Do you know what Toxoplasmosis is ?
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii. In general, people have no symptoms. However, pregnant women should pay attention to this infection since it can lead to serious health problems.
What Syntoms and Consecuencies Does it Have on Pregnant Women ?
If a woman is infected before or during pregnancy, she can pass the infection to the baby.
Pregnant women usually don’t show any syntoms while newborn babies have a higher risk. Most infected children have no symptoms at birth, but later on they can develop serious problems such as blindness or intellectual disability. In some cases, eye or brain damage can be seen from the moment they are born.
How is toxoplasmosis transmitted?
Cats play a key role in the transmission of toxoplasmosis, since if they are infected they release the parasite in their feces. Unintentional exposure to the parasite can occur when changing their litter box or gardening.
In addition, fruits and vegetables can come into contact with contaminated water or soil, so a woman could become infected if she eats them without cooking, washing, or peeling them properly.
What recommendations should I follow if I become pregnant?
General recommendations:
Cook at safe temperatures. This temperature will vary according to the food you cook..
Freezing meat for several days can reduce the likelihood of infection.
Peel and wash fruit thoroughly before eating.
Wash cooking utensils and hands properly with soap when cooking
Do not drink unpasteurized goat milk or untreated water
Special recommendations if you have a cat at home:
If possible, avoid changing the cat's litter, if not do it with gloves and wash your hands with soap afterwards.
Do not feed him/her using raw or undercooked food.
Keep your cat indoors
In addition, your doctor will provide you with all the recommendations adapted to your specific situation.
What should I do if I plan to become pregnant?
Your doctor will perform a test to detect if you have been previously infected throughout your life. If the result is positive, you have had toxoplasmosis before and you have built up immunity (even if you didn't know it). Usually, you don't have to worry about passing the infection on to your baby.
If the result is negative, you should follow your doctor's recommendations. Also, during your pregnancy you can have this test repeated to know your evolution.
