What happens if a pregnant woman gets Listeria?

Pregnant women with a Listeria infection can pass the infection to their unborn babies. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, and preterm labor. Listeria infection can cause serious illness and even death in newborns.

Is Listeria common in pregnancy?

Pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than other healthy adults. An estimated 1/6 of all Listeria cases occur in pregnant women.

What is Listeria and how can it affect pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a listeria infection is likely to cause only mild signs and symptoms in the mother. The consequences for the baby, however, can be devastating — the baby can die in the womb or have a life-threatening infection within a few days of being born.

Why is Listeria more common in pregnancy?

Infection can occur at any time during pregnancy, but it is most common during the third trimester when your immune system is somewhat suppressed. Be sure to contact your health care provider if you experience any of these symptoms. A blood test can confirm an infection from listeriosis.

What foods cause Listeria in pregnancy?

Foods at high risk of carrying listeria include:

• foods at ready-to-eat salad bars, sandwich bars and delicatessens.
• ready-to-eat meals.
• soft and semi-soft cheeses.
• unwashed raw vegetables.
• soft-serve ice cream.
• raw shellfish and seafood.
• unpasteurised dairy products.
• cold cured or prepared meats.

Why does Listeria cause miscarriage?

The team speculates that perhaps the inflammation caused by the maternal immune response to the rapid invasion of the Listeria cells also affects the placenta, impairing its ability to shield the fetus.

Can babies survive Listeria?

However, the infection can have grave consequences for your developing baby, especially if you’re not treated promptly. Listeria can infect the placenta, the amniotic fluid, and the baby, and can cause miscarriage or stillbirth. Infected babies who survive are likely to be born prematurely.

How can I avoid Listeria during pregnancy?

One of the best ways to prevent listeriosis is to avoid foods that are most likely to be contaminated. These include: Hot dogs, lunch meats or cold cuts that are cold or heated lower than 165° F. Refrigerated pâté and meat spreads.

Can you get Listeria in third trimester?

Symptoms of Listeriosis Pregnant women in their third trimester are most vulnerable to contracting the illness, but it’s possible to get infected at any point during pregnancy. If you begin experiencing these symptoms, contact your doctor and inform them of any food you recently ate.