Why shouldn't I eat Brie cheese during my pregnancy?

A friend told me I shouldn't eat Brie cheese during my pregnancy. Why? And should I avoid any other foods?

During a pregnancy, nutritionists generally advise you to eat hard cheeses rather than soft ones, such as Brie, because they are lower in saturated fat. Several years ago, there was a reported outbreak of listeria from contaminated soft cheese, so perhaps that's where your friend got her idea about Brie. As for other foods, it is probably best to avoid large amounts of caffeine in carbonated drinks as well as coffee. Also avoid alcohol, since no one knows how much alcohol is safe during pregnancy. The best advice about nutrition in pregnancy is to consume a healthy, normal diet and add about 300 calories each day. That equals about two and a half cups of low-fat milk, one cup of ice cream, or a tuna sandwich. General guidelines for pregnancy nutrition include eating nutritious foods, avoiding too many sweets or fats, and increasing your calcium intake through green leafy vegetables, orange juice, milk, yoghurt or cheese. Enjoy your pregnancy, and don't feel stressed by all the rules people try to impose on you!