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Published on: 7/15/2026

What are the risks of salmonella infection during pregnancy and how can it be prevented?

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Salmonella infection during pregnancy is a foodborne illness caused by Salmonella bacteria, and it poses serious risks to both the pregnant person and the baby. Common sources include undercooked poultry, raw eggs, unpasteurized dairy, and contaminated produce. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting, usually appearing 6 hours to 6 days after exposure.

During pregnancy, salmonella can lead to dehydration, bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream), preterm labor, miscarriage, or transmission to the newborn. Prevention is key: cook meats thoroughly, avoid raw eggs and unpasteurized products, wash produce carefully, and practice strict hand hygiene.

If you're pregnant and experiencing symptoms like persistent diarrhea, fever, or abdominal pain, it's important to act quickly—complications can escalate. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your symptoms and get clear guidance on your next steps. It only takes a few minutes and could help you decide whether to contact your provider or seek urgent care—critical decisions when two lives are involved.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

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Important Next Steps

Learn if salmonella could affect pregnancyDiscover if your symptoms need care nowSee whether salmonella needs urgent attentionFind OTC relief for salmonella symptomsFind a doctor for salmonella in pregnancyDiscover safe home remedies for salmonellaUnderstand likely causes of salmonella symptoms

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Explanation

Salmonella infection can be dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn babies. It can lead to severe illness and, in some very rare cases, pregnancy loss, especially if it turns into a more serious condition called sepsis.

Prevention Tips:

  1. Food Safety:
  • Cook food thoroughly, especially eggs, poultry, and meat.
  • Avoid raw or undercooked eggs and meat.
  • Wash fruits and vegetables well before eating.
  • Keep raw and cooked foods separate to avoid cross-contamination.
  1. Hygiene:
  • Wash hands with soap and water after handling raw foods, using the bathroom, or changing diapers.

By following these simple steps, pregnant women can help protect themselves and their babies from the risks associated with Salmonella infection. If you're experiencing any concerning symptoms during pregnancy, you can use this free AI symptom checker to better understand what might be happening and when to seek medical care.

(References)

  • Scialli AR, & Rarick TL. (1992). Salmonella sepsis and second-trimester pregnancy loss. Obstetrics and gynecology, 1565377.

  • Tam C, Erebara A, & Einarson A. (2010). Food-borne illnesses during pregnancy: prevention and .... Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 20393091.

  • Perry ID, Nguyen T, Sherina V, Love TMT, Miller RK, Krishnan L, & Murphy SP. (2019). Analysis of the capacity of Salmonella enterica .... Placenta, 31477206.

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