When you are pregnant, you are always on high alert when it comes to diet and nutrition. After all, you are working hard to provide the best environment for your perfect little son or daughter! So when you start to feel ill after a meal, it can be a scary experience.

Coming down with food poisoning is never fun, but it is especially troublesome when you are pregnant. You are not only more tired and run down than usual, but the infection has a small chance of passing to your baby.

Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga team explains what to do if you suspect a salmonella infection.

Where Can You Contract Salmonella?

The rules around what you can and can’t eat during pregnancy mostly revolve around reducing your risk of contracting a foodborne illness, like salmonella or listeria. Salmonella is the name of the bacteria that can be found in raw or undercooked meat or eggs and on unwashed fruits and vegetables.

If you eat something that has salmonella bacteria in it, you will most likely start to experience symptoms a few hours to a few days after the exposure. The good news is that you will most likely experience the same symptoms as someone who is not pregnant, but there is always the slight risk of passing it on to your baby. Check in with your OB/GYN to ensure your baby is faring just fine.

Symptoms of Salmonella

• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Fever
• Nausea/vomiting
• Headache

How Can I Avoid Salmonella During Pregnancy?

Since the majority of cases stem from undercooked food, that’s why it is so important to get your meat and produce from a reputable source and to cook everything to its recommended temperatures. You should also wash every fruit and veggie you purchase to ensure any bacteria is removed as the produce may not have been washed thoroughly after coming out of the field.

You can also contract salmonella by interacting with animals. If you pet or snuggle up with your family dog, try to wash your hands right after and avoid letting him or her give you puppy kisses for the time being. If you have other children and you frequent places like petting zoos, be sure that everyone is using the handwashing station when you are done.

Serious Salmonella Symptoms to Watch For

• Symptoms lasting more than a few days
• Bloody stools
• A high-grade fever of 102 degrees or higher that won’t go away
• Severe dehydration

Stomach issues can be really frustrating. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga for a diagnosis.