Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy - what you need to know for expectant mother

Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite that attacks the body of humans and animals in direct contact with the infected. When it enters the human body, the parasite causes an increase in temperature, an increase in lymph nodes, lacrimation, and discharge of the nasal mucosa. But this happens in rare cases and is usually mistaken for symptoms of a common cold. In 90% of cases, infection with toxoplasmosis occurs asymptomatically, so the patient does not even know about the disease.

In principle, one could put an end to this in a conversation about toxoplasmosis, since after an illness a person develops immunity to a parasite. And re-infection does not occur. However, during pregnancy, the infection, course and treatment of toxoplasmosis are significantly different.

What is dangerous toxoplasmosis for pregnant women

At what period of pregnancy is toxoplasmosis dangerous? During pregnancy, toxoplasma primarily attacks the fetus, which causes the development of severe ailments in the child. Their severity depends on the "age" of the baby. If infection with toxoplasmosis during pregnancy has occurred:

• in the first trimester - the risk of developing defects incompatible with life is 15-20%;
• in the second trimester - fetal infection is observed in 30% of cases;
• in the third trimester - clinical symptoms of infection may be absent during infection in 60% of cases.

Toxoplasmosis and pregnancy are incompatible with infection in the first trimester. If the disease is detected at this time, doctors recommend an abortion. In the later stages, drug treatment of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women is possible. However, the drugs used are quite dangerous for the baby, so their use is possible only after the 16th week of pregnancy.

How to determine toxoplasmosis during pregnancy

Determining the presence of the disease is carried out using a blood test for the presence of immunoglobulins of classes M and G. This analysis allows you to determine the presence of a parasite in the body and immunity to it, as well as to understand whether toxoplasmosis occurred during pregnancy or was transferred much earlier, which is of primary importance.

The fact is that the danger is precisely the primary infection with toxoplasmosis. If you, even without suspecting it, suffered a disease in childhood or young age, re-infection will not do any harm to the child. That is why, when planning pregnancy, doctors recommend passing a test for the presence of class M and G immunoglobulins in the blood. If the analysis shows the presence of immunoglobulins in the blood:

• IgM - it means that the infection with the parasite has occurred recently. You need an urgent consultation of a specialist!
• IgM and IgG - indicate infection during the year. Repeat the analysis after 3 weeks, and if you see an increase in IgG, immediately see a doctor. Toxoplasmosis is in an acute stage;
• IgG - you have already been ill with toxoplasmosis once upon a time, and you have immunity to it.

How to avoid infection

If the analysis showed that you have immunity, you can relax: you are not afraid of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy.But, if there is no immunity, it is necessary to take all measures to prevent infection.

Toxoplasmosis in pregnant women can develop as a result of contact with pets: a cat or a dog. If your pet has been living with you for a long time, do not worry. You probably already had this disease. But if you meet a cat on a visit or on the street, avoid even minimal contact!

When working with the ground (not only in the summer cottage, but also when transplanting flowers), wear rubber gloves. If a parasite lives in the soil, it can enter the body through microcracks on the skin. Wash vegetables that you plan to eat raw and fruits thoroughly. And also cut raw meat with gloves: Toxoplasma can survive in both fresh and frozen meat.

Toxoplasmosis is indeed an extremely dangerous disease for pregnant women. However, avoiding it is much easier than paying for the consequences of inattention to yourself all your life. And if a daughter grows up in your family, it is better to ensure toxoplasmosis infection at an early age, for example, to visit friends who have a cat. The developed immunity to toxoplasma after a disease will protect your daughter during pregnancy from unpleasant consequences and fears for her child’s health.