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Food Poisoning in Pregnancy: Complete Guide

Food poisoning during pregnancy — types, symptoms, when to get help, and prevention.

Food poisoning in pregnancy can be more serious than usual because pregnancy affects your immune system, making you more vulnerable to certain foodborne bacteria. In most cases, food poisoning during pregnancy is unpleasant but manageable. However, some types carry specific risks to your baby, and knowing which symptoms should prompt you to contact your midwife or GP is important.

Types of Food Poisoning That Are a Concern in Pregnancy

Several foodborne infections are of particular relevance during pregnancy:

Listeria (listeriosis): Caused by Listeria monocytogenes, this bacterium is found in soft, mould-ripened cheeses (such as brie, camembert, and blue cheeses), unpasteurised dairy products, pâté, and pre-packed sandwiches and deli meats that are eaten without further heating. Listeria is especially concerning in pregnancy because it can cross the placenta and cause miscarriage, premature birth, or serious illness in the newborn. Symptoms may be mild — flu-like aches, fever, and chills — which is one reason it can be missed. If you think you may have eaten a high-risk food and develop any flu-like symptoms, contact your GP promptly.

Salmonella: Found in raw or undercooked eggs, poultry, and meat, as well as some raw produce. Salmonella typically causes diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever. It does not usually cross the placenta directly, but severe dehydration and high fever can potentially affect the pregnancy.

Campylobacter: The most common cause of bacterial food poisoning in the UK. It is usually associated with undercooked poultry and unpasteurised milk. Symptoms include intense diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), stomach cramps, fever, and nausea.

E. coli (certain strains): Associated with undercooked minced beef, unpasteurised dairy, and contaminated water or salad produce. Symptoms vary by strain but can include bloody diarrhoea and severe stomach cramps.

Toxoplasmosis: While technically a parasitic infection rather than bacterial food poisoning, toxoplasmosis can be contracted from undercooked or raw meat and unwashed produce and carries specific risks in pregnancy. See our dedicated guide for more detail.

Symptoms to Look Out For

General food poisoning symptoms include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Stomach cramps or abdominal pain
  • Fever or chills
  • Headache and muscle aches

Symptoms typically begin within hours to a few days of eating contaminated food, depending on the cause.

When to Contact Your GP or Midwife

Contact your GP or midwife promptly if:

  • You have a fever above 38°C
  • Symptoms are severe or are not improving after 24 to 48 hours
  • You cannot keep fluids down and are at risk of dehydration
  • You have diarrhoea that contains blood
  • You have eaten a high-risk food (soft unpasteurised cheese, undercooked poultry, deli meats) and develop any symptoms even if they seem mild
  • You notice reduced fetal movements alongside your symptoms

Call 999 or go to A&E if you develop severe abdominal pain, have signs of serious dehydration (extreme dizziness, unable to pass urine, confusion), or feel very unwell very rapidly.

Looking After Yourself at Home

For mild symptoms that do not require urgent medical attention:

  • Stay well hydrated. Take small, frequent sips of water. Oral rehydration sachets (available from pharmacies) help replace lost salts and minerals and are safe in pregnancy.
  • Rest. Your body needs energy to fight the infection.
  • Eat bland, easy foods when you feel able — plain crackers, plain rice, or dry toast.
  • Avoid anti-diarrhoea medications such as loperamide without first checking with your GP or pharmacist, as not all are suitable in pregnancy.
  • Avoid anti-sickness medications without medical advice, for the same reason.

Paracetamol is generally considered safe in pregnancy for fever — check with your pharmacist or midwife if unsure about dosing.

Preventing Food Poisoning in Pregnancy

Prevention is straightforward and largely about careful food handling and knowing which foods to avoid:

  • Cook meat, poultry, and eggs thoroughly until there is no pink remaining and juices run clear.
  • Avoid high-risk foods: soft mould-ripened cheeses, unpasteurised dairy, raw shellfish, pâté, raw or lightly cooked eggs, and pre-packed deli meats that have not been heated.
  • Wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating, including pre-washed salads.
  • Wash hands before and after handling raw meat, and after using the toilet.
  • Keep raw and cooked foods separate in the fridge.
  • Follow use-by dates and do not eat food that has been stored for longer than recommended.
  • Keep your fridge at 5°C or below.

The NHS provides detailed guidance on foods to avoid in pregnancy, which is worth bookmarking as a reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I get food poisoning while pregnant?

Stay hydrated with water and oral rehydration sachets. Rest, eat bland foods when you can manage it, and monitor your symptoms carefully. Contact your GP or midwife if you have a high fever, cannot keep fluids down, symptoms are worsening after 48 hours, or you have eaten a high-risk food such as soft unpasteurised cheese. Do not take anti-diarrhoea or anti-nausea medication without checking with a healthcare professional first.

How do I prevent food poisoning in pregnancy?

Follow NHS food safety guidelines: cook all meat thoroughly, avoid high-risk foods (soft mould-ripened cheeses, raw shellfish, undercooked eggs, pâté, unpasteurised dairy), wash all fruit and vegetables, keep raw and cooked foods separate, and wash your hands regularly. Knowing which foods to avoid is genuinely the most effective protection.

Is listeria dangerous in pregnancy?

Listeria is of particular concern in pregnancy because it can cross the placenta and potentially cause miscarriage, premature birth, or serious illness in newborns. The risk from any single exposure to a listeria-containing food is low, but because the consequences can be serious, the NHS advises pregnant women to avoid high-risk foods including soft mould-ripened cheeses, pâté, and deli meats that are not heated before eating. If you have eaten a high-risk food and develop any flu-like symptoms — even mild ones — contact your GP promptly.

Always consult your midwife or GP for personalised advice about food safety and any symptoms you are concerned about during pregnancy.