Toxoplasmosis in Pregnancy

There are numerous fears and fears that pregnant women have. Probably the greatest fear is that Toxoplasmosis in Pregnancy. Above all, because toxoplasmosis not only causes miscarriages, but can also damage the unborn child. For this reason, it is important that all possible sources of infection are avoided.

Toxoplasmosis: higher risk of transmission for pregnant women

Due to a weakened immune system, pregnant women can more easily become infected with toxoplasmosis. For this reason, it is important that preventive measures are taken to avoid the risk of getting infected Toxoplasmosis in Pregnancy can be reduced.

However, if pregnant women become infected, there are treatment options so that the unborn child does not become infected. It only becomes problematic when the doctor determines that the unborn child is also infected. It does not have to mean that the unborn child is automatically damaged.

Causes of toxoplasmosis in pregnancy

Toxoplasmosis is a unicellular parasite - Toxoplasma gondii. The parasite is common worldwide; numerous humans and vertebrates are affected by it. About a third of the entire population is infected with Toxoplasma gondii. However, the parasite only reaches its sexually mature form (end stage) in cat-like animals. For this reason, predatory cats and domestic cats in particular are classic final hosts.

The parasite goes through numerous developmental stages in the cat's intestine, with the end product being excreted in the feces (oocysts - toxoplasma eggs). The eggs can also be transmitted to farm animals through the earth. Toxoplasmas have already been found in sheep, poultry, cattle and pigs.

Humans get infected through oocysts, which are found in the polluted earth or in cat feces. Sometimes tissue cysts can also be found in semi-raw or raw meat. The main sources of infection include lamb and pork.

Toxoplasmosis in Early Pregnancy

Although it is easier for pregnant women to become infected with toxoplasmosis, the likelihood that an infection will occur during pregnancy is low. It should be noted that toxoplasmosis can harm the unborn child. Miscarriages are particularly possible in the early stages of pregnancy.

Toxoplasmosis in advanced pregnancy

If the pregnant woman becomes infected later in the pregnancy, the unborn child can develop hydrocephalus (so-called water head). Sometimes there is also the possibility of brain damage. Damage to the eyes or damage to other organs is also possible. After birth, there are always babies who don't recognize any signs.

It may be that symptoms and complaints that indicate a toxoplasmosis infection during pregnancy only appear over time (after several months or years). These include hearing problems, eye damage and learning difficulties. Sometimes, however, the infection cannot cause any damage; However, the pregnant woman should not rely on her luck, but should do everything possible to avoid sources of infection.

Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis

If an infection through toxoplasmosis is suspected, the doctor first takes a blood sample. That is examined for antibodies or defense substances. On the basis of the examination, the doctor can determine whether the pregnant woman has already been infected or not. Sometimes the doctor can also determine the stage of the toxoplasmosis infection.

If the pregnant woman has become infected, the amniotic fluid should be examined. The sample provides information about whether the unborn child has also been infected. As a rule, two mandatory examinations are carried out during pregnancy, which are then documented in the mother-child passport.

Treatment & effects for mother & child

If the pregnant woman became infected for the first time during pregnancy, the doctor first suggests treatment with antibiotics. The administration of antibiotics prevents the unborn child from becoming infected. Mostly pyrimethamine, spiramycin or sulfadiazine are used. However, other antibiotics can also be administered to prevent the unborn child from becoming infected.

As a rule, the antibiotic has no effect on the child. Of course, such treatments must be made in consultation with the doctor. However, it is advisable to continue the course of antibiotics for at least four weeks so that the infection can be completely killed or the infection is not passed on to the child.

Prevention of toxoplasmosis in pregnancy

It is important that the pregnant woman take preventive measures so as not to become infected with toxoplasmosis. So she should avoid raw meat. Raw ham, sausage or tea sausage as well as beef tartare should be banned from the menu due to possible tissue cysts from toxoplasmas. Even tasting it can trigger contagion.

Raw sausages that have a very long ripening time (Parma ham, prosciuotto, serrano ham or salami) have a theoretical risk and should also be avoided. Anyone who prepares pork or lamb should make sure that the meat is heated for several minutes - at at least 70 degrees.

It is also important to have good kitchen hygiene. Work surfaces and hands should be washed regularly. Furthermore, you should also wash the vegetables and fruits thoroughly before consumption. Anyone who has house cats should avoid contact with cat feces. For this reason, it is advisable to clean the litter box with gloves or ask your partner to remove the feces.

Preventive measures will help protect yourself from infection. If you follow a few tips and tricks, you will certainly not have any problems during your pregnancy and you need not be afraid of contracting toxoplasmosis or harming your child with it.