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Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy

Table of Contents


Overview

Toxoplasmosis is a common infection caused by a parasite. You get it from eating undercooked meat, eating unwashed vegetables (grown where an infected cat has left droppings), or touching infected cat droppings.

Most healthy people who get the disease don't know they have it. It is very mild. But problems can happen when you are pregnant and get the disease. It can cause serious problems in an unborn baby. If you are pregnant, take steps to prevent infection.

Your unborn baby may not get infected even if you get toxoplasmosis while pregnant. If tests show that your unborn baby is infected, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. After you have been infected, you can't get the disease again.

Steps you can take to prevent toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy can put your baby at risk for serious problems. Infection usually occurs from contact with infected cat feces or from eating undercooked meat or unwashed vegetables (grown where an infected cat has left droppings).

Everyone should take steps to prevent food poisoning by storing and preparing foods properly. In addition, during pregnancy take these extra steps to prevent toxoplasmosis.


Credits for Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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