Listeriosis, caused by resilient Listeria bacteria, is typically mild but dangerous for pregnant women, potentially affecting the baby. These bacteria withstand cold temperatures and can contaminate an entire refrigerator. To minimize risks, eliminate raw, undercooked, or smoked foods. Skip tartares, carpaccios, sushi, maki, sashimi, raw shellfish, crustaceans, surimi, and tarama. Avoid charcuterie like rillettes, pâtés, foie gras, and jellied products. For dairy, steer clear of raw milk, raw-milk cheeses, artisanal cheeses, and cheese rinds. Also ban raw or undercooked eggs and raw sprouted seeds such as soybeans.
Toxoplasmosis can cause serious fetal malformations. A simple early-pregnancy blood test determines immunity. If not immune, follow these expert guidelines meticulously. Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables with vinegar and peel them. Avoid raw or undercooked meats, fish, and unpasteurized dairy products, which carry risks of toxoplasmosis and listeriosis. Prioritize well-cooked meats and fish for balanced nutrition, but limit high-mercury species like swordfish, marlin, siki, shark, and lamprey to protect your child.
