Listeria and Food Safety in Pregnancy
The short answer
Pregnant people are about 10 times more likely to get listeriosis, a serious infection caused by the Listeria bacteria found in certain foods. To reduce risk, avoid deli meats unless heated until steaming, soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk, raw sprouts, refrigerated smoked seafood, and unpasteurized milk or juice. Proper food handling is also important.
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By Age
What to expect by age
Listeria infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and preterm labor. Prevention is key: heat deli meats and hot dogs until steaming (165F), avoid soft cheeses from unpasteurized milk (feta, Brie, Camembert unless labeled pasteurized), wash all produce thoroughly, keep refrigerator at 40F or below, and eat perishable foods promptly.
Continue food safety practices. Listeria is unique among foodborne bacteria because it can grow at refrigerator temperatures. Cook leftovers and ready-to-eat foods thoroughly. If you ate something you later realize may be risky, do not panic - the actual risk of infection from a single exposure is very low.
Listeria can cause serious complications at any stage but is especially concerning near delivery as it can cause neonatal infection. Continue all food safety precautions. If you develop flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle aches) after eating a potentially contaminated food, contact your provider promptly for evaluation and possible antibiotic treatment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Following food safety guidelines during pregnancy
- Occasionally worrying about a food you ate - the actual risk is very low
- You accidentally ate a food known to be higher risk for listeria
- You want clarification about which foods are safe
- Fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea after eating potentially contaminated food
- Symptoms of infection combined with pregnancy complications (contractions, decreased movement)
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
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