Quick read
Key points
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Listeriosis is an infection caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, usually picked up through certain foods, including unpasteurised dairy products, some soft cheeses, pâté, and undercooked or ready-to-eat foods that haven't been stored properly. It's uncommon, but pregnant people are more susceptible, and infection can pose a serious risk to the baby, including miscarriage or stillbirth in rare cases.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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Flu-like symptoms or fever after eating a higher-risk food during pregnancy
01 · Know
What is Listeriosis?
Listeriosis is an infection caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, usually picked up through certain foods, including unpasteurised dairy products, some soft cheeses, pâté, and undercooked or ready-to-eat foods that haven't been stored properly. It's uncommon, but pregnant people are more susceptible, and infection can pose a serious risk to the baby, including miscarriage or stillbirth in rare cases.
Symptoms in the pregnant person are often mild — similar to flu — which is why it's important to know which foods to avoid and to seek care promptly if you develop symptoms after eating a higher-risk food.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Prevention is about food choices
Avoiding unpasteurised dairy, certain soft cheeses, pâté, and undercooked meat is the main way to reduce listeriosis risk — your maternity team can give you a full list of foods to avoid.
03 · Act
When to Contact Your Maternity Team
- 1Flu-like symptoms or fever after eating a higher-risk food during pregnancy
- 2Any fever during pregnancy that doesn't have an obvious cause
- 3Reduced fetal movements alongside feeling unwell
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Prevention Through Diet Is Key
Listeriosis is largely preventable by avoiding certain foods during pregnancy — this is more effective than trying to treat it after infection occurs.
- 1Avoid unpasteurised dairy products.Check labels carefully, especially on soft cheeses like brie, camembert, and blue-veined varieties.
- 2Avoid pâté of all types.Including vegetable pâté, which can also carry a risk.
- 3Ensure meat is thoroughly cooked.Avoid undercooked meat and ready-to-eat foods that haven't been properly reheated.
- 4Store food properly and check use-by dates.Listeria can grow even in refrigerated food, so proper storage and timely use matters.
- 5Seek care promptly if you feel unwell.Especially after eating a higher-risk food — don't wait to see if symptoms pass.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Listeriosis ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Listeriosis is rare, and largely preventable by being mindful of higher-risk foods during pregnancy.
Flu-like symptoms after eating a higher-risk food should always be reported to your maternity team promptly.