General Question

tan235's avatar

Can anyone explain why pregnant woman are more at risk of getting food poisoning?

Asked by tan235 (877points) August 20th, 2011

I“m actually quite interested to know the medical reason why pregnant woman are more at risk of getting food poisoning?

I know that the dehydration from it can be bad for baby but what makes a pregnant woman more at risk?
Does the lining of her stomach become thinner?
What is it exactly?
Thanks so much.
x

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4 Answers

MagsRags's avatar

During pregnancy, the woman’s immune system is slightly suppressed – necessary to allow an “other” to grow and develop inside her without her normal body defenses trying to reject it. But that leaves her a bit more vulnerable to bacteria and viruses that she encounters too.

tan235's avatar

ah that makes perfect sense… therefore could that explain morning sickness… also does this suppressed immune system return to normal at all later in pregnancy?
sorry questions!

Seaofclouds's avatar

The woman’s immune system remains suppressed throughout the whole pregnancy. As far as I know, the suppressed immune system has nothing to do with morning sickness. Morning sickness is due to the hormonal fluctuations that happen in order to maintain a pregnancy.

shirleylopez's avatar

Yes, MagsRags is correct in saying that during pregnancy; woman’s immune system is slightly suppressed, but it will return after giving birth. However, there’s no worry if you’ll have it because the doctor can treat it and may cause no extreme danger to the fetus. What is important is that you don’t get dehydrated because dehydration is more dangerous to the fetus. Avoid foods that are susceptible to bacteria such as raw or smoked fish and meat.

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