Understanding toxoplasmosis during pregnancy and how to protect yourself

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that can be dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn baby. Today, we discuss the causes of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, the symptoms to watch out for, and the ways to prevent this illness.

What is toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which is found in soil, contaminated food, and the faeces of infected animals. Most people who are affected show no symptoms, but the infection can cause problems in individuals with a weakened immune system and in pregnant women.

Risks of toxoplasmosis for the pregnant woman and her baby

When a woman contracts toxoplasmosis during her pregnancy, she risks passing it on to her unborn baby.

This transmission can lead to complications such as:

Miscarriages or stillbirths

Foetal growth restriction

Brain or eye abnormalities

Inner ear infections, which can lead to hearing problems

The further along the pregnancy when toxoplasmosis is contracted, the higher the risk of transmission to the baby. However, if the infection is transmitted early in pregnancy, the consequences for the baby can be more severe.

How does toxoplasmosis spread?

Toxoplasmosis can be contracted in several ways:

Consuming contaminated food: Raw or undercooked meat and unwashed fruit and vegetables can contain cysts of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. It is therefore essential to cook meat thoroughly and wash fruit and vegetables carefully before eating them.

Contact with contaminated soil: The parasite can be present in soil, particularly in gardens or children's play areas. Pregnant women should avoid touching soil without protection and wash their hands after any contact with it.

Contact with the faeces of infected animals: Cats are the primary hosts of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. Pregnant women should avoid handling cat litter and wash their hands after touching any animal.

Preventing toxoplasmosis during pregnancy

To reduce the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, it is recommended to take the following precautions:

Wash your hands regularly: Use soap and warm water to wash your hands after touching animals, animal faeces, soil, or raw food.

Cook meat thoroughly: Make sure meat is well cooked and shows no pink or bloody parts inside.

Wash fruit and vegetables carefully: Rinse fruit and vegetables thoroughly under running water to remove any trace of soil or contamination.

Avoid contact with animal faeces and cat litter: Ask someone else to clean the cat litter tray and avoid handling animal faeces in your environment.

Wear gloves when gardening: Pregnant women should wear gloves when gardening or handling soil to reduce the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis.

Symptoms of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women

In many cases, toxoplasmosis presents no obvious symptoms. However, some people may experience signs such as:

Fatigue

Headaches

Chills and mild fever

Muscle or joint pain

Swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the neck

If you experience these symptoms during your pregnancy, consult your doctor, who will be able to assess whether testing for toxoplasmosis is necessary.

Screening and treatment for toxoplasmosis during pregnancy

A blood test can be carried out to detect the presence of antibodies specific to toxoplasmosis. If the test is positive, it means you have been exposed to the Toxoplasma gondii parasite.

In the event of a confirmed infection during pregnancy, a course of medication can be prescribed to reduce the risk of transmission to the baby and limit the consequences of the infection. This treatment is generally continued until the end of pregnancy and may be combined with closer monitoring of the baby's development.

It is essential to attend regular appointments with your doctor throughout your pregnancy and to follow their advice in order to minimise the risks associated with toxoplasmosis and other potential infections.