Food Poisoning And Pregnancy

So you are pregnant. The urge to hog on enticing and tempting junk and unhygienic food has finally arrived. But remember, whatever food you eat directly affects the health of your baby. And needless to say, each of you expectant mothers want healthy babies, right? If that is what you seriously wish for, stop finding excuses to pop in some junk all the time. Know that you would be gifting yourself with nothing other than stomach upsets and food poisoning! Though most pregnant women often complain of mild food poisoning, a severe form can turn extremely fatal, leading to stillbirth and even miscarriage. Nonetheless, these complications can be prevented by taking appropriate precautionary measures and prompt actions. Check out the symptoms of food poisoning during pregnancy and how to avoid them.

Symptoms Of Food Poisoning In Pregnancy

The symptoms of food poisoning in pregnancy are similar to the symptoms complained by any other person affected with the same problem. A rise in the body temperature, vomiting, headache, stomach pain, and fever are some of the most common symptoms. However, some pregnant women can also complain of nausea, bloody stools, chills, diarrhea, and dehydration. Though a mild food poisoning may not be harmful, in severe cases, it can put a lot of stress on the growing fetus. And if not treated early, it can lead to fetal death of the baby or cause the baby to suffer from breathing problems and meningitis after its birth. If you happen to notice any symptoms of food poisoning, consult your doctor at the earliest for immediate help.

Precautions To Avoid Food Poisoning In Pregnancy

Practice proper cleanliness and hygiene all over your home, especially the kitchen and dining areas and the refrigerator.
Pets are carriers of infections. Thus, no matter how harsh it might sound, keep them away from the kitchen.
Ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly before cooking food and before settling down to eat it.
Rinse and wash vegetables and raw meat thoroughly before using them in the preparation.
Sterilize the cooking utensils properly by using hot soapy water. Further, wash the dish clothes completely every day at the highest possible temperature.
Consuming undercooked animal products is another cause of food poisoning. Thus, make sure that the meat and poultry are cooked well. Also, avoid taking raw fish, dry meat, and unpasteurized milk products.
Any remaining cooked food should be consumed at the earliest. Do not keep preserving it in the refrigerator.
Never consume salads sold on roadsides that contain seafood, ham, tuna, eggs, and chicken. They do not guarantee complete hygiene and you are not even sure about their quality. Then, why take the risk?
Avoid using refrigerated cheese spreads and meat spreads.
Hot dogs, luncheon meats, and deli meats should be avoided to most. However, if you cannot control your craving, reheat them until steaming hot before consuming.

Even a minute ignorance can lead to major complications for you and your baby. Observance of any uneasy signs should be informed to a doctor immediately.

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