Listeria During Pregnancy

Listeria is a serious infection that can result in a blood infection in pregnant women. It can also affect the developing baby and it is contracted by consuming food that is contaminated. This infection can be life-threatening and can be devastating to a pregnancy. However, listeria during pregnancy is rather rare. In the United States, listeria leaves about 2,500 people seriously ill each year and about 500 dead. Of these, about 27 percent are pregnant women.

Where Is Listeria Found?

This bacteria is generally found in soil and water. Animals and vegetables can be contaminated due to contaminated soil. Animals can also be carriers. This bacteria has also been found in uncooked vegetables, foods made from unpasteurized milk, uncooked meats, unpasteurized milk and processed foods. Cooking and pasteurization kills this bacteria.

Signs and Symptoms of Listeria During Pregnancy

You will likely know if you have been infected two to 30 days after you have been exposed. Pregnant women can experience headaches, fever, vomiting, muscles aches and nausea. If your infection spreads to your nervous system, symptoms can include disorientation, stiff neck and convulsions.

How Can Listeria Harm an Unborn Baby?

When you are pregnant, listeria can affect your baby as well as you. In about 22 percent of listeria during pregnancy cases, stillbirth occurs. Other potential issues include premature delivery, miscarriage and infection to the newborn.

Treating Listeria During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, this infection is generally treated with antibiotics. In most cases, the antibiotics will work to prevent the fetus and newborn from developing an infection. If a newborn is born with listeria, the same antibiotics are usually administered.

Can I Prevent Being Infected with Listeria?

Yes. Avoiding the foods that are most known for being contaminated with this bacteria is something all pregnant women should do. Pregnant women should begin by avoiding deli meats, especially restaurants that serve them. You should avoid soft cheeses and stick with hard cheeses.

When cooking foods, you should make sure that they are cooked to their proper temperatures. This will ensure that if the bacteria is present, it is killed off.

You should practice safe food handling. This includes washing your fruits and vegetables, washing your refrigerator often, ensuring proper refrigerator temperature and avoiding cross contamination.

Listeria during pregnancy is preventable. If you do contract it, prompt treatment will usually ensure that you and your baby avoid the possible complications.

Resources

American Pregnancy Association: Listeria and Pregnancy