Toxoplasmosis
This is a parasitic infection that can be contracted via raw or undercooked meat and unwashed fruit and vegetables, and through handling contaminated soil.
If you have a cat you’re also at risk since it’s easy for cats to become infected with toxoplasmosis by eating contaminated meat, and it can then be passed on in their feces. Although toxoplasmosis is generally mild, if caught in pregnancy it can harm your unborn baby, causing vision and development problems, or even resulting in a miscarriage or stillbirth.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) doesn’t recommend routine screening for toxoplasmosis unless you have symptoms (which include swollen glands, aches and pains, headache, fatigue, sore throat, a rash and fever) but you can request a test if you think you may have been exposed to toxoplasmois. If you have a pet cat you may be immune to it. If testing reveals that you do have it you’ll likely be given antibiotics to reduce the risk of passing it on to your baby and you’ll be offered an ultrasound to check if he has been infected. If he has you may be referred to a genetic counselor to discuss your options. If you decide to proceed with the pregnancy your baby will be tested for toxoplasmosis at birth and treated with antibiotics throughout his first year to try to halt progression of the disease. Keep in mind that if he was infected late in your pregnancy any resulting problems may not become apparent until months or even years later.
Avoiding toxoplasmosis
There are some simple precautions you can take to lower your risk of contracting toxoplasmosis in pregnancy…
- If you have a cat, avoid emptying its litter tray if possible – if you don’t have anyone you can ask to do it for you, wear a mask and gloves and thoroughly wash your hands afterwards.
- Don’t feed your cat raw meat, and don’t let it up on your kitchen countertops or table.
- Thoroughly wash your hands after petting your cat.
- Ensure any meat you eat is well cooked and avoid cured or smoked meats such as prosciutto and Parma ham unless they’re reheated to steaming hot (they’re fine as pizza toppings).
- Avoid unpasteurized milk and milk products.
- Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables, even pre-washed salads.
- Wear gloves while gardening.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.