What Happens If I Get Salmonella While Pregnant?

A safe and healthy pregnancy is a top priority for any mother-to-be. You want to practice proper exercise, diet, and follow health recommendations to keep your baby well. The Athens community has plenty of opportunities to promote health and wellness during pregnancy. Talk to your OB/GYN about safe exercises while pregnant and stay active at local fitness centers such as Athens-McMinn Family YMCA or take a walk on the Eureka Trail for some free exercise. Stay informed of what kind of diet to follow and what local restaurants will meet your needs.

When it comes to healthy eating, it’s about more than just nutrition. You need to avoid foodborne illnesses, such as salmonella, that could put you or your baby at risk. This common and potentially serious bacterial infection is usually contracted through eating contaminated foods. The good news is there are a few easy ways to help avoid getting this type of food poisoning. Discover how to spot the signs of salmonella and the best ways to prevent it.

How Can You Tell If You Have Salmonella?

It’s not always easy to identify food poisoning when you are pregnant. Nausea and tiredness often accompany pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Salmonella infections can manifest similarly, but there are a few symptoms to watch out for.

Common Salmonella Symptoms

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Chills
• Fever

It’s possible not to experience any symptoms, but most people will have one or more of these between 8 and 72 hours (about 3 days) of exposure.

Prevent Food Poisoning During Pregnancy

There are easy ways to help prevent salmonella infections, particularly when it comes to food preparation and consumption. Follow these practices:

• Don’t eat raw or undercooked meat, fish, or eggs.
• Don’t eat unpasteurized food or drink (especially watch out for milk and other dairy products).
• Avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen and keep a clean, sanitary cooking area.
• Wash vegetables and fruit thoroughly before eating.

If you prefer your eggs sunny side up or an appetizer of raw oysters, think again. While you are pregnant, it is best to avoid undercooked foods that you may normally enjoy.

How to Treat Food Poisoning

If you suspect food poisoning, contact your doctor with guidance on how to treat your symptoms. Most cases can be treated from home with a focus on rest and staying hydrated. Dehydration is common with food poisoning cases, so drink as much water and clear fluid as you can without throwing it back up.

When to See Your Doctor

If symptoms worsen or dehydration persists it is time to seek further medical attention. See your doctor immediately if the following symptoms occur:

• High fever (102 degrees or more)
• Inability to quench thirst and stay hydrated
• Severe stomach pain
• Bloody or black stools
• Symptoms persist longer than 6 days

Severe cases of salmonella are rare, but there is always a risk of passing it to your baby which could result in serious long-term health problems. There is also a slight chance of pregnancy complications including early delivery and, in some cases, miscarriage.

Ensure a Healthy Pregnancy

Food poisoning is common and usually not severe, even with pregnancy. Do not panic if you suspect food poisoning – follow the best practices for treating food poisoning at home, and if you become concerned with your symptoms, contact a healthcare professional. For questions regarding the health of your baby, get in touch with your OB/GYN. Avoid salmonella infection with proper food preparation and guard what you consume.

If you have questions or concerns, visit AFC Urgent Care Athens today.