Yes, ricotta cheese can be eaten during pregnancy as long as it is made from pasteurized milk. Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria such as Listeria, which can pose risks to pregnant women and their babies. Fresh, store-bought ricotta is typically pasteurized and safe to consume when properly stored and eaten before the expiration date. Eating about 100 to 200 grams of ricotta cheese per week is considered a healthy amount to support fetal growth and bone health due to its rich protein and calcium content. Cooking ricotta in dishes like lasagna further reduces any risk. It is best to avoid unpasteurized ricotta and always check product labels for pasteurization to ensure safety during pregnancy.