These can give you mild flu-like symptoms that may make you feel slightly unwell, but which can cause problems for your baby. Rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus (a mild infection in the same family as cold sores) and parvovirus (Fifth disease) are three common viruses which you may be exposed to 

• Rubella and cytomegalovirus are caught from other people infected with the virus 

• Parvovirus is mainly caught from children infected with the virus 

Rubella can be prevented by immunisation before pregnancy, but check with your LMC at once if you come into contact with the illness. Rubella is routinely tested in the first antenatal blood test 

Such as listeriosis and salmonella. 

• Listeria bacteria may be found in soft-mould ripened cheeses, pâté, pre-cooked chilled foods, ready-to-eat chicken. You may only experience a mild, flu-like illness 

• Salmonella bacteria may be found in raw eggs, raw meat and chicken. You may have sickness, diarrhoea, fever and abdominal cramps 

These infections may affect your growing baby. 

Such as toxoplasmosis. 

• The parasite eggs, which cause the infection, can be found in undercooked meat, cat faeces and garden soil. It’s easy to take steps to avoid it. 

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) in pregnancy can lead to kidney infections, pylonephritis and possibly pre term labour. Contact your GP or LMC if you think you have a UTI. 

Some pregnant women are prone to UTIs, a bacterial infection in the bladder which needs medical treatment—you’ll usually know if you have it because there is a burning sensation when you urinate. 

You can help avoid UTIs by ‘flushing out’ any bacteria in your bladder with plenty of clear fluids. You could also try cranberry juice, which may help prevent a certain bacteria that can cause a UTI taking hold. 

Follow these guidelines 

• always wash your hands before preparing food 
• wash fresh fruit and all vegetables thoroughly 
• wash all salads and herbs, including pre-prepared lettuce bags 
• heat through any ready meals till they are piping hot throughout 
• avoid eating certain cheeses (see our food safety chart), rare steaks and hamburgers 
• always wash your hands with soap and water after doing the gardening 
• cover children’s sandpits to prevent cats from soiling the sand 
• be careful when handling cat litter; wear rubber gloves and wash your hands afterwards