Listeria During Pregnancy: What Every Expecting Parent Needs to Know

Pregnancy is a time of joy, anticipation, and a little extra caution—especially when it comes to food safety. Among the lesser-known, but serious concerns is Listeria, a type of bacteria that can have serious implications for pregnant individuals and their babies. Let’s dive into what Listeria is, how it affects pregnancy, and most importantly, how you can stay safe.

What Is Listeria?

Listeria (scientifically known as Listeria monocytogenes) is a harmful bacteria found in soil, water, and some animals. While it doesn’t usually affect healthy people in a severe way, pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get a Listeria infection (listeriosis). This is due to changes in the immune system during pregnancy, making it harder to fight off certain bacteria.

How Do You Get It?

Listeria is typically spread through contaminated food. Some of the most common culprits include:

Unpasteurized dairy products (such as soft cheeses like feta, brie, camembert)
Deli meats and cold cuts that haven’t been heated properly
Ready-to-eat refrigerated foods like pre-packaged salads and smoked seafood
Unwashed fruits and vegetables
Raw or undercooked meat or seafood

Listeria can grow even in the cold environment of your fridge—making proper food handling and preparation extra important during pregnancy.

How Does It Affect Pregnancy?

While listeriosis might cause only mild flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea) in the mother, it can have severe consequences for the baby, including:

Miscarriage
Stillbirth
Preterm labor
Low birth weight
Life-threatening infections in newborns (such as meningitis or sepsis)

Symptoms can show up a few days to a few weeks after eating contaminated food, and sometimes, there may be no symptoms at all—which makes prevention all the more crucial.

How Can You Prevent It?

The good news is that listeriosis is preventable with careful food choices and hygiene practices:

Follow These Safety Tips:

Avoid raw or undercooked meats and seafood
Always reheat deli meats and leftovers until steaming hot
Only consume pasteurized dairy products
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, even if you plan to peel them
Keep your fridge clean and set it below 4°C (40°F)
Avoid refrigerated pates, smoked seafood, and pre-made salads from delis
Practice good hand hygiene when handling food, especially raw products

Can It Be Treated?

Yes. If diagnosed early, Listeria infections can be treated with antibiotics, which can help prevent the infection from reaching the baby. If you suspect you've eaten something contaminated or if you're feeling unwell, contact your doctor immediately—especially if you’re pregnant.

When Should You Call the Doctor?

If you’re pregnant and experience any of the following symptoms, don’t ignore them:

Fever and flu-like symptoms
Muscle aches
Nausea or diarrhea
Stiff neck, confusion, or loss of balance

Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference for you and your baby’s health.

Final Thoughts

While Listeria may not be on every pregnancy checklist, it should be on your radar when making food choices. The key to avoiding complications is simple: