Salmonella and Pregnancy: What Every Expectant Mother Needs to Know

The immune system undergoes alterations during pregnancy, making expectant mothers more susceptible to Salmonella infections.

Pregnancy is a time of joy and anticipation, but it’s also a period when women need to be extra cautious about their health. One particular concern is the risk of contracting a Salmonella infection, a type of foodborne illness caused by the Salmonella bacteria. Let’s explore why Salmonella infection can be harmful to pregnant women and why taking precautions is crucial for a healthy pregnancy.

Salmonella

Salmonella is a bacterium that causes infections and can lead to various symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, headaches, muscle pains, and even blood in the stool. There is an incubation period—the time it takes for the multiplying bacteria to reach a threshold necessary to produce symptoms since exposure—for salmonella infection which typically ranges from six hours to six days.

Increased Risk for Pregnant Women

While anyone can be affected by Salmonella, pregnant women face additional risks due to the changes occurring in their bodies. The immune system undergoes alterations during pregnancy, making expectant mothers more susceptible to Salmonella infections. Moreover, the hormonal fluctuations and stress that accompany pregnancy can further compromise the body’s ability to fight off infections.

Complications and Dangers

Salmonella infection during pregnancy can pose serious risks to both the mother and the unborn baby. The mother may experience dehydration and other complications, requiring medical attention. Additionally, the infection can potentially cross the placenta and infect the foetus, leading to various adverse outcomes. These can include:

• preterm birth
• chorioamnionitis (inflammation of the foetal membranes)
• meningitis
• hydrocephaly (build-up of fluid in the brain)
• developmental delays
• microcephaly (abnormally small head size)
• sepsis

Prompt medical intervention is essential to minimize the potential harm to both mother and baby.

Modes of Transmission

Salmonella infection can occur through various routes:

• Consuming undercooked or raw foods, particularly proteins like poultry, eggs, meat, and fish, as well as raw dairy products. This is by far the most common source of infection.
• Contaminated fruits and vegetables can also harbour Salmonella, emphasizing the importance of thorough washing before consumption.
• Contact with infected animals, such as reptiles (like lizards, turtles, and snakes) and livestock (like chickens, geese, and ducks). Proper hand hygiene is crucial when handling these animals to minimize the risk of exposure.

Prevention and Precautions

Taking preventive measures is crucial to reduce the risk of Salmonella infection during pregnancy. Pregnant women should avoid consuming undercooked or raw foods, including eggs, poultry, meat, fish, and unpasteurized dairy products. It’s essential to ensure that all foods are cooked thoroughly to kill any potential bacteria. Practicing proper food hygiene, such as washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly and avoiding cross-contamination, is also essential. Additionally, pregnant women should exercise caution when handling animals, especially reptiles and livestock, and wash their hands thoroughly afterward.