Healthy Diet for Pregnant Women:

How to Avoid a Dangerous Disease

A healthy diet for pregnant women is so important for keeping your baby safe and healthy. You already love that little one growing inside you, so now is the time to do everything possible to keep him or her healthy.

Not only are there foods that you should eat during pregnancy, but there are also foods that you must avoid. If you don’t avoid certain foods, you could get an infection that can cause pregnancy problems or even miscarriage. This infection is called Listeriosis.

Listeriosis is an infection caused by a bacterium called Listeria monocytogenes.

Pregnant women, along with newborn babies or people with weakened immune systems, are more vulnerable to getting this infection.

The good news is that there are certain precautions you can take to greatly reduce your chance of getting Listeriosis! The bacteria that causes the infection is found in certain foods, so it is crucial that you know which foods may contain this bacteria.


Foods You Must Avoid to Avoid Listeriosis:

• Soft cheeses. Examples include brie, feta, blue-veined cheeses, and Mexican-style cheeses.

• Hot dogs

• Luncheon meats

• Deli meats

• Unpasteurized milk

• Refrigerated meat spreads

• Refrigerated smoked seafood, unless in a cooked dish

Food Prep Tips

• Cook all meats thoroughly

• Wash hands and utensils thoroughly before and after food preparation

• Raw vegetables must be washed thoroughly before eating

• Avoid unpasteurized milk

• Follow other general food safety guidelines, such as keeping perishable foods refrigerated until ready to eat

Symptoms of Listeriosis may include fever, muscle aches, stiff neck, intestinal problems, headache, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions. Symptoms are sometimes only mild flu-like symptoms.

Can Listeriosis be treated?

It is important to be treated as soon as possible, and antibiotics are given. Infection is not always avoided even with treatment.

When should I call my doctor?

If you have symptoms that makes you suspicious that you might have Listeriosis, consult your doctor.

Though this is a serious infection, it is fairly easy to avoid with proper nutrition during pregnancy and food handling.

Following a healthy diet for pregnant women can help you avoid many problems during pregnancy, including Listeriosis!