What is the probability of a pregnant woman being infected with Listeria?
Nov 15, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
If pregnant women pay attention to food hygiene in daily life, avoid high-risk foods such as undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy products, and ready-to-eat foods stored in the refrigerator for too long, and maintain proper hand hygiene and kitchen cleanliness, the probability of Listeria infection will be further reduced. In most cases, this can effectively avoid infection risks and reduce threats to both themselves and their fetuses.
Generally, the probability of pregnant women contracting Listeria is low, with an incidence rate of only a few per million in the general population. However, pregnant women are 2 to 10 times more likely to be infected compared to the general population. If concerned, it is recommended to seek medical advice early. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If pregnant women pay attention to food hygiene in daily life—such as avoiding undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy products, and ready-to-eat foods stored for too long in refrigeration—and maintain proper hand hygiene and kitchen cleanliness, the risk of Listeria infection can be further reduced. In most cases, this effectively prevents infection and minimizes threats to both maternal and fetal health.
However, if a pregnant woman frequently consumes high-risk foods, lives in an environment contaminated with Listeria, or has poor hygiene habits, her risk of infection significantly increases. Listeria can survive in cold environments, and improperly refrigerated food may become a transmission vehicle. In such cases, infected pregnant women may develop symptoms such as fever and diarrhea, which could also negatively affect fetal health.
Pregnant women should strictly ensure food safety by avoiding high-risk foods, undergo regular health monitoring, and promptly seek medical evaluation if any signs of infection appear. Delaying treatment should be avoided at all costs.
