Listeriosis, caused by resilient Listeria bacteria, is typically mild but dangerous for pregnant women, potentially harming the fetus. This bacterium withstands cold temperatures and can contaminate entire refrigerators. Health authorities recommend avoiding all raw, undercooked, or smoked foods. Skip tartares, carpaccios, sushi, maki, sashimi, and other raw fish. Steer clear of raw shellfish, crustaceans, surimi, and tarama. For charcuterie, eliminate rillettes, pâtés, foie gras, and jellied products. Dairy choices matter too: ban raw milk, raw-milk cheeses, artisanal cheeses, and cheese rinds. Also avoid raw eggs and sprouted seeds like soybeans.
Toxoplasmosis can cause serious fetal malformations. A simple early-pregnancy blood test checks your immunity. If not immune, rigorously follow these guidelines: Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with vinegar and peel them. Avoid raw or undercooked meats and raw-milk products, which transmit toxoplasmosis and listeriosis. Prioritize well-cooked meats and fish for balanced nutrition, but limit mercury-rich species like swordfish, marlin, siki, shark, and lamprey to safeguard your baby's development.
