Food poisoning and pregnancy

On this page

What causes food poisoning?

Is it safe for pregnant women and birthing people to eat chicken and other poultry? 

What are the symptoms of food poisoning? 

Will my baby be affected by food poisoning?

What should I do if I get food poisoning?

Some groups of bacteria found in raw food can cause food poisoning. It is important to be careful when preparing raw meat to avoid infection.  

What causes food poisoning?

You can get food poisoning if you eat something that has been contaminated with germs. Food poisoning is usually caused by:

• campylobacter bacteria  
• salmonella bacteria  
• E. coli bacteria
• norovirus.

Campylobacter are a group of bacteria that are commonly found in raw meat, poultry (like chicken, turkey, goose and duck) and seafood. They are the most common cause of food poisoning.  

Food poisoning can happen when food is not cooked properly. Proper cooking destroys bacteria.

It can also happen when food is not stored correctly. For example, at a temperature where bacteria is more likely to grow. Or stored in a way that it is touching another food that contains bacteria.

Is it safe for pregnant women and birthing people to eat chicken and other poultry?

It is safe for people who are pregnant to eat chicken, but there are things you can do to help lower any risk:

• Cook it thoroughly – follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Do not wash it before cooking – it is not needed and could splash germs further.
• Wash all the kitchen utensils and surfaces that touch the raw chicken.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after touching the raw chicken.
• Cover raw chicken and store it at the bottom of the fridge where it will not drip onto other foods.

Use leftovers within 2 days. Cool them as quickly as possible (within 90 minutes) and store in the fridge until you’re ready to eat them.  

Don't eat chicken that is past its use-by date, even if it looks and smells okay.

Find out more about what foods to avoid during pregnancy and any foods you need to take care when preparing.  

What are the symptoms of food poisoning?

If you get food poisoning, you are likely to have the following symptoms:

• feeling sick or being sick
• diarrhoea
• stomach cramps
• a high temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above
• feeling generally unwell – including tiredness, aches and chills.

Any symptoms usually start within a few hours or days of eating the food and pass within a few days.

Will my baby be affected by food poisoning?

It is unlikely food poisoning will affect your baby. Call your midwife or GP if you are concerned about your symptoms.  

What should I do if I get food poisoning?

If you have food poisoning you should rest and drink plenty of fluid (water, fruit juice and soups).

Wait until you feel hungry to eat solid food. You may find smaller meals better and it is best to avoid fatty, spicy food until you feel fully well.

Wash your hands, clothes and bed clothes thoroughly to avoid spreading the infection.

Talk to your GP or midwife if:

• you do not start feeling better within 48 hours
• your symptoms are getting worse
• you have ongoing, severe vomiting
• you are very dehydrated, you may have sunken eyes and be passing small quantities of dark, strong-smelling urine.