Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy can cause symptoms such as low fever, general malaise, swelling in the neck and headache. However, in most cases, toxoplasmosis during pregnancy is asymptomatic and is only identified during prenatal examinations.
It is important that toxoplasmosis is identified during pregnancy so that it is possible to prevent complications for the baby, especially when the infection occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy, when it is easier for the parasite to cross the placental barrier and reach the baby. However, the most serious complications occur when the infection occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy, which is when the baby is developing, with a chance of fetal malformations or miscarriage, for example.
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), which can be transmitted to pregnant women through contact with contaminated soil, consumption of undercooked or poorly sanitized meat from animals contaminated by the parasite or through unprotected contact with feces from infected cats. Learn more about toxoplasmosis.
Symptoms of toxoplasmosis in pregnancy
The main symptoms of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy are:
- Low fever;
- Discomfort;
- Inflamed tongues, especially in the neck;
- Headache.
Most of the time, toxoplasmosis does not lead to the appearance of signs and symptoms, however, it is common for women to have a less active immune system during pregnancy, so symptoms can be noticed.
It is important that toxoplasmosis during pregnancy is diagnosed so that treatment can begin immediately and complications for the baby can be prevented. Therefore, even if there are no symptoms, it is recommended that the pregnant woman undergo tests to identify the parasite in the first and third trimester of pregnancy, and the doctor may check whether the woman is infected, has had contact with the parasite or has acquired immunity.
If it is discovered that the woman was infected recently, and possibly during pregnancy, the obstetrician may order a test called amniocentesis to check whether the baby has been affected or not. Ultrasound is also necessary to assess whether the baby has been affected, especially late in pregnancy.
How contamination happens
Contamination with Toxoplasma gondii can happen through contact with feces from cats contaminated by the parasite or through consumption of contaminated water or raw or undercooked meat from animals infected by the parasite. T. gondii. Furthermore, contamination can happen accidentally after touching infected cat litter, for example.
Domestic cats that are raised only on food and never leave the house have a much lower risk of being contaminated when compared to those that live on the street and eat whatever they find along the way. However, regardless of the cat’s lifestyle, it is important that it is taken regularly to the veterinarian to be dewormed.
Is toxoplasmosis during pregnancy serious?
Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy is serious, especially when a woman is infected in the third trimester of pregnancy, as there is a greater chance of contamination of the baby and, consequently, complications. However, when the infection occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy, despite there being less chance of reaching the baby, it can pose greater risks to the baby, as it is still developing.
Therefore, it is important that the woman undergo tests to identify the parasite infection and, if necessary, begin the treatment indicated by the doctor.
Risks of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy
The risks of toxoplasmosis vary according to the trimester of pregnancy in which the infection occurs, the main ones being
- Miscarriage;
- Part premature;
- Fetal malformations;
- Low weight at birth;
- Death at birth.
After birth, the risks for a baby born with congenital toxoplasmosis are:
- Changes in the size of the baby’s head;
- Strabismus, which is when one of the eyes is not in the correct direction;
- Inflammation of the eyes, which can lead to blindness;
- Intense jaundice, which is yellowish skin and eyes;
- Liver enlargement;
- Pneumonia;
- Anemia;
- Carditis;
- Seizures;
- Deafness;
- Mental retardation.
Toxoplasmosis may also not be detected at birth and may appear months or even years after birth.
It is important that women take care during pregnancy to avoid contamination and reduce the risk to the baby, it is important to avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat and wash their hands well, avoiding not only toxoplasmosis but also other infections that can to happen. Check out other tips for avoiding toxoplasmosis during pregnancy.
How should the treatment be
Treatment for toxoplasmosis during pregnancy involves the use of antibiotics to treat the mother and reduce the risk of transmission to the baby.
Antibiotics and duration of treatment will depend on the stage of pregnancy and the strength of your immune system. Antibiotics that can be used include Pyrimethamine, Sulfadiazine, Clindamycin and Spiramycin. If the baby is already infected, treatment is also done with antibiotics and should be started soon after birth.
Understand better how toxoplasmosis is treated during pregnancy.
