Germs are everywhere; they are in our workplaces, our homes, and public spaces. Most germs are not
harmful. Some germs, however, can seriously affect the health of you and your baby.

It is impossible to avoid all contact with germs. There are ways to prevent infection, such as vaccination and screening tests before and during pregnancy, to
protect you and your infant.







Germs From Foods and Animals

Listeria are bacteria found in unpasteurized, uncooked, and undercooked foods. Listeriosis can cause miscarriage, premature birth, or blood infections and meningitis in newborn babies.

• Avoid non-dried deli meats (e.g. ham, chicken, roast beef) and hot dogs straight from the package; it is safer to use dried deli meats (e.g. salami), or heat deli meats and hot dogs until steaming hot.

• Avoid refrigerated paté or meat spreads; use canned instead.

• Avoid raw or uncooked fish (e.g. sushi, smoked salmon); cooked and refrigerated
seafood is safer.

• Make sure that apple cider, milk, cheese, and other milk products are pasteurized.

• Avoid foods with raw or lightly cooked eggs, e.g. homemade salad dressings.

• Cook all meat, poultry, fish, and eggs well.

• Refrigerate or freeze leftovers promptly.

• Follow “Best Before” dates.

• Peel or wash fruits and vegetables.

• Use separate utensils and dishes for raw and cooked foods.

• Wash your hands and food preparation surfaces often.

• After handling raw meat, wash the counter top, sink, and utensils with warm
soapy water; rinse off suds with warm water, then spray or soak for 10 minutes
with a mixture of 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of household bleach and 10 cups (2.5 L) of
water.




Toxoplasmosis is a parasite most commonly found in cats, undercooked meat, and unwashed fruits and vegetables. Infection with toxoplasmosis can cause babies to have hearing loss, blindness, and developmental delays.

• Keep cats indoors; cats which hunt birds and rodents are more likely to become
infected. Kittens lack immunity and are at risk too.

• Feed cats canned or boxed food rather than raw or undercooked foods.

• Ask a family member to clean the litter box every day; if you have to do it, wear
gloves and when you take them off, wash your hands well.

• Be wary of sandboxes. Wear gloves while gardening, and wash your hands
well after.

• Follow safe food practices (see Listeria). Frequent hand washing and safe food
preparation help pregnant women prevent infection from food and animals.


West Nile infections result from the bite of an infected mosquito, and are usually
mild; however, 1 in 150 cases is severe and can cause swelling of the brain.
There is concern that West Nile virus may be passed from a mother to her unborn
baby, or through breastfeeding; the effects on a baby are not fully known.

• Reduce your exposure to mosquitoes; stay indoors at dawn and dusk when they are most active, and avoid their habitats.

• Ensure door and window screens fit tightly and are free of holes.

• Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts,long pants, socks, shoes, and a hat.
• If you cannot avoid mosquitoes, use a DEET insect repellant; these are
considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

• Get rid of standing water where mosquitoes breed.

Germs From People

Rubella (German Measles) is a mild childhood illness caused by a virus and spread through coughing and sneezing. If a pregnant woman becomes infected during the first three months of pregnancy, it can cause birth defects and miscarriage. Rubella is less common now that most people have been immunized.

• Find out before you are pregnant if you are immune to rubella; your health care
provider can order a blood test, and if you are not protected, you can be
vaccinated.


• If you are pregnant and not immune, talk with your health care provider; the rubella vaccine cannot be given during pregnancy, so it is important to understand your risk, and ways to reduce it.

• Make sure your children get all their vaccinations.

Chickenpox is caused by a virus that spreads easily through the air. If you have
already had chickenpox, you are most likely protected, and there is little risk to
you or your baby. Amother who gets chickenpox during pregnancy may develop
complications, such as pneumonia. Most babies born to women who develop
chickenpox are not affected. If the infection occurs in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, there is a small chance of birth defects (1- 2%). If a mother breaks out in chickenpox around the time of delivery, antibodies are given to the newborn to prevent a severe form of the disease.

• If you have not had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, an antibody test can determine if you are immune; you can be vaccinated before, but not during
pregnancy.

• If you are not immune, avoid anyone who has been in contact with chickenpox
in the last three weeks, or who has symptoms of a cold.

• If you are exposed to chickenpox during pregnancy, talk with your health care
provider right away to discuss your risk, and options for treatment if needed.

• If you have a child due for chicken pox vaccination, phone the Health Unit to
discuss the best timing.

Cytomegalovirus is spread by contact with the body fluids of an infected person -
most often a child. The only symptoms may be fever or tiredness. If a woman becomes infected during pregnancy, her baby could develop problems of the lung, liver or spleen, blood disorders, difficulties with vision and hearing, or a learning disability.

• Wash your hands thoroughly after taking care of children, especially after contact
with urine, saliva, or runny noses.

• Don’t share food, cups, or eating utensils. B19 Parvovirus, often referred to as
Fifth's Disease, is a mild illness in children that causes fever, joint pain, and a bright
red rash on the cheeks. It is spread by coughing or sneezing. About half of all
adults have antibodies to the virus and are immune. Most pregnant women who become infected have healthy babies; however, sometimes this virus can cause a
miscarriage, or a baby to have anemia (iron-poor blood).

• Wash your hands thoroughly after taking care of children.

• Don’t share food, cups, or eating utensils.

• If you are exposed to or developsymptoms of parvovirus, ask your health
care provider about a blood test to determine your immunity.

B19 Parvovirus, often referred to as Fifth's Disease, is a mild illness in children that causes fever, joint pain, and a bright red rash on the cheeks. It is spread by coughing or sneezing. About half of all adults have antibodies to the virus and are immune. Most pregnant women who become infected have healthy babies; however, sometimes this virus can cause a miscarriage, or a baby to have anemia
(iron-poor blood).
• Wash your hands thoroughly after taking care of children.
• Don’t share food, cups, or eating utensils.
• If you are exposed to or develop symptoms of parvovirus, ask your health
care provider about a blood test to determine your immunity.

Tell your health care provider right away if you have been in contact
with someone with rubella, chickenpox, cytomegalovirus, or B19
parvovirus.

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