Pregnant women need to be particularly cautious about food safety since some types of food-borne contaminants are dangerous to unborn infants. Since it is not always possible to identify contaminated food by sight or smell, you should avoid certain high-risk foods entirely during pregnancy. When in doubt, consult your health care provider regarding food safety guidelines.
Hazards
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium found in soil, water and on crops. Pregnant women are 20 times more susceptible to infection by listeria than the general population. Listeria can cause miscarriage during early pregnancy and in the third trimester it may result in premature labor and infant death. Infection in late pregnancy may result in serious developmental problems including mental retardation, paralysis, seizures and blindness as well as blood infections in the newborn.
Dairy Safety
Pregnant women should not consume unpasteurized dairy products. This includes unpasteurized or raw milk and soft cheeses such as brie, blue cheese, Camembert or feta. Mexican cheese, such as queso blanco or queso fresco, should also be avoided unless the label specifically states that they have been pasteurized.
Symptoms
In some adults, listeria produces mild flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, muscular aches and pain, nausea and diarrhea. However, many infected individuals do not experience any symptoms at all. Because infection can go undetected and untreated, it is best to avoid potentially dangerous food sources altogether. See your doctor if you suspect that you have eaten a contaminated food item or if you experience any of the above symptoms.
Other Foods Safety
Pregnant women should not consume smoked meats or smoked seafood products from the refrigerated section of the grocery store. This includes meat spreads and pates and smoked lox or nova-style seafood. Listeria bacteria can survive at refrigerated temperatures on these foods. Shelf-stable versions of these foods are safe alternatives. Expectant mothers should also avoid hot dogs and deli meats unless these have been reheated until steaming hot.
