Signs & Symptoms of Listeriosis in Pregnancy

Listeriosis is an illness that can show up anywhere from two to 30 days after exposure to a specific type of bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes. This bacteria can be found in soil or carried by animals, making a lot of common foods potential carriers for listeria. Avoiding uncooked meats and vegetables, unpasteurized milk and foods made from unpasteurized dairy products can reduce your chances of developing listeriosis during pregnancy.

  1. Headaches, Fever and Muscle Aches

    • Flu-like symptoms are a sign of a developing bout of listeriosis. These symptoms can develop within one month of exposure to the bacteria, so a mystery headache or run down feeling may have a deeper cause. Headaches are a common listeriosis sign, as are muscle aches and fever. These symptoms are similar to the common cold or the flu and it is important to monitor any signs of these problems and report them to your doctor as soon as possible, since untreated listeriosis can harm your unborn baby.

    Nausea and Vomiting

    • Nausea and vomiting are two more signs and symptoms of listeriosis in pregnancy. These symptoms can be confused with the typical morning sickness or nausea found in early pregnancy and may be overlooked at first. If nausea and vomiting are paired with flu-like symptoms--such as headaches, fever, chills and dizziness--these symptoms should be reported to your doctor immediately.

    Serious Symptoms

    • Listeriosis can become severe if it is left untreated. Pregnant women will begin developing more serious symptoms of the condition if this is the case. The infection can spread to the nervous system and will begin affecting motor control. Signs of severe listeriosis include a stiff neck, disorientation and convulsions. These signs and symptoms of listeriosis require immediate medical attention. Listeriosis can be passed onto an infant or cause miscarriage, premature labor or even be fatal to the baby.

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