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Raw or undercooked meat
Raw or undercooked meat, including beef, poultry, pork, and seafood, may contain harmful bacteria and parasites like Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Toxoplasma. These pathogens can lead to foodborne illnesses, particularly severe during pregnancy due to a weakened immune system.
Foodborne illnesses in pregnant women can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. These symptoms can lead to complications like preterm labor, which increases the risk of premature birth. They can also affect the developing fetus. Listeria, for example, can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious health issues in newborns. Toxoplasma infection can result in birth defects and developmental problems.
Pregnancy hormones can slow down digestion and weaken the stomach’s ability to process certain foods properly. This may increase the risk of foodborne pathogens surviving and causing illness.