Toxoplasmosis and Pregnancy: Symptoms and Treatment

You might not have heard of it, but toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by one of the world's most common parasites. While it usually goes unnoticed in healthy adults and isn't directly linked to pregnancy, it's crucial to know that getting exposed during pregnancy can be risky for the baby. Toxoplasmosis is commonly spread by outdoor cats who have come into contact with small wild birds or other animals that may be infected. Read on to learn more about the toxoplasmosis symptoms in pregnancy and treatments of this disease, and how to avoid exposure to the parasite called Toxoplasma gondii.

What Is Toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii (T gondii for short). It is usually carried by cats who have come into contact with the infection by contact with rodents, birds, or other small, wild animals, and can be transmitted through cat feces, among other things. Millions of Americans might carry this parasite, but thanks to a healthy immune system, they don't show symptoms of toxoplasmosis. This means you could have it for years, or even your whole life, without ever knowing. In most cases, there are no long-term complications, and the infection will go away on its own. But if a parent-to-be catches it, it might lead to serious health concerns for their baby once he's born. So, if you suspect you might have toxoplasmosis, it's a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider.

Causes and Transmission

Toxoplasmosis happens when you come into contact with the T gondii parasite. You can catch this parasite from cat feces, eating raw or undercooked meat, unwashed fruits and veggies, or even from soil or sand. Cats are the main hosts since the parasite thrives in them. Outdoor cats, who might dig in soil or hunt mice and rats, are especially prone to carrying it. If you're pregnant and get exposed, it can cause flu-like symptoms and pose health risks for your baby later.

Even if you catch toxoplasmosis six months before getting pregnant, there's still a risk of passing it to your baby. If you get it while pregnant, there's about a 30% chance your baby could be affected.

Toxoplasmosis Symptoms

During pregnancy, you may not notice any symptoms or signs of toxoplasmosis. However, some moms-to-be experience flu-like symptoms such as body aches, fever, fatigue, or headaches. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to let your healthcare provider know.

Most babies who contract toxoplasmosis before birth do not show any symptoms at the time of birth. Vision and hearing problems, as well as developmental disabilities, are a few of the signs of toxoplasmosis in infected babies, but these signs may not manifest until several years after birth, or even into the teen years.

Toxoplasmosis Diagnosis

A blood test can indicate a toxoplasmosis infection, and your healthcare provider can diagnose the infection based on your test results. If you are infected, it may be important to determine when you contracted toxoplasmosis, in which case your healthcare provider may perform two different types of blood tests. One test will determine the strength of the parasite, and the other will assess the protein in your body that is responsible for neutralizing the infection.

If you’re trying to become pregnant and think that you might have been exposed to the parasite, you may want to ask your healthcare provider for a screening test before you conceive, because the parasite is less likely to pass to your unborn baby if you contract it more than six months before conception. Download our Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider guide for other information to help you get the most out of your prenatal appointments.

Toxoplasmosis Treatment

If you are diagnosed with toxoplasmosis pregnancy, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to help lessen the severity of any symptoms you might be feeling and that your baby might experience after birth. These antibiotics help kill the parasite that causes infection. The treatment you get may also depend on when you contract toxoplasmosis. If you were exposed to the parasite after about week 16 to week 18 of pregnancy, you may require a combination of antibiotic treatments.

If you do contract toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, amniocentesis testing may be recommended to see if your baby has been infected. An ultrasound exam can also help detect certain signs of toxoplasmosis. Your baby’s blood may also be tested after birth.

If your baby shows signs of infection, she may be prescribed an antibiotic treatment during the first year of her life. For babies who get toxoplasmosis before birth, early treatment can help prevent problems later in life. Your healthcare provider will walk you through the best treatment options available.

Preventing Toxoplasmosis

There are steps you can take to avoid getting toxoplasmosis. Here are a few ways to avoid exposure to the T gondii parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, especially if you’re a cat owner:

• Avoid changing your cat’s litter box (use gloves if necessary)

• Don’t let your cat outside

• Don’t feed your cat raw or undercooked meats

• Wear gloves when working in the garden

• Avoid outdoor sandboxes

• Avoid undercooked meats; eat only meat cooked to an internal temperature of 150° to 170° Fahrenheit (read more about what not to eat during pregnancy)

• Wash and peel fruits and vegetables

• Wash your hands after handling meat, fruits, and vegetables

• Keep your kitchen clean.