with a glass of pasteurised milk
Safety
Eat it hot from the oven — baking cooks soft cheeses and cured meats through.Cold leftover pizza with soft cheese, ham or salami is best reheated until piping hot.Choose vegetable toppings and go easy on very salty or processed meats.
Pizza is at its safest straight from the oven: the high heat makes mould-ripened or soft cheeses and cured meats like salami and ham safe to eat. If you keep leftovers, refrigerate them within two hours and reheat until steaming hot rather than eating them cold. Watch portion size and salt, and add a side salad or vegetable toppings to balance the meal.
Common questions
Can I eat pizza while pregnant?Yes — a freshly baked, hot pizza is safe. The heat cooks any soft cheese or cured meat on top.
Is pizza with salami or ham safe in pregnancy?When the pizza is baked until hot, the meat is cooked through and fine; avoid adding cold cured meat after baking.
Can I eat cold leftover pizza when pregnant?Reheat it until piping hot, especially if it has soft cheese or deli meat on it.
Did you know?
Baking cheese on a pizza takes it well past the temperature that kills listeria, which is why hot pizza is safe even with soft cheese.
A slice of cheese pizza provides roughly a tenth of your daily calcium.
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