Salmonella in Pregnancy: Guide
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes food poisoning, and it is sensible to be a little more careful about it during pregnancy. The good news is that salmonella does not usually reach or directly harm your baby. The main concern is how unwell it can make you, particularly the dehydration that comes with repeated vomiting and diarrhoea. With a few simple food-safety habits, the risk is very low, and most cases settle with rest and plenty of fluids.
Symptoms And When To Seek Help
Salmonella symptoms usually appear within a few hours to a few days of eating contaminated food and can include:
- Diarrhoea, sometimes with stomach cramps
- Feeling sick or being sick
- A high temperature (fever)
- Headache and generally feeling unwell
Most people start to feel better within about a week. Because dehydration is the main risk in pregnancy, sip fluids regularly even if you do not feel like it. Contact your GP or call NHS 111 if you cannot keep any fluids down, your symptoms are severe or not improving after a couple of days, you notice blood in your stool, you have a high fever, or you feel very weak or faint. Always trust your instincts and seek advice if you are worried about your baby's movements later in pregnancy.
How To Lower Your Risk
Salmonella is typically found in raw or undercooked eggs, poultry and meat, and can spread through cross-contamination in the kitchen. To reduce the risk:
- Cook poultry, meat and eggs thoroughly until piping hot all the way through
- In the UK, eggs with the British Lion stamp are considered safe to eat runny or raw; eggs without it should be cooked until both white and yolk are solid
- Wash your hands, chopping boards and utensils well after handling raw meat or eggs
- Keep raw and cooked foods separate, and store food in the fridge promptly
- Avoid unpasteurised dairy and check use-by dates
Frequently Asked Questions
Can salmonella harm my baby?
Salmonella rarely crosses the placenta, so it is unlikely to harm your baby directly. The bigger concern is dehydration from vomiting and diarrhoea, which can make you very unwell. Keep sipping fluids and contact your GP or NHS 111 if your symptoms are severe or not settling.
How do I avoid salmonella in pregnancy?
Cook eggs, poultry and meat thoroughly, wash your hands and surfaces after handling raw food, keep raw and cooked foods apart, and avoid unpasteurised products. In the UK, British Lion stamped eggs are considered safe to eat less than fully cooked.
What should I do if I think I have it?
Focus on staying hydrated with small, frequent sips of water. Rest, and avoid anti-diarrhoea medicines unless a pharmacist or doctor has said they are suitable in pregnancy. Get medical advice if you cannot keep fluids down or your symptoms are worsening.
Always speak to your midwife or GP for advice tailored to your circumstances.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Related articles: