What Happens If You Accidentally Eat Deli Meat While Pregnant

Pregnancy comes with a lot of temporary lifestyle changes, including dietary restrictions like skipping deli meat. Unfortunately, sometimes even the most stringent rule-follower inadvertently eats something they were supposed to avoid, either before realizing they were pregnant or when eating something prepared by someone else. Should a slip-up with deli meat happen, take a deep breath and be proactive. "If a pregnant woman accidentally eats deli meat one time, that is probably not a reason to panic," Dr. Sweta Patel, physician manager at Ob-Gyn Associates of Advantia, explained to Mom. "However, she should contact her healthcare provider, watch for any symptoms of illness, and ensure she avoids future exposure."

When it comes to cold cuts and pregnancy, medical providers are concerned about bacteria, particularly listeria. Pregnant women are more vulnerable to this type of infection, and it can cause serious complications like a miscarriage. An infection can even lead to lifelong health problems in the developing baby. "After possible exposure to listeria, a pregnant woman should monitor for symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, unusual fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea," Patel said. "Symptoms of invasive listeriosis most commonly begin within one to four weeks after eating contaminated food, but they can appear as early as the same day."

Given this lengthy timetable, it's possible a woman might not tie a particular food to her symptoms. While Patel says there's no need to take any action if you feel well, if you begin to feel ill, it's important to seek expert advice. Medical providers can order a blood test for listeriosis, and the infection can be treated with antibiotics.

Unfortunately, deli meat isn't the only food risk for listeria. Unpasteurized dairy and produce can also present a concern. Over the years, listeria has even been identified in some prepared meals. While it's frustrating to have such a diverse range of foods to look out for, there are plenty of practical ways to lower your risk. For starters, it's a good idea to keep an eye out for food safety alerts and be scrupulous about washing raw produce before you eat it. Although cold cuts are best avoided, Dr. Sweta Patel says there is a way to still enjoy your favorite sandwich. "Deli meats can be made safer during pregnancy by reheating them to 165 degrees Fahrenheit or until steaming hot before eating," she said.

Undercooked meat of any type can pose a listeria risk during pregnancy, so it's important to make sure all meat dishes are safely prepared. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, that's an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for beef and pork (160 degrees if it's ground meat), and 165 degrees for all types of poultry.

"One instance of eating deli meat may not be a cause for concern, as the chance of that food being contaminated with listeria is rare," Dr. Patel explained. "However, repeated consumption of deli meat and other high-risk foods like premade salads, soft cheeses, and undercooked eggs will increase the opportunities for possible exposure to listeria." So if you make a mistake and eat deli meat, vow to learn from it. Ultimately, it's all about using a series of smart decisions to reduce your overall risk.