Can salmonella cause birth defects?

Yes via pyrexia!: Any febrile illness during the first trimester can cause open neural tube defects. Dehydration from profound diarrhea can lead to miscarriage and preterm birth. In other words, try to avoid salmonella if you are pregnant! that is avoid undercooked eggs, poultry, fish or meats (also avoid unpasteurized dairy products for other reasons).