Listeriosis & Pregnancy: Risks and What to Do

Question
I am 35 weeks pregnant and just recently became aware of the dangers of
listerosis caused from eggs during pregnancy.  Many times so far during
pregnancy I have consumed undercooked eggs (eggs cooked overeasy and other
foods that contain raw or undercooked eggs without being aware of it).  I am
scared that I have contracted listerosis and not even know it.

Answer
Dear Jennifer,

Eating raw or undercooked foods, including eggs, meats, unwashed fruits/vegetables, does put pregnant women (actually anyone) at risk for diseases such as listeriosis, salmonella poisoning, and toxoplasmosis.

In particular, listeria bacteria can be transmitted through soil and water. A person can also ingest listeria by eating certain foods, such as deli meats and cold cuts, soft-ripened cheese, undercooked chicken, uncooked hot dogs, shellfish, and coleslaw made from contaminated cabbage or other unwashed, uncooked vegetables or fruit. It may create symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty breathing, and poor appetite. Pregnant women who develop listeriosis may experience only mild flu-like symptoms. In all cases, the earlier listeriosis is detected and treated, the better. A simple blood test is available to test for it. If you are concerned that you have eaten a large quantity of these types of undercooked or raw foods throughout your pregnancy, you can talk to your doctor about being tested for the presence of this bacterial infection. Listeriosis can be treated with antibiotics.

I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda