Food
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At-a-Glance
All you need to know about food safety during pregnancy. Also available in Spanish > En español > |
What is foodborne illness?
- It's a sickness that occurs when people eat or drink harmful microorganisms (bacteria, parasites, viruses) or chemical contaminants found in some foods or drinking water.
- Symptoms vary, but in general can include: stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headache, or body aches. Sometimes you may not feel sick, but whether you feel sick or not, you can still pass the illness to your unborn child without even knowing it.
Why are pregnant women at high risk?
- You and your growing fetus are at high risk from some foodborne illnesses because during pregnancy your immune system is weakened, which makes it harder for your body to fight off harmful foodborne microorganisms.
- Your unborn baby's immune system is not developed enough to fight off harmful foodborne microorganisms.
- For both mother and baby, foodborne illness can cause serious health problems - or even death.
There are many bacteria that can cause foodborne illness, such as E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella. Here are 4 Simple Steps you should follow to keep yourself and your baby healthy during pregnancy and beyond!
1. Clean
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2. Separate
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3. Cook
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4. Chill
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3 Foodborne Risks for Pregnant Women
As a mom-to-be, there are 3 specific foodborne risks that you need to be aware of. These risks can cause serious illness or death to you or your unborn child. Follow these steps to help ensure a healthy pregnancy.
1. Listeria |
What it is: A harmful bacterium that can grow at refrigerator temperatures where most other foodborne bacteria do not. It causes an illness called listeriosis. Where it's found: Refrigerated, ready-to-eat foods and unpasteurized milk and milk products. |
How to prevent illness:
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2. Methylmercury |
What it is: A metal that can be found in certain fish. At high levels, it can be harmful to an unborn baby's developing nervous system. Where it's found: Large, long-lived fish, such as shark, tilefish, king mackerel, and swordfish. |
How to prevent illness:
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3. Toxoplasma |
What it is: A harmful parasite. It causes an illness called toxoplasmosis that can be difficult to detect. Where it's found: Raw and undercooked meat; unwashed fruits and vegetables; soil; dirty cat-litter boxes; and outdoor places where cat feces can be found. |
How to prevent illness:
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For More Information:
- See your doctor or health-care provider if you have questions about foodborne illness.
- FDA Food Information Line: 1-888-SAFE-FOOD.
- FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition: http://www.fda.gov/Food/
- Gateway to Government Food Safety Information: www.foodsafety.gov
- U.S. Partnership for Food Safety Education: www.fightbac.org
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