Listeriosis is a serious illness caused by eating food contaminated with listeria bacteria. While listeriosis is not exclusive to pregnant women, it can pose a problem for them as well as their unborn children if left untreated. Listeriosis infections can be prevented if pregnant women take precautions and avoid eating potentially problematic foods.
Significance of Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause food-borne illness. The Centers for Disease Control reports that most listeriosis infections are the result of eating food contaminated with the bacteria. While a listeriosis infection can affect anyone, pregnant women are warned against eating certain foods that may cause listeriosis, as the infection may lead to miscarriage, premature birth and infection of the newborn baby. According to the American Pregnancy Association, more than one-fifth of listeriosis cases lead to newborn death.
Listeriosis Symptoms
Some pregnant women may not even know they have listeriosis. The infection can mimic the flu, causing muscle soreness and fatigue, nausea and fever in its early stages. Pregnant women may not show any symptoms of infection for up to a month after eating contaminated food. As the infection spreads, however, symptoms become more severe. Loss of balance, a stiff neck and convulsions indicate that listeriosis has spread to the nervous system.
Treating Listeriosis
Listeriosis can usually be treated with antibiotics. When the infected mother receives antibiotics for listeria while she is pregnant, they are passed to her unborn child as well. However, this is not sufficient for the baby in all cases. Some babies born with the infection may also have to receive their own round of antibiotics.
Avoiding Listeria
Listeria is not only found in one type of food, as the bacteria can live in soil as well as water. Some foods that may harbor the bacteria include deli meats, processed foods, unpasteurized cheese and milk, and vegetables grown in contaminated soil. Brie, meat pate and smoked seafood should all be avoided. Sushi is also off the list for pregnant women. Vegetables and low-fat meats are generally safe for pregnant women to eat, provided they take a few precautions. These include washing vegetables thoroughly and cooking deli meats in the microwave until they steam. Dairy products are still OK for pregnant women, provided they are pasteurized. The CDC reports that most hard cheeses are safe.
Other Advice
In addition to avoiding certain foods and taking precautions with others, the CDC has several recommendations for food preparation and handling that can reduce a pregnant woman's chance of getting listeriosis. These include keeping the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler, using all food items by their due dates and avoiding cross-contamination of meats and other products during meal preparation.
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