Food poisoning-a menace in pregnancy

When you are pregnant, an experience with food poisoning can be quite harmful, especially because it does not only harm you but the baby you are carrying as well who is more vulnerable.

That is why any sign of food poisoning should see you at the doctor’s ASAP. Quick treatment with antibiotics may prevent complications—the major being dehydration.

Symptoms
o Fever and chills
o Body aches, abdominal cramps or upset
o Nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting
o Severe headache o Neck stiffness
o Joint and muscle aches and pains o Mild cough and cold

Potential danger
o Transfer of infection to the unborn child
o Stillbirth
o Child born very ill (diarrhoea, fever, meningitis)
o Miscarriage o Premature delivery
o Congenital malformations

Types of bacteria causing food poisoning
o Clostridium (Botulirion. perfringens)
o S. coli
o Salmonella
o Campylobacteriosis
o Listeria
o Shigella

Types of parasites causing food poisoning
o Toxoplasmosis
o Neliriuetriabis

Some micro-organisms are more capable of causing illness to the foetus than others. In a case like listeriosis (caused by listeria), both the mother and baby can get dangerously ill. The more ill the mother gets, the more the risk the unborn child is exposed to. It is also important to note that lysteria has rapid growth even in the refrigerator.

Non-living contaminants like lead, mercury and other heavy metals can also be culprits of food poisoning.

Recovery
After treatment, one may have a quick recovery or a protracted one depending on the type or extent of the poisoning. A lot of rest Is required to hasten the recuperation.

Avoiding food poisoning all together is the best option. This is done by:
o Good food hygiene.
o Avoiding raw or smoked food, chilled precooked food, pre-packed salads. Food should be thoroughly cooked.
o Buying food within the ‘sell by’ date,
o Avoiding un-pasteurized milk or its products,
o Ensuring that meat, dairy products or fish are stored below 40 degrees in the fridge,
o Washing your hands before preparing and eating meals.
o Washing the vegetables thoroughly before preparing them.
o Avoiding raw eggs and its products,
o Serving food immediately after preparation.

The fatality of food poisoning in pregnancy generally depends on the kind of food poisoning as mentioned, the stage of pregnancy and the general health of the mother and the unborn child.

END: PG21/42-43