Having food poisoning means that something consumed contained some type of bacteria, virus, or toxin that causes the body to react negatively1. This reaction is often characterized by vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea, making food poisoning during pregnancy a bit more complicated.

Safe eating is a very important issue for pregnant women, and for good reason—if a woman has food poisoning during pregnancy, it can be quite dangerous for the baby.

In the worst cases, food poisoning during pregnancy can cause miscarriage or premature birth. If a pregnant woman suspects or feels any symptoms of the illness, it is important to seek medical help as quickly as possible.
Unfortunately, pregnant women are more susceptible to food poisoning due to changes in metabolism and circulation.

Unfortunately, pregnant women are more susceptible to food poisoning due to changes in metabolism and circulation2.

In addition to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, common symptoms of food poisoning during pregnancy include:

  • Headache;
  • Fever;
  • Abdominal discomfort or pain;
  • Dehydration;
  • Bloody stools

With the constant changes that a woman’s body goes through during pregnancy, it can be difficult to know whether symptoms like nausea and vomiting are normal or part of food poisoning in pregnancy.

It is important to pay attention to symptoms that come on suddenly, or that seem unusual. If you’re not sure what you’re feeling, it’s best to consult a doctor to rule out an infection or virus.

Causes of Food Poisoning in Pregnancy

Poorly sanitized, expired, or improperly stored foods are one of the main causes of food poisoning during pregnancy. In addition, if the pregnant woman came into contact with something contaminated and then ate without washing her hands, this is also a risk factor.

The pregnant woman is more susceptible to foodborne illnesses during pregnancy because her immune system is altered. This lowered immune state is mostly because hormones are constantly changing.

The body’s priority at this moment is to help develop another life. Growing the baby is the body’s main mission, and most of the energy is directed toward this task.

For this reason, pregnant women need to be careful with what they eat and how the food is prepared. Also, the baby’s immune system is underdeveloped. If food poisoning does occur in pregnancy, it can be quite dangerous for the baby.

Types of Food Poisoning

The most common types of food poisoning are Listeria, E. Coli, and Salmonella. If left untreated, all of these types can be dangerous during pregnancy.

Complications of Food Poisoning During Pregnancy

Listeria can cause long-term neurological development problems in the baby. E. Coli infection can cause damage to the lining of blood vessels or kidney failure, often presenting with bloody stools.

Salmonella has the potential to cause meningitis, reactive arthritis, and bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream). In extreme cases, food poisoning can cause miscarriage or premature birth. For these reasons, it’s important to be careful about what you eat during pregnancy.

How Is Food Poisoning Diagnosed in Pregnancy?

Food poisoning during pregnancy is often diagnosed based on history and symptoms. If the pregnant woman ate something that smelled bad and became ill later, the doctor may conclude that the ingested food likely made her sick.

If she can’t think of anything that could have caused vomiting and diarrhea, it’s best to run tests to identify the cause.

Sometimes, when a group of people gets sick after eating a certain food, health authorities can track down and identify the source of infection by analyzing the suspicious food. This happens when there are large Salmonella outbreaks.

Treatment of Food Poisoning During Pregnancy

Dehydration is one of the most common complications of food poisoning during pregnancy. Due to constant diarrhea and vomiting, the body tends to lose a lot of fluids.

To replenish lost fluids, it is important to increase water intake. If you’re vomiting too much, start by slowly sipping water until it can be tolerated, then hydrate yourself gradually from there.

Keep in mind that the body is made up mostly of water, which is the master purifier—the substance that cleans and detoxifies the body. Keeping up consistent fluid intake will play a key role in how quickly you recover from illness.

Water is the most affordable and universally effective way to help your body heal. Ideally, consume clean, pure water from a reliable home filter or bottled mineral water.

It is important to inform your doctor if you become dehydrated. Severe dehydration during pregnancy may require hospitalization for medication or IV fluids.

How to Prevent Food Poisoning During Pregnancy?

Safe food practices are very important during pregnancy. To avoid getting sick, it’s best to follow all of your doctor’s guidelines when preparing food. Avoid foods that are not recommended during pregnancy, and remember to wash your hands thoroughly before preparing or eating food3.

There are several precautions you can take to minimize your chances of getting food poisoning during pregnancy. They are:

  • Keep raw foods separate from foods that are ready to eat.
  • Cook raw meat thoroughly. Use a meat thermometer if necessary. Some harmful bacteria cannot survive high temperatures.
  • Store perishable foods safely.
  • Pay attention to expiration dates.
  • Store food in the refrigerator to keep it fresher for longer.
  • Choose to thaw foods in the fridge instead of leaving them out at room temperature.
  • Avoid packaged meats whenever possible.
  • Wash fruits, vegetables, and greens thoroughly before eating.

Foods that should be avoided during pregnancy include:

  • Undercooked or raw meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs
  • Unpasteurized fruit or vegetable juices
  • Cured meats and cheeses
  • Packaged meats

IMPORTANT: Getting rid of food poisoning symptoms can be very tough, especially during pregnancy. Always talk to your doctor to decide on the best treatment approach.

Unfortunately, food poisoning can’t always be treated at home. The doctor may recommend and prescribe medication. More severe cases of food poisoning during pregnancy may require antibiotics.

Listeria during pregnancy is commonly treated through hospitalization, and intravenous antibiotics are almost always prescribed.
So, take care of yourself!

See also: What Not to Eat During Pregnancy?
Photos: aricjohnsonlive