What Is Listeriosis And Its Effect On Pregnancy? – Being Parents

Listeriosis is a dangerous infection caused by bacteria called  Listeria monocytogenes. It particularly affects pregnant women and people with weak immune systems.

How is listeriosis transmitted?

This bacteria can be found in several places. Whether it is fresh water or waste water, the digestive tract of animals or vegetation, among others. This bacteria is transmitted mainly through the consumption of food.

Typically, when the first signs of listeriosis infection appear,  it is attributed to the consumption of previously contaminated vacuum foods.

The incubation period is long. This is why it can take weeks – after consuming the contaminated food – before symptoms of the infection become evident. This long period of time makes it difficult to determine the origin of the transmission.

It is important to note that this infection does not often present in people in excellent health  but in people with weak immune systems and in pregnant women.

Listeriosis during pregnancy

The probability of a pregnant woman contracting this infection is twenty times greater than in a healthy adult. It is estimated that one third of listeriosis cases occur during pregnancy. If the pregnant woman contracts it, the fetus is at great risk of death.

Hormonal variation during pregnancy causes a weakened immune system in a woman. This increases its fragility in the face of listeriosis.

The best way to reduce the risk of getting this infection during pregnancy is  to avoid certain foods. Listeria monocytogenes is usually found in these  .

The infection is transmitted to the fetus through the placenta. It is possible that it will occur even if it has not shown any symptoms. The consequences of this infection range from neurological sequelae in the child, premature delivery, through the death of the fetus to a miscarriage.

Depending on the time of pregnancy at which you contract listeriosis, its consequences on the fetus are different. If it occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy, this process is unlikely to come to an end.

If it is contracted during the last trimester, there is the risk of the stillborn baby. In the event of a live birth, the baby could have serious problems.

Newborns who have successfully overcome the serious complications of this condition during pregnancy may  show signs of severe infection – sepsis. If the sepsis gets to the baby’s nervous system, there is a good chance that he will develop encephalitis or meningitis.

The mortality rate in newborns infected with listeriosis is unfortunately high.

Tips for avoiding listeriosis during pregnancy

Since pregnant women are excellent candidates for contracting listeriosis, it is recommended that they follow some advice to avoid getting this terrible infection.

Healthy and rigorous diet during pregnancy

The main route of transmission is through food, usually ready-to-eat meals and cold cuts. A healthy and rigorous diet to reduce the risks.

For this, it is recommended to discuss your diet with your doctor.  Not all pregnancies are the same. Some women need more food than others. That is why it is better to define the diet with a specialist.

Regular cleaning of the refrigerator

To avoid listeriosis,  frequent cleaning and monitoring of the refrigerator temperature is recommended. A temperature below 5 ° C is ideal.

Regular hand washing

It is necessary to create the habit of washing hands with anti-bacterial soap and hot water  after handling fresh food. In addition, kitchen utensils should be cleaned frequently.

Separate raw and cooked foods

It is recommended to avoid the simultaneous handling of raw and cooked foods. In addition, it is important to pay special attention to washing fruits and vegetables before consumption. Foods must be cooked properly, especially red and white meats and seafood.

It is also necessary to reduce as much as possible the consumption of cold meats  and soft cheeses. The woman should preferably consume hard cheeses and yogurt.

If you want to reheat food, do it right. Listeriosis is eliminated at 100 ° C.

With measures, the risk of developing this infection will decrease. Logically, it is impossible to say that it will be completely eradicated. Nevertheless, prevention is still the best way to avoid any inconvenience – especially for pregnant women.