Toxoplasmosis during Pregnancy

Toxoplasmosis is an infection that is caused by a parasite. Usually, there are no symptoms and the body can fight off the infection. If you get toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, there is a chance that the infection will spread to your baby.

If this happens, your baby may develop serious health problems, such as blindness, intellectual disabilities, and other neurological disorders. Some of these problems may not show up for years.

How do people get toxoplasmosis?

You can get toxoplasmosis if:

• You touch anything that is contaminated with infected cat feces and then you touch your mouth.
• You eat raw or undercooked meat from an infected animal.
• You eat fruits and vegetables that were grown in contaminated soil.

Your baby can get toxoplasmosis through your blood supply if you are infected during pregnancy or just before pregnancy.

How can I protect myself and my baby against toxoplasmosis?

• Do not get a new cat.
• Do not touch stray cats.
• If you have a sandbox, cover it when it is not being used.
• Avoid working in soil where cats may leave feces.
• Wear gloves when you work in the soil. Wash your hands with soap and water when you are finished.
• If you have a cat:
  • Have someone else change the cat’s litter box daily. He or she should wash his or her hands afterward.
  • Do not let your cat outside.
  • Do not feed your cat any raw meat.
• Do not eat undercooked meat, especially meat that has never been frozen.
• Wash and peel all fruits and vegetables before eating them.
• Avoid drinking untreated water.
• If you have toxoplasmosis and you are not pregnant, wait at least 6 months before becoming pregnant.

How do I know if I have toxoplasmosis?

The only way to know for sure that you have toxoplasmosis is with a test. People with toxoplasmosis do not always have symptoms. If symptoms are present, they may include:

• A fever.
• Swollen glands.
• Muscle aches.
• Headaches.
• Feeling like you have a cold or the flu.

If you think you have toxoplasmosis, or if you think that you may have been exposed to it, call your health care provider.

How is toxoplasmosis diagnosed?

When you become pregnant, your health care provider may order a blood test to check whether you have ever had toxoplasmosis.

• If you have had toxoplasmosis infection before, you cannot get it again.
• If you have never had toxoplasmosis, your health care provider may repeat this test at a later date.
• If you become infected during pregnancy, your health care provider may do more tests to find out whether the infection has spread to the baby.
• Other tests may include an ultrasound and a test of your amniotic fluid (amniocentesis).

How is toxoplasmosis treated?

Toxoplasmosis may be treated with antibiotics and other medicines.

• Some of these medicines can lower your baby’s chance of developing complications later on.
• Medicines may need to be taken for up to one year.

What should I do at home if I am diagnosed with toxoplasmosis?

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.