Avoiding Sources of Toxoplasmosis During PregnancyCurrent as of: November 20, 2015 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
|
Avoiding Sources of Toxoplasmosis During PregnancyToxoplasmosis is an infection by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Once you have had it, you cannot get it again. This is because your body has learned how to fight it off ( immunity ). People usually become infected by eating food that contains the parasite (such as undercooked meat from an infected animal) or by handling an infected cat's feces or touching surfaces contaminated by them. Many women have had toxoplasmosis (usually without any symptoms) before they become pregnant. If a woman becomes infected during pregnancy, her fetus may also get it. This can lead to eye and brain damage. Avoiding contact with Toxoplasma gondii is key to preventing fetal infection during pregnancy. If you are not immune to Toxoplasma gondii or don't know whether you are immune, you can drastically reduce your risk of infection if you:
If you have lab results that confirm your immunity to Toxoplasma gondii, you do not have to take special preventive measures during pregnancy. For more information, see Toxoplasmosis Test. Current as of: November 20, 2015 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
Search the
Healthwise Knowledgebase This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2017 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. |