Community› The Bump Message Boards› Food & Nutrition
Food & Nutrition
New Discussion

How does food poisoning hurt the fetus?

mauvelousonemauvelousone member
in Food & Nutrition
Hundreds of resources will tell you that pregnant women are at a higher risk for Listeria and other foodborne illnesses, and that these can damage the baby. But I can't find any resources that tell me how. Does the bacteria penetrate the placenta and get to the fetus? Or is it just the fact that if I'm sick, I get dehydrated and the baby suffers?
(I'm getting a lot of "Back in my day we ate raw meat seasoned with broken glass during pregnancy" from the old people in my life and I'd like to explain to them why that's not a thing I'm doing.)

Thanks!
Report Reply to Post

Re: How does food poisoning hurt the fetus?

  • changeroscoechangeroscoe member
    I cant just imagine this, be safe 
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • devana0616devana0616 member
    Listeria can cross the placenta and affect the fetus, which is what makes it very dangerous for pregnant women. Not all bacteria can cross the placenta. https://www.fda.gov/food/health-educators/listeria-food-safety-moms-be
    Report Reply
  • viktraaaviktraaa member
    Be safe really!
    Report Reply
  • nikiznbnikiznb member
    I don't think that if one day you have food poisoning, it will somehow affect the fetus. I myself did not have such an experience. In most cases, I cooked myself, drank vitamins from https://www.canadapharmacy.com/ for pregnant women and followed all important rules during pregnancy. And I often went to the doctor because I was probably too worried haha
    Report Reply
  • _beckywhite__beckywhite_ member
    I understand your concern about the risks of foodborne illnesses during pregnancy. The reason why pregnant woman are at a higher risk is that the immune system goes through changes to accommodate the developing baby, making the mother more susceptible to certain infections.

    The bacteria that cause listeriosis, such as Listeria monocytogenes, can indeed cross the placental barrier and directly infect the fetus. This can lead to serious complications, including misscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, and life-threatening infections in the newborn.

    It's not just about the mother getting dehydrated or ill - the bacteria can directly impact the fetus. This is why it's so important for pregnant women to be extra cautious about food safety and avoid high-risk foods like unpasteurized dairy, raw or undercooked meat, and unwashed produce.

    I understand the pressure from older generations, but the scientific evidence is clear on the need for pregnant woman to take these precautions. Hopefully, this explanation helps you have a constructive conversation with the people in your life and emphasize the importance of protecting both you and your baby during this time.  :)
    Report Reply
Sign In or Register to comment.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"