Listeria infection in pregnancy

During pregnancy, some foods should be avoided. Raw meat, too much mercury-filled fish, and mayonnaise with raw eggs are some examples. Dairy products that are not pasteurized can cause trouble too. What should you know about a listeria infection during pregnancy?

Listeria, a dangerous bacterium, can be found in many foods. It is well known that unpasteurized milk and its products (like unpasteurized cheese), but listeria can also be present in uncooked vegetables and meat. Cooking or pasteurizing is the way to get rid of listeria, but beware that processed and deli foods can be contaminated when they come into contact with other products.

A listeria infection during pregnancy is tricky for many reasons. Pregnant women are actually 2o times more likely to be infected than the general population. Listeriosis carries the risk of death for anyone who becomes infected, so it's much more than a simple case of food poisoning. In a fetus, listeria infections can trigger miscarriages, premature births, or newborn infections.

So, what are the symptoms of listeria infection? Let's take a look:

1. Symptoms similar to the flu, including fever.
2. Headache.
3. Muscles aches.
4. Nausea and vomiting.
5. Seizures and a feeling of disorientation can come later.

Listeriosis can effectively be treated with antibiotics, especially when it is caught right away. Pregnant women who have any of the symptoms we mentioned should see a doctor right away, whether or not they suspect a listeria infection. But, listeria infections are better prevented than cured.

You can avoid listeriosis by staying away from suspicious foods. Those include any deli products, especially raw products, raw milk, and fast food from street stalls or non-trusted restaurants. It's also best to stay away from meats you keep in the fridge, unless they are part of a cooked dish, and soft cheeses from any source (unless it says they are pasteurized).