Listeria in Pregnancy: Risks, Prevention, and Management
Updated: 3 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Listeria is a serious bacterial infection that poses significant risks during pregnancy, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and severe illness in newborns. It is mainly caught from contaminated foods such as deli meats, soft cheeses, and unpasteurized dairy. Symptoms are often flu-like, such as fever and muscle aches, though some infections cause no symptoms at all. Prevention focuses on strict food safety and avoiding high-risk items, and prompt antibiotic treatment after a suspected exposure can reduce the risk of complications for both the pregnant person and the baby [1].
Quick Answer: What is listeria in pregnancy?
Listeria infection in pregnancy, or listeriosis, is a bacterial infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes that is especially dangerous for pregnant people and their babies. Spread through contaminated food, it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth or life-threatening newborn infection, even without maternal symptoms. It is treated with antibiotics. Avoid high-risk foods and heat deli meats until steaming. [1] [2]
What the research says
Listeriosis in pregnancy is rare but serious, and prevention is the best protection. An umbrella review of nine systematic reviews covering 330 studies found that infections were most likely in the third trimester (66%) rather than the first trimester (3%), that symptoms are mostly fever and flu-like complaints, that diagnosis is mainly by culture of the bacteria, and that intravenous amoxicillin or ampicillin were first-line treatment. Prevention relied on strict dietary advice such as reheating leftovers until steaming and avoiding unpasteurized dairy products (Khsim et al., BJOG, 2022 [2]).
Few pregnancies with listeriosis end without complications. In a French national prospective cohort of 818 listeriosis cases, including 107 maternal-neonatal infections, only 5 of 107 pregnant women (5%) had an uneventful outcome, and 26 (24%) had a fetal loss, which never occurred after 29 weeks of gestation or more than 2 days after hospital admission (Charlier et al., Lancet Infect Dis, 2017 [3]).
Hospital admissions for pregnancy-related listeriosis have risen, and newborn outcomes can be severe. In Spanish hospital discharge data from 2000 to 2021 (540 obstetric and 450 neonatal listeriosis admissions), obstetric listeriosis rose to 5.7 and neonatal listeriosis to 4.7 per 100,000 deliveries. Among newborns with listeriosis, 51.1% developed sepsis, 58.9% were born prematurely, and 9.8% died. This was an observational registry study based on diagnosis codes (Vázquez et al., J Infect Public Health, 2025 [4]).
What Is Listeria in Pregnancy?
Listeriosis is a foodborne bacterial infection that is more dangerous during pregnancy [1]. While anyone can contract the infection from contaminated food, pregnant individuals are more likely to become infected. The primary concern is the potential for the bacteria to pass from the parent to the fetus through vertical transmission, which can occur during pregnancy or at the time of birth [1].
Deli meats, soft cheeses, and raw milk are among the foods most often linked to listeria during pregnancy.
What are the symptoms and risks of listeria in pregnancy?
The symptoms of a Listeria infection can differ between the pregnant individual and the newborn [1]. In many cases, the parent may have mild, flu-like symptoms or even no symptoms at all, while the effect on the baby can be severe.
Maternal and Neonatal Symptoms
Affected individual | Common symptoms and signs |
Pregnant parent | Fever, chills, headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and muscle aches. |
Newborn / infant | Low birth weight, fever, difficulty breathing, rash, jaundice, irritability, and difficulty feeding. |
A baby may develop symptoms at birth or up to two months later. It is essential to monitor your health and report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider [1].
Which high-risk foods cause listeria in pregnancy?
Listeria monocytogenes bacteria cause the infection and can contaminate a wide range of food products. Knowing which foods carry the highest risk is the first step in prevention [1].
Washing produce thoroughly and heating deli meats until steaming hot lower the risk of listeria.
Foods to Avoid or Handle Carefully
Deli and processed meats: Cold cuts, hot dogs, and meat spreads should be avoided unless they are heated until steaming [1].
Unpasteurized dairy: This includes raw milk, unpasteurized cheeses (like Brie, Camembert, and queso fresco), and unpasteurized ice cream [1].
Prepared seafood: Cold-smoked fish, such as lox, and raw sushi are considered high-risk items [1].
Produce and juices: Raw sprouts, unwashed fruits (especially melons), and unpasteurized fruit juices like apple cider can carry the bacteria [1].
What pregnancy complications can listeria cause?
Food poisoning during pregnancy, specifically from Listeria, can have devastating consequences. The infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm labor. A baby born with a Listeria infection can develop life-threatening conditions such as sepsis or meningitis, which is inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord [1].
Complications for newborns and infants can include [1]:
Paralysis or seizures.
Vision loss or blindness.
Developmental delays or differences.
Organ damage or failure.
How is listeria in pregnancy diagnosed and treated?
If a healthcare provider suspects a Listeria infection, they will typically order a blood culture, in which a lab tries to grow bacteria from a blood sample. After birth, the placenta may also be tested [1].
Treatment for both the pregnant parent and the newborn is a course of antibiotics. If you believe you have been exposed to Listeria, for example by eating a food that was later recalled, watch for symptoms and contact your care provider. Your provider may monitor you and treat you if symptoms develop [1]. Quick treatment can reduce the risk of pregnancy loss and other complications, and it can reduce the risk of passing the infection to the fetus [1].
Contact your obstetric care provider promptly if you may have been exposed to listeria.
How can you prevent listeria during pregnancy?
Preventing listeriosis is mainly a matter of careful food safety. Following specific guidelines can lower the risk of infection during pregnancy [1][2].
Safety measure | Actionable steps |
Food selection | Avoid soft cheeses, unpasteurized juices, and raw sprouts entirely. |
Preparation | Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them. |
Cooking | Cook meats to safe internal temperatures. |
Heating | Heat all deli meats and hot dogs until they are steaming hot before eating. |
Providers also recommend these same steps if you are trying to get pregnant [1].
What is the bottom line on listeria in pregnancy?
The list of dietary restrictions during pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but avoiding high-risk foods is a critical step in ensuring a healthy outcome for both you and your baby. Do not panic if you ate something on the list: if you develop symptoms or learn that a food in your fridge was recalled, tell your provider, because quick treatment can protect the pregnancy [1]. If you have concerns about a recent meal or have flu-like symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to your obstetrician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Listeria more dangerous during pregnancy?
Pregnant individuals are more susceptible to the infection, and the bacteria can pass to the fetus, causing severe developmental issues or pregnancy loss.
What are the most common symptoms of Listeria?
Symptoms often include fever, muscle aches, chills, and digestive issues like diarrhea or nausea.
Can I have Listeria without knowing it?
Yes, it is possible to be infected with Listeria without showing any symptoms, yet still pass the infection to the fetus.
Which cheeses are safe to eat during pregnancy?
Hard cheeses are generally safe; you should avoid soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and queso fresco unless they are made with pasteurized milk.
How is a Listeria infection diagnosed?
Healthcare providers typically use a blood culture to detect the bacteria in the bloodstream.
Is Listeria treatable?
Yes, the infection is treated with antibiotics for both the pregnant individual and the newborn.
Can Listeria cause a miscarriage?
Unfortunately, yes; a Listeria infection is a known cause of miscarriage, stillbirth, and preterm birth.
How soon after birth can a baby show symptoms?
Symptoms in a newborn can appear at birth or up to two months after delivery.
Do I need to heat all deli meats?
Yes, it is recommended to heat all deli meats and hot dogs until they are steaming to kill any potential bacteria.
Is raw sushi safe during pregnancy?
No, raw sushi is considered a high-risk food for Listeria and should be avoided while pregnant.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Listeria in Pregnancy. Cleveland Clinic. April 16, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/listeria-in-pregnancy
Khsim IEF, Mohanaraj-Anton A, Horte IB, et al. Listeriosis in pregnancy: an umbrella review of maternal exposure, treatment and neonatal complications. BJOG. 2022;129(9):1427-1433. PMID 34954888. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.17073
Charlier C, Perrodeau É, Leclercq A, et al. Clinical features and prognostic factors of listeriosis: the MONALISA national prospective cohort study. Lancet Infect Dis. 2017;17(5):510-519. PMID 28139432. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(16)30521-7
Vázquez E, de Gregorio Ó, Soriano V, et al. Pregnancy-related listeriosis in Spain. J Infect Public Health. 2025;18(5):102706. PMID 40014937. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiph.2025.102706
Medical disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The clinical information in this guide reflects source material last reviewed in April 2025.
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