I am so excited to finally be back to blogging in my “ABCs of Pregnancy Blog” series!

Listeriosis is a very serious infection when you are pregnant.  The bacteria Listeria monocytogenes causes Listeriosis and is why you commonly hear people refer to Listeria when they are discussing Listeriosis.  Listeria is found in some animals, water, and soil which is why vegetables can be contaminated.  The infection is caused by eating contaminated food and typically affects those with a weakened immune system including older adults, newborns, and pregnant women. 

While Listeria can infect healthy people without a weakened immune system, it is not a serious disease for them—they will simply get sick.  The reason doctors take Listeria so seriously in pregnant women is that Listeriosis can be deadly for your baby.  Listeria is not killed by refrigeration or freezing; only heat can kill Listeria.  Foods need to be heated to at least 165°F to kill the bacteria.  This is why you should not eat raw sprouts or cold cut meats when you are pregnant…