What should I do if I ate deli meat while pregnant?

Can you eat lunch meat from the deli while pregnant?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises that pregnant women “avoid eating hot dogs, lunch meats, cold cuts, other deli meats (such as bologna), or fermented or dry sausages unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot just before serving.”

How do you know if you have Listeria while pregnant?

Symptoms of listeriosis may show up 2-30 days after exposure. Symptoms in pregnant women include mild flu-like symptoms, headaches, muscle aches, fever, nausea, and vomiting. If the infection spreads to the nervous system it can cause a stiff neck, disorientation, or convulsions.

What deli meat is safe during pregnancy?

The deli meats that are safe are those that have been dried and salted, such as pepperoni and salami. We should avoid consuming as sold products that have not been dried, such as bologna, wieners (hot dog), roast beef and sliced turkey breast.

What happens if you get Listeria while pregnant?

During pregnancy, a listeria infection is likely to cause only mild signs and symptoms in the mother. The consequences for the baby, however, can be devastating — the baby can die in the womb or have a life-threatening infection within a few days of being born.

What are the odds of getting Listeria while pregnant?

Pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than other healthy adults. An estimated 1/6 of all Listeria cases occur in pregnant women.

What are the first signs of Listeria?

Listeriosis can cause mild, flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, and diarrhea or upset stomach. You also may have a stiff neck, headache, confusion, or loss of balance. Symptoms may appear as late as 2 months after you have eaten something with Listeria. Many pregnant women do not have any symptoms.

Has anyone had Listeria while pregnant?

Good news—they’re very low. It’s true that pregnant women have an increased risk of contracting listeriosis, but the real risk is still tiny. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 1,600 cases of listeriosis in the United States each year.

Can you test for Listeria while pregnant?

A doctor will suspect listeriosis if you are pregnant and have a fever or flu-like symptoms. Listeria is difficult to diagnose. Your doctor will try to confirm a diagnosis by performing a blood culture to test for presence of the bacteria. They may ask you questions about your symptoms and what you’ve eaten recently.

What kind of sandwiches can a pregnant woman eat?

Recommended Reading. Sandwiches: Wraps, paninis, double-deckers — no matter what type of sandwich you crave, make it a healthy one, with lean protein, fiber and whole grains. Fill it to the seams with greens so you optimize your lunch.

Can you eat salami sandwich while pregnant?

While it’s best to avoid deli meats like salami during your pregnancy, if you must eat them, make sure they’re thoroughly heated to prevent the risk of contracting a foodborne pathogen. And if you have any symptoms of infection, contact your OB-GYN right away to ensure the safety of you and your baby.

How long do you microwave deli meat when pregnant?

It’s the Listeria you have to worry about if you eat them cold or at room temperature. Microwave them for a minute, taking care to microwave any plate you set them on as well. Or you can cook them in a pan until they get to 165 degrees.