Listeriosis & eating out

[Lilli]

I'm 19wks pregnant and have eaten out on several occasions, I have ordered salads (which may or may not have been washed) and didn't really think twice about illnesses like listeriosis, now I have read up on it, I feel a little anxious as apparently there can be no symptoms of this illness. I am now worried about the foods I have consumed in the past. How worried should I be, it is a very common illness? Is it really best to avoid eating out altogether? Does occasional loose stools mean that the food you have eaten has been contaminated?

[Mother Goose]

Hi Lilli,

I wouldn't stop eating out hon - ust pick foods you feel comfortable with and try to eat at places that you trust. The risk of listeria depends on the food itself. I recall Alan mentioning that you are more likely to get listeria during the THIRD trimester than the first two. Occassional lose bowels wouldn't necessarily be a sign that you have listeria as being pregnant in itself can do all kinds of wonderful things with your bowel movements. If you are at all worried that you have listeria, have a chat to your health care provider and see what they say. In the meantime, try and relax and rest assured that listeria is pretty rare.

HTH

MG

[pint]

I eat out but I makesure the food I consume has been thoroughly cooked.
My OB said Listeria is uncommon, 1 in a few thousand or something like that.
I wouldn't stop eating out cos I go crazy if I have to cook every single meal I eat.
Loose stool could mean too much fibre too.

[RhiChiChi]

My OBS said the same things as Pints - listeria is rare. Just be careful about your choices. If it doesn't look right, smell or taste right don't eat it

[Jacqui]

That is great advice. I felt like a rebel today as I had a Doner Kebab. But it all looked cleaned tidy, the staff were clean, the prep areas perfect.... it looked and tasted fresh.

I too would go mental if I had no t-away till the end of my pregnancy, I am finding that I am loving toasted avocado & cheese sandwiches though which is a pretty safe option.

[Lilli]

Ok, thanks guys, you have allayed my fears. Glad to hear that listeriosis is quite rare. I have a friend who just had a baby and she did not eat out once during her entire pregnancy - I suppose that's going too far though!