Listeria in Pregnancy: Pregnancy Complication

Healthy and hygienic diet is important for everyone to stay fit. But it becomes extremely important to be extra cautious when you are pregnant. You may feel that you can eat anything to calm your craving in pregnancy, but do not forget that you are carrying one more life with you who is going to get impacted with whatever you take in. 

What is Listeria (Listeriosis)?

Listeriosis is a bacterial infection which is caused by Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium can be found well in soil, dust, water, foods which are unprocessed, raw meat and meat products, unpasteurized dairy products and animal faeces.  However, the major cause of this infection is contaminated food. 

Although it is a rare infection for adults, it is 20 times more common in pregnancy. Listeriosis does not create much problem or show any symptoms for adults or non -pregnant. But it imparts a major serious ill effect to baby or fetus in a pregnant woman. 

This infection can cross the placenta barrier and can affect fetus health and may be fatal.

Listeria in Pregnancy Symptoms

Adults who are non-pregnant do not show any major symptoms of listeria. But it may appear in pregnancy after 2 days to 2 months of contracting the infection.

Symptoms include:

• Mild flu-like
• Headache
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Generalized body ache

If the infection has spread to the nervous system, you may feel dizziness, convulsion or stiff neck.

Cause of listeria in Pregnancy

Major sources of this bacteria are below foods which is a strict NO in pregnancy.

• Hot dogs or luncheon meats until reheated to steam hot
• Soft cheeses
• Refrigerated meat products
• Refrigerated smoked seafood
• Unpasteurized milk or milk products
• Under-cooked food from animal sources
• Raw and / or unwashed fruits and vegetables
• Ready to eat fish or meat products

Risk factors of listeria in pregnancy

Listeriosis can infect at any time of pregnancy but the risk is more in third trimesters as your immunity is a bit compromised. 

Several risk factors of getting this infection in pregnancy are:

• Diabetes
• Immunodeficiency disorder
• Using Steroid
• Unhealthy lifestyle 
• Use of immunosuppressants
• Being Alcoholic 

Diagnosis and Treatment of Listeria in Pregnancy

If you suspect ingesting contaminated food or are showing flu-like or food poisoning like symptoms, you need to consult your doctor to rule out the cause. 

The doctor will see the signs of listeriosis and will suggest a blood test that can figure out whether you are being infected by listeria. Blood test includes bacterial culture so may take 2-3 days to get the reports out. 

Doctor if feels any chances of bacterial infection, he may not wait for the reports as the disease may prove deadly for the fetus and so might start the antibiotic treatment immediately.

Complications of Listeria in pregnancy

There are several complications that listeriosis can lead to both mother as well as the baby. However, if treated correctly, there are chances of the baby getting less infected with mild risk.

Listeriosis can result in:

• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth
• Uterine contractions that may result in premature birth

In some cases, if the infection penetrates the nervous system, it may cause severe illness, such as:

• Meningitis
• Bacterial septicemia

Listeriosis can impart serious health consequences if the baby is born with the infection. Baby may suffer from a severe brain or blood infection, the infection might hinder intellect, may cause paralysis, kidney failure or heart problems.

If the mother is infected, the doctor does the ultrasound to see any anomalies in the baby, for thickened bowel or stomach lining or an enlarged heart that may be an outcome of infection.

Precautions to prevent Listeria in Pregnancy

Following the guidelines recommended by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reduces the risk of getting this deadly infection.

Follow the hygienic method for consuming food such as;

• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, peel it if possible
• Wash all utensils, knives, chopping boards 
• Wash your hands properly before serving, handling or having your food
• Clean your refrigerator regularly 
• Consume well-cooked/thoroughly cooked foods
• Do not rinse the poultry products or raw meat or poultry before cooking as this can spread bacteria on other areas of the kitchen
• Do not keep your cooked food in a tray that has or had raw food item especially meat or any food from an animal source
• Do not consume any food products after the expiry date
• Keep your pets away from the kitchen, wash your hands every time you touch your pets before handling food
• Use gloves for handling gardens or washing toilet
• Keep your refrigerator at ≤ 40 °F and freezer at ≤ 0 °F 
• Check the food temperature of meat, seafood or poultry products and ensure it should be in the range of 150 to 180 °F that ensures that food is bacteria-free.
• Thaw food in a refrigerator or microwave or cold water and cook it immediately 
• Meat products that are thawed in the microwave or water have to be refrozen after cooking. This assures the food is non-contaminated.
• Do not keep perishable food items for > 2 hours at RT
• Keep eggs in refrigerator in their original carton. Make sure to consume it within 3-5 weeks

A bit of care will make your journey swift and hassle-free. Take preventive measures whichever are possible to keep yourself and your baby healthy, free of any complications. 

Eat healthy, stay fit and enjoy the pregnancy.