Pregnant women really bring out the interfering worry mongers in people. If you so much as lift a ham sandwich to your lips, someone is ready to snatch it away, shouting about listeria. Why the fuss?
This is what Joburg registered dietitian Leigh-Ann Silber has to say:
“When you fall pregnant, your immune system changes, so that it can protect both you and your developing baby. Some parts of your immune system are enhanced, while others are suppressed.
“This creates a balance that can protect your growing baby from infections and keep you healthy at the same time.
However, this puts you at greater risk of contracting food-borne illnesses. For example, pregnant women are 20 times more likely than other healthy adults to develop listeriosis. The developing baby is at great risk when you contract a food-borne illness while pregnant. Even if it appears to be mild, it can have a detrimental effect on the baby, on you – and deprive the baby of nourishment.”
So, to keep yourself and your baby safe, this does mean you should avoid
