Re: I have a listeria question. . .

Re: I have a listeria question. . .

What's the deal with hot dogs though?? I have been absolutely loving my Boar's head lite hot dogs lately. If it's heated really well in the oven is it really a risk?

Re: I have a listeria question. . .

Re: I have a listeria question. . .

Re: I have a listeria question. . .

Re: I have a listeria question. . .

here is some information on Listeria. If you look at the amount of people who contract listeria, and the amount of that that are pregnant it will give you a good understanding of the actual risk.

What is Listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that is found in water and soil. Vegetables can become contaminated from the soil, and animals can also be carriers. Listeria has been found in uncooked meats, uncooked vegetables, unpasteurized milk, foods made from unpasteurized milk, and processed foods. Listeria is killed by pasteurization and cooking. There is a chance that contamination may occur in ready-to-eat foods such as hot dogs and deli meats because contamination may occur after cooking and before packaging.1

What are the risks of a pregnant woman getting listeriosis?
According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 2,500 persons become seriously ill each year in the United States and among these, 500 will die. According to research, pregnant women account for 27% of these cases. CDC claims that pregnant women are 20 times more likely to become infected than non-pregnant healthy adults.

How will I know if I have listeriosis?
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 stiff neck, disorientation, or convulsions. Infection can occur at any time during pregnancy, but it is most common during the third trimester when your immune system is somewhat suppressed. Be sure to contact your health care provider if you experience any of these symptoms.

Message edited 12/16/2009 2:56:15 PM.

Re: I have a listeria question. . .

Posted by katiebug

Posted by lucamon

I don't want to scare anyone but this actually happened to my friend's sister. She was 37 weeks pregnant and decided she is far enough along that a cold cut sandwich won't do any harm. Well, about 1 hour after she had her sandwich she started having terrible cramps. She was on the subway at the time and thought she was going into labor. She was rushed to the hospital. It turned out that she had listeria. They performed an emergency c-section on her. Two hours later her baby die because the infection went to the brain and there was nothing they can do to safe the baby. I know this probably happens to one in a million but when you know this happened to someone you know, I am stick by the rules. No cold cuts for 9 months. I can do it! When I crave it, I have a BLT instead.

I am so sorry for your friend. It sounds like she caught it before the cold cuts because it takes more then an hour to set in, but none the less it is unbelievably sad.

It is not that I do not take Listeria seriously, I do. It is the fact that you can catch Listeria from literally ANYTHING. If you eat fresh and healthy your risks are minimal. Truth is, I put myself and my child more at risk every time I get into the car.

My point is, nutrition is more important then scaring women about every little thing they consume. But again, this is what I am comfortable with, from not only my midwives but from my own self education. Every one has to do what they feel comfortable with.

Re: I have a listeria question. . .

I have another question. So, if you heat up the cold cuts, then it's okay to eat?
Before I found out about listeria, I used to eat a ham and egg sandwich for breakfast every morning.

Re: I have a listeria question. . .

Re: I have a listeria question. . .

Cold cuts are not an issue for me. My Dr said not too much bc of the sodium, but other wise enjoy and I do!

Re: I have a listeria question. . .

Re: I have a listeria question. . .

Re: I have a listeria question. . .

I ate certain cold cuts throughout my pregnancy- moreso this time around with DS than with Maddie... I didn't eat so many processed cold cuts but did eat turkey breast and roast beef- which I don't really count as cold cuts anyway.

although - I did have a few pieces of italian hero- which I think was a "no no"- especially for all the salt in the salami and what not- but I couldn't help myself.

I found the same research that a PP found- the 27% of 2500 number- and I thought if you are eating the cold cuts from a reputable place that sells a lot of cold cuts- the risks were probably super low.

Re: I have a listeria question. . .

Re: I have a listeria question. . .

Re: I have a listeria question. . .

One of the posts referred to raw veggetables and listeria.

I have been eating raw baby organic carrots. Is this another no no?

Why do I always find out AFTER wards?

I'm feeling like there's nothing left for me to eat!!!

Re: I have a listeria question. . .

Posted by MrsKS

One of the posts referred to raw veggetables and listeria.

I have been eating raw baby organic carrots. Is this another no no?

Why do I always find out AFTER wards?

I'm feeling like there's nothing left for me to eat!!!

Re: I have a listeria question. . .

Posted by katiebug

Posted by MrsKS

One of the posts referred to raw veggetables and listeria.

I have been eating raw baby organic carrots. Is this another no no?

Why do I always find out AFTER wards?

I'm feeling like there's nothing left for me to eat!!!

This is what I was saying before. You can catch it anywhere from basically everything. Malnutrition is a bigger concern when it comes to not eating things like carrots out of fear of Listeria.

If you are really that concerned talk to your doctor.

Re: I have a listeria question. . .

What? You can't have carrots? That's ridiculous!

Re: I have a listeria question. . .

my motto is everything in moderation. i try to stay away from cold cuts, but i will have a roast beef sandwich and a tuna sandwich every now and then. i think everyone needs to go with what they are comfortable with.

Re: I have a listeria question. . .

my doc felt very strongly about not eating coldcuts so I don't. she doesn't insist on many things so I listen to her. I didn't eat hotdogs at ALL during my first pregnancy, this time I've already had 3 or 4, I don't know why I have been craving them!

I have a listeria question. . .

I'm not sure if this post was started bc of my post this morning but I have to say I'm not crazy paranoid about listeria. I was only worried bc I had eaten a deli sandwich two days earlier and then was vomiting with stomach cramps early this morning. I eat healthy and fresh foods even when I'm not pregnant so why not continue now? But when my husband and I eat at my parents' house on Sundays if I am feeling okay I will take a sip of my husband's wine. Literally one sip. Bc that little bit of alcohol won't even reach baby. But listeria can kill your baby so it's something to be mindful of. I totally disagree with just doing what our parents' generation did. Just look at the rates of FAS from then. It is real. They also put babies to sleep on their bellies and the rate of SIDS was much higher. Those are the facts. Just because we survived it doesn't mean all the other babies did.

I have a listeria question. . .

The last several listeria outbreaks were from fruit and vegetables, not coldcuts or pasteurized cheeses. Would I eat queso fresco or imported soft cheese when preg? Prob not. But I was comfortable eating boars head cold cuts all the time during pregnancy. To each her own.

I have a listeria question. . .

This post is 4 years old...you were the one who bumped it!

Re: I have a listeria question. . .