Hey there! If you’re expecting, there are some food choices you really need to be careful about. A recent listeria outbreak linked to deli meats and cheeses serves as a crucial reminder that certain foods can pose a higher risk of contamination. Just last week, the CDC reported that 16 people in six states fell ill due to listeria connected to deli items like cold cuts, lunch meats, hot dogs, and pâtés—all of which can harbor Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
Now, listeria is sneaky; it can survive in restaurant display cases and even on kitchen surfaces, making its way onto our food. If you happen to eat something contaminated, you could end up with listeriosis, which can be particularly troublesome for pregnant women. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant individuals are 10 times more likely to contract listeriosis, and the repercussions can be serious. Experts suggest that expectant moms avoid deli meats, unpasteurized dairy, smoked seafood, and even alfalfa sprouts, as these foods are more likely to be unsafe.
We chatted with Lisa Hartman, an epidemiologist from the CDC, to dig deeper into why deli meats should be off-limits during pregnancy. She emphasized that while the overall risk of listeriosis is low, the potential complications during pregnancy make it crucial to take precautions. If you’re curious about more tips for a healthy pregnancy, you might want to check out this article on home insemination.
And if you’re looking for a reliable resource on conception, this site has a great conception date calculator. You can also find valuable information about pregnancy and home insemination on this page.
To sum it up, while indulging in your favorite deli sandwich might sound tempting, it’s best to hold off on deli meats and cheeses during pregnancy to protect yourself and your baby from potential health risks.