If you are pregnant, it’s important to be careful about what you eat. And it’s especially important to avoid any foods that are likely to carry infections such as listeriosis and toxoplasmosis. Although usually not that serious, these two illnesses can have dramatic consequences for women who are pregnant and their unborn children.

If you are pregnant, it’s important to be careful about what you eat. And it’s especially important to avoid any foods that are likely to carry infections such as listeriosis and toxoplasmosis. Although usually not that serious, these two illnesses can have dramatic consequences for women who are pregnant and their unborn children.

The bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, the causative agent of listeriosis, is especially widespread. You can avoid it by refraining from eating any type of cheese made from raw milk; the so-called “bloomy rind” cheeses, such as camembert, brie and carré de l’est; cheeses with a “washed rind,” such as livarot, munster and maroilles; and manufactured grated cheese.

This bacterium can also be found in certain prepared meat products, such as rillettes, pâtés and raw or inadequately cooked meat and fish. Smoked fish and raw shellfish can also be dangerous.

Similarly, if you have not been immunised against toxoplasmosis, add smoked and pickled game to the list, along with undercooked meats in general. Also take care to wash vegetables, fruit and aromatic herbs in fresh, clean water. All alcoholic drinks save an occasional glass of red wine are also to be avoided.