Pregnancy nutrition: 16 Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

9. Delicatessen meats and cold cuts

Pregnant women are often advised to avoid delicatessen meats and cold cuts due to the potential risk of foodborne illnesses, primarily caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Listeriosis, the illness caused by this bacterium, can be particularly harmful during pregnancy because it can lead to serious diseases and complications for the developing baby.

Delicatessen meats, such as ham, turkey, roast beef, and salami, are often sliced and stored at refrigeration temperatures. Listeria can survive and even thrive in cold environments, making these types of products a potential source of contamination. Listeriosis can cause mild flu-like symptoms in healthy adults, but it can lead to severe complications in pregnant women. These complications may include miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm labor, or severe illness in the newborn.

Pregnant women experience changes in their immune system that make them more susceptible to infections. Listeria can easily cross the placenta, infecting the developing fetus, and posing a significant risk. Cooking deli meats to steaming or bubbling can kill Listeria and reduce the risk of infection. However, deli meats are typically consumed cold or at room temperature, which means that they may not be heated adequately to eliminate the bacteria.