Health authorities in the United States have linked the death of a newborn to a mother’s consumption of raw, unpasteurised milk during pregnancy, renewing warnings from doctors and public health experts about the risks such products pose to pregnant women and their babies.
According to medical reports, the mother contracted a bacterial infection after drinking raw milk, which was later transmitted to the fetus. The newborn developed severe complications shortly after birth and died despite medical intervention. Investigators identified the infection as one commonly associated with unpasteurised dairy products, prompting officials to reiterate long-standing safety advisories.
Doctors explain that raw milk can contain harmful bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, E. coli and Campylobacter. Of particular concern during pregnancy is listeriosis, a rare but serious infection that can cross the placenta. While symptoms in the mother may be mild or flu-like, the consequences for the fetus can be severe, including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or life-threatening illness in newborns.
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Medical experts note that pregnancy weakens certain aspects of the immune system, making expectant mothers more vulnerable to foodborne infections. Newborns, whose immune systems are not fully developed, are especially at risk of complications such as sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis if exposed before or during birth.
Despite repeated warnings, raw milk continues to be consumed in parts of the US, often driven by beliefs that it is more “natural” or nutritious. Health agencies, including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state that pasteurisation does not significantly reduce milk’s nutritional value but is highly effective in killing dangerous pathogens.
Doctors are urging pregnant women to avoid raw milk and products made from unpasteurised milk, such as certain soft cheeses. They advise sticking to pasteurised dairy, practising food safety measures and seeking medical attention promptly if symptoms of infection occur, stressing that prevention is critical to protecting both mother and child.
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