A bacterial infection risk during pregnancy that can cause severe complications including miscarriage and premature birth.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause severe infection in pregnant women, potentially leading to miscarriage, premature delivery, or serious fetal complications. Pregnant women are 10 times more susceptible to listeriosis than the general population.
Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen found in certain foods, particularly unpasteurized dairy products, deli meats, and soft cheeses. Pregnant women have compromised immune systems that make them particularly vulnerable to this bacterium. While symptoms in the mother may be mild (fever, muscle aches), the infection can cross the placental barrier and cause severe harm to the fetus, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal infection. The infection is preventable through careful food handling and dietary choices.
Represents a food safety threat that can cause transplacental infection and severe fetal complications.
Avoid unpasteurized dairy products, deli meats, and soft cheeses unless heated until steaming. Cook all meats thoroughly and wash fruits and vegetables. Keep refrigerator at 4°C or below and discard food beyond expiration dates. Choose pasteurized products when available.
Preventing Listeria infection during pregnancy requires strict food safety practices and avoiding high-risk foods.
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