Toxoplasmosis is a rare but serious infection caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite can be found in the soil, meat, and even cat feces.

While toxoplasmosis is generally not harmful to healthy adults, it can cause serious complications during pregnancy. Pregnant women who contract the infection can pass it to their unborn child, which can lead to serious health problems such as blindness, mental disability, and seizures.

How Do Women Get Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy?

Women can catch toxoplasmosis by consuming undercooked or raw meat, especially lamb, pork, and venison.

The parasite is also found in cat feces, so women who have cats in their homes and clean their litter boxes are also at risk of contracting the infection. There is also a risk of getting the infection from soil, garden, and unwashed vegetables contaminated with cat feces.

While toxoplasmosis is rare, it is important that pregnant women take necessary precautions to prevent it. Here are some tips for pregnant women to avoid getting toxoplasmosis:.

Avoid Raw or Undercooked Meat

Raw or undercooked meat is the most common way to get infected with the toxoplasmosis parasite. Pregnant women should make sure that all meat is cooked thoroughly before eating.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the meat is at least 160°F for beef, lamb and pork, and 165°F for poultry.

Wash Fruits and Vegetables Before Eating

Fruits and vegetables that are not washed properly can be contaminated with the toxoplasmosis parasite. Pregnant women should wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them.

Scrubbing the fruits and vegetables with a vegetable brush and rinsing them under running water can help remove any parasites that may be present.

Wear Gloves When Gardening

Gardening is a common way for people to get infected with toxoplasmosis, especially if the soil is contaminated with cat feces. Pregnant women should avoid gardening, but if you must garden, wear gloves to prevent any contact with soil.

Also, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after any gardening activity.

Avoid Changing Cat Litter

Cleaning cat litter boxes is a high risk activity for pregnant women because of the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis. It is best to have someone else clean the litter box if possible.

If this is not feasible, wear gloves and a mask while cleaning the litter box and make sure to change the litter daily.

What Are the Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis in Pregnancy?

Some women may not have any symptoms of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, while others may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and swollen glands.

The severity of the symptoms depends on the stage of pregnancy and how severe the infection is.

If a pregnant woman is infected with toxoplasmosis, it can cause serious health problems for her baby. The effects of the infection can range from mild to severe and can include:.

Eye problems or blindness
Mental disability
Seizures
Jaundice

To ensure the health of both mother and baby, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns or questions regarding toxoplasmosis during pregnancy.

How Is Toxoplasmosis Diagnosed?

If you are pregnant and think you may have contracted toxoplasmosis, your healthcare provider can perform a blood test to determine if you have been exposed to the infection. This test can help determine if you have current or past infection.

Your healthcare provider may also perform an ultrasound to monitor the health of your baby. This test can show if there are any signs of damage or abnormality in your baby’s development.

How Is Toxoplasmosis Treated?

If you are diagnosed with toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection and reduce the risk of passing it to your baby.

If your baby is diagnosed with toxoplasmosis, treatment may depend on the severity of the infection. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a combination of medications to help treat the infection and prevent further damage to your baby’s health.

Conclusion

Toxoplasmosis is a serious infection that can have harmful effects on both pregnant women and their unborn babies. The infection is rare, but it is important for pregnant women to take necessary precautions to avoid getting this infection.

By following simple tips such as washing fruits and vegetables, cooking meat thoroughly, and avoiding cat litter boxes, pregnant women can reduce their risk for getting toxoplasmosis.