“What is Listeriosis During Pregnancy?”

What is Listeriosis During Pregnancy?

Pregnant women are more prone to many infections during pregnancy including listeriosis. It is important you know what listeriosis is so you can protect yourself from this dangerous infection during pregnancy.

Listeriosis occurs when pregnant women eat food contaminated with bacteria from Listeria monocytogenes. Pregnant women are more at risk for this infection than others because their immune system is compromised during pregnancy.

The good news is this infection is pretty uncommon even among pregnant women. In fact the CDC estimate that only 2,500 people total will get listeriosis in any given year. Roughly one third of those contaminated with the infection however, are pregnant women.

Listeriosis is particularly harmful for developing fetuses. It can cross the placenta and infect the amniotic fluid and your baby. In early pregnancy this may lead to miscarriage, whereas in later pregnancy listeriosis can lead to stillbirth or serious illness in a newborn. Infected babies are also more at risk for premature delivery or complications after birth including:

•  Difficulty breathing.
•  Blood infection.
•  Skin sores or lesions.
•  Meningitis.
•  High fever

How Will I Know If I Have Listeriosis?
Unfortunately listeriosis can be hard to detect. You may have symptoms including a fever or flu like symptoms. Many women with listeriosis report having chills, backaches, headaches and nausea. These symptoms are commonly confused with the flue. Still others may report confusion of dizziness.

If you do have any symptoms you should report them to your doctor. Typically an infection produces symptoms within 48 hours of exposure. Sometimes however, symptoms may not arise for more than 48 hours after infection. Your doctor will need to perform a blood test to determine if you have listeriosis.

Can I Prevent Infection During Pregnancy?
Listeriosis is usually contracted by eating undercooked or raw meats. Here are some steps you can take to help reduce your risk of infection:

•  Be sure you cook all meat thoroughly. Chicken should be cooked to at least 180 degrees and other meat to at least 160 degrees during pregnancy. Avoid meet that is “tartar” or “carpaccios” at restaurants, suggesting the meat is not cooked completely.
•  Avoid eating deli meats and cold cuts, as well as meat spreads, smoked meats or pates. If you do eat these be sure you heat them first until they are steaming hot. This will kill off any infection that may be present in the meat.
•  Cook all hot dogs and other pre cooked foods until they are steaming hot.
•  Reheat any leftovers you may eat until they are steaming hot as well.
•  Avoid eating any dairy products or juices that are not pasteurized.
•  Avoid eating soft cheeses that are not pasteurized as these pose a higher risk for infection.
•  Try to eat all perishable foods and leftovers within a couple of days or by the use by date to help prevent infection.

You should also be sure your refrigerator is set to a cool setting, usually between 35 and 40 degrees F to help prevent the spread of infection. A good refrigerator thermometer should help ensure your food is cool enough to help ward off infection.
 
You should know however that just because food is refrigerated doesn’t mean it is complete safe. Listeria can still grow on food in cold temperatures. This is part of the reason it is so important to heat leftovers.

One last thought. When it comes to listeria you can never be too safe. Avoid sampling food products during store giveaways. Often these are not kept at appropriate temperatures. You may consume something that is infected with listeria inadvertently. To help avoid unexpected snacking, bring along your own crackers next time you are shopping. This will help reduce the likelihood that you will accidentally indulge in freebies and catch an unwanted infection!