How to prevent foodborne infections in pregnancy
What are foodborne infections in pregnancy?
Nutrition is always important, especially during pregnancy. The mother must be very careful not to run into possible food infections during pregnancy which could also cause very serious problems.
What are foodborne infections in pregnancy?
The most common toxic infections derive precisely from an incorrect diet which could lead to the appearance of bacteria, parasites and viruses dangerous for the mother and the child.
The most common are:
- Salmonelliosis, comes from contaminated foods, raw or undercooked eggs, unpasteurized foods or having come into contact with infected animals
- Toxoplasmosis , typical of raw meat or fruit and vegetables not washed properly or from contact with animal feces
- Escherichia coli, caused by contaminated fruits and vegetables, unpasteurized milk, raw or undercooked meats
- Listeriosis, could be hidden in ready-to-eat meats and cured meats, seafood, unpasteurized foods and even in open foods stored too long in the refrigerator
How to recognize a foodborne infection in pregnancy
It is not easy to immediately notice that you have a toxic infection during the nine months of waiting, this is because many symptoms do not manifest themselves immediately or could even be misunderstood with typical symptoms of pregnancy. In fact, the most common symptoms are: vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, cramps, dehydration and body aches and fever that could be misunderstood as a normal flu.
If you have doubts about the origin of these symptoms or if they should be very strong and persistent, with a serious deterioration of your health, always contact your doctor for the necessary evaluations.
Why foodborne infections in pregnancy are dangerous
Intoxications may not always be dangerous for the mother, who sometimes doesn’t even realize she has contracted them, but for the baby she is expecting they are very dangerous. That’s why it’s best to avoid them! Let’s see together what the risks are:
- Salmonelliosis, can cause meningitis, miscarriage
- Toxoplasmosis can cause even very serious malformations
- Escherichia coli can cause kidney damage
- Listeriosis can cause blindness, paralysis, neurological, renal or cardiac problems, convulsions and lead to premature birth, with all the risks involved, or even to a miscarriage.
How to prevent foodborne infections in pregnancy
According to a study by CREA (Food and Nutrition Research Center) almost 90% of pregnant women do not consume the right amount of fruit , vegetables or fish. These foods must be consumed, but in a correct way.
Attention is the watchword that all expectant mothers should keep in mind. Here are some very simple rules:
- wash your hands well before and after touching food, after coming into contact with animals and faeces (even after a diaper change!)
- avoid consuming raw meat, raw and unpasteurized eggs, unwashed fruit and vegetables and foods of dubious origin
- prevent dangerous raw foods from coming into contact with the foods you are going to eat
- always wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them
- properly store food in the fridge or freezer and do not consume it after too many days
- avoid unpasteurized dairy products
- avoid prepackaged canned foods
- no to raw cured meats, soft cheeses and those with moulds
- no to raw or undercooked crustaceans
- avoid eggnog or other foods that contain unpasteurized raw eggs
- no to ready-to-eat gastronomy counter products
- no to cold meats ready for consumption
- use different kitchen utensils for raw/dangerous products and for cooked ones
- no to smoked products
- pizza can be eaten, but it must not contain raw food
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.