Listeria and Food Safety in Pregnancy
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lisa Okafor, MD, FACOG · Board-Certified OB-GYN
Content reviewed against published ACOG, CDC, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your health matters just as much as your baby's. If you are dealing with listeria and food safety in pregnancy, here is what you need to know.
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- Usually normal when: Following food safety guidelines during pregnancy
- Call your doctor if: Fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea after eating potentially contaminated food
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to ACOG, CDC, NIH guidelines, 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. At First trimester, 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. It is generally considered normal when following food safety guidelines during pregnancy. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea after eating potentially contaminated food.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
First trimester
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.
Second trimester
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.
Third trimester
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 to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed listeria and food safety in pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you accidentally ate a food known to be higher risk for listeria.
- Mention if you want clarification about which foods are safe.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
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)
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice listeria and food safety in pregnancy — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that following food safety guidelines during pregnancy — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At First trimester, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Prioritize your own rest and nutrition. Accept help when offered, and do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea after eating potentially contaminated food.
Related Conditions
Related Resources
Postpartum Recovery Guide
Week-by-week postpartum recovery timeline and warning signs.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is listeria and food safety in pregnancy normal?
When should I call the doctor about listeria and food safety in pregnancy?
When is listeria and food safety in pregnancy normal?
What causes listeria and food safety in pregnancy?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about listeria and food safety in pregnancy?
Is listeria and food safety in pregnancy normal at First trimester?
Is listeria and food safety in pregnancy normal at Second trimester?
Should I go to the ER for listeria and food safety in pregnancy?
Does listeria and food safety in pregnancy go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Listeria and Food Safety in Pregnancy.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed listeria and food safety in pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you accidentally ate a food known to be higher risk for listeria.
- Mention if you want clarification about which foods are safe.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- You accidentally ate a food known to be higher risk for listeria
- You want clarification about which foods are safe
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea after eating potentially contaminated food
- Symptoms of infection combined with pregnancy complications (contractions, decreased movement)
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of listeria and food safety in pregnancy are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea after eating potentially contaminated food.
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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