Chances of getting Listeria while pregnant?

Question

Does anyone know the chances of getting listeria while pregnant? I have eaten a few deli sandwiches, like salami. Should I really worry? My OB didn't even warn me about it - I read it on a baby website. She wasn't concerned enough to tell me to stay away from certain foods so I'm wondering if I should still worry.

Answer 1

Nah, don't worry. Everyone has a chance of getting listeria whether they are pregnant or not. I did ultimately ask my doctor about it and he said not to worry about it. If you tried to follow all the "don't do this while pregnant" rules, you'd end up living in a bubble. If it's salami you want, then salami you shall have!

Answer 2

I'm a sammich eating fool now that I'm pregnant! :) lol. For some reason I love love love turkey sandwiches (I used to hate turkey before). I wouldn't worry to much about it as long as you check the dates when you buy deli meat and just don't eat it if it's been out of the fridge for a long time or smells funny, etc. If you're very worried about deli meat...then just heat it in the microwave until it steams...then you should be good to go.

Avoid the obvious foods...raw sushi is obvious...things like deli meat can just make you afraid for no reason (at least I think so). It seems like everything can harm us these days...you keep reading about a new thing every day...it can make you paranoid! So go ahead and enjoy your sandwiches!

Answer 3

Don't worry about it too much. I also panicked about it at first, because I have this thing for Salami, and didn't know it can be dangerous until later. Although I try to avoid certain foods now, I always wonder about our parents - they didn't know about things like Listeria and yet we all turned out just fine :)

Make sure all your meat is properly cooked. No more medium-rare steaks :) Don't use any unpasturized diary products and wash all your fruit and veggies well.

Answer 4

I honestly had never heard of this until I was looking around at baby sites this past month or so. I already have 2 kids and Im SURE I ate deli meats while pregnant with both of them. I dont think it is something you should obsessively worry about though.....But then again Im not a doctor so if you are really concerned then just bring it up with your doctor.

Answer 5

I wouldn't worry about it, per se, but I also would avoid lunchmeat and unpastuerized dairy products.

Pregnant women are 10 times more likely to get food poisioning than are other healthy adults, in part because your body is more hospitable to bacteria while you are pregnant.

And don't forget, baby has no immune system -- so while you might just feel really sick, the baby would likely die if you got listeria.

I got food poisoning (from canteloupe) while pregnant, and I have never had it before I was pregnant. But the baby was fine (because it wasn't listeria poisoning) that I contracted.

But it was terrible and I was in the hospital for one day.
So it doesn't seem worth it to risk it.

Answer 6

I agree with everyone else, don't worry but don't take silly chances. Don't forget that soft cheeses like Brie are a risk for listeria too.

Answer 7

I don't think the chances are high... I think its just more precautionary. I really wouldn't worry... before I knew I was pregnant I was living on lunch meat sandwiches. (Cant STAND them now, lol) I would maybe just avoid those foods so you don't have to worry, but definitely don't worry about past intake. Good luck!

Answer 8

I don't think you should worry. Just don't eat any deli meats or unpasteurized dairy products and you should be fine.