What can happen during pregnancy if a woman becomes infected with toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis can cause problems during pregnancy, including miscarriage, preterm birth or stillbirth. Most babies born with toxoplasmosis have no symptoms. Symptoms can include eye infections, swollen glands, liver or spleen, or jaundice.

What if Toxoplasma IgG is positive in pregnancy?

Negative IgM and IgG results indicate that the person has no immunity against toxoplasmosis and, if a woman becomes infected in early pregnancy, the parasite could be transmitted to the fetus. Positive IgG results indicate that the person is immunized and is not at risk of transmitting the infection to the fetus.

Can you treat toxoplasmosis while pregnant?

The Toxoplasma infection can be treated during pregnancy with antibiotic medication. The earlier the infection is identified and treated, the greater the chance of preventing infection of the unborn child. If the child has already been infected, treatment can make the disease less severe.

Are you tested for toxoplasmosis when pregnant?

Amniocentesis. In this procedure, which may be done safely after 15 weeks of pregnancy, your doctor uses a fine needle to remove a small amount of fluid from the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the fetus (amniotic sac). Tests are then performed on the fluid to check for evidence of toxoplasmosis.

Is toxoplasmosis curable during pregnancy?

When do you treat toxoplasmosis in pregnancy?

Treating pregnant women and babies If infection occurred before the 16th week of pregnancy, you may receive the antibiotic spiramycin. Use of this drug may reduce your baby’s risk of neurological problems from congenital toxoplasmosis.

Should I get tested for toxoplasmosis while pregnant?

If you’re pregnant or planning to have a baby and are worried that you may have toxoplasmosis, ask your doctor about getting tested. Routine testing is not recommended for most women. After you have had the infection, you’re usually immune and can’t get it again or pass it on to your baby.

Can toxoplasmosis cause miscarriage?

If you get toxoplasmosis for the first time when you’re pregnant, or up to 3 months before you conceive, there’s a risk that the infection can: pass to and damage your unborn baby (mother-to-child transmission) cause miscarriage or stillbirth.

Should I be worried about toxoplasmosis?

Of those who are infected however, very few have symptoms because a healthy person’s immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness. However, pregnant women and individuals who have compromised immune systems should be cautious; for them, a Toxoplasma infection could cause serious health problems.

When is toxoplasmosis detected pregnancy?

Mothers should get blood tests with the first prenatal visit in the first trimester and monthly afterward. Newborns should also be tested, writes Boyer. According to the March of Dimes, pregnant women can take steps to reduce the chances of becoming infected: Don’t eat raw or undercooked meats.

What if you have toxoplasmosis before pregnancy?

Generally, if you were infected with Toxoplasma before becoming pregnant your unborn child is protected by your immunity. Some experts suggest waiting for 6 months after a recent infection to become pregnant.