I read something about listeria from food and now im a little paranoid honestly. Is there even a test for it or do u only find out if symptoms show? im 22 weeks and just want to be careful.
Listeria isn't something you test for randomly, it's usually checked if you have symptoms like fever, body ache, chills after eating risky food. If you feel unwell like that, call your gynac, they may do a blood test. Prevention matters more, avoid unpasteurised cheese and raw stuff.
My doctor told me listeria is diagnosed mainly through a blood culture when there's suspicion, not a routine test. She stressed avoiding raw/undercooked meat, unpasteurised dairy and leftover food that's been sitting out. If you ate something risky and feel feverish, go in and tell them.
I got really careful with food in pregnancy. There's no home test for listeria as far as I know, it's a doctor thing through blood test if you show signs. Best is to prevent it by eating fresh, well cooked food and washing veggies properly.
If you're worried you might have it, dont try to figure it out yourself, just see your doctor. Fever, flu like feeling after eating risky food is the red flag. They'll run the right test. Please dont delay if you feel sick.
