Exposure to food-borne infections during pregnancy can be particularly dangerous for the health of both, the mother and the fetus. Τo make it clear we are talking about infections caused, according to HCDCP, when eating foods contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, viruses or parasites.

Due to increased progesterone production, cellular immunity - that is the main mechanism of action against food-borne infections - in a pregnant woman is reduced. Consequently, the pregnant woman becomes more exposed and vulnerable to these infections.

Certainly, many women who have gone through this stage of life or going through now, they have heard of toxoplasmosis, listeriosis or the infection from salmonella, which are three of the most common and most important infections during pregnancy. The effects of exposure to these pathogens are premature birth, abortion and congenital embryo infection (in the case of toxoplasmosis).

Prevention tips

So what do we have to do to avoid any unpleasant consequence?

• We wash our hands frequently. In any case before and after handling food, especially raw, when in contact with animals, and after using the toilet. Let's insist on meticulous hand washing, for at least 20 seconds, and to clean nails.
• Wash vegetables and fruits so as to remove all soil debris.
• We thoroughly clean the workbench and the utensils we use, especially when handling raw foods.
• When we eat outside (or outside our home in general) we ask whether our food contains raw ingredients (eg meat, fish, chicken, seafood). If so, we choose something different. We ask for grilled or cooked food, while we do not consume vegetables and fruits if we do not know how they are washed.
• If there is a cat in our area, avoid getting rid of its waste. If you cannot avoid it, wear gloves and then wash well.

The foods we are avoiding because of the possible Listeria infection include the following:

• Soft cheeses, especially if they are made from unpasteurized milk. If fully cooked they can be consumed though.
• Packaged grated cheese.
• Sausages and pate, as well as uncooked meat.
• Shallow shells, raw fish (sushi), smoked fish.

Information:

Nutrition Guides (http://diatrofikoiodigoi.gr/?page=egkimosini)

http://www2.keelpno.gr/blog/?p=4619

Aggeliki Koskeridou

Holistic Doctor – Counseling Psychotherapist

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

MSc c. Health Psychology

www.AggelikiKoskeridou.com

insta: dr_aggelikikoskeridou_official 

Tweet