Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy is usually asymptomatic in women, but it can pose a risk to 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 during the first trimester of pregnancy, that is, when the baby develops, at risk of fetal malformations or abortion, 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 undercoated or poorly cleaned meat from animals contaminated with the parasite, or unprotected contact with faeces. infected cats, as cats are the usual hosts of the parasite and contagion can occur by inhalation. Like what.
- In most cases.
- Toxoplasmosis does not result in signs and symptoms.
- However.
- As it is common for women to have a less active immune system during pregnancy.
- Some symptoms may be noticed.
- Such as:.
It is important that toxoplasmosis is diagnosed during pregnancy so that treatment can start quickly and avoid complications for the baby. Thus, even in the absence of symptoms, it is recommended that pregnant women perform tests to identify the parasite during the first and third trimesters of gestation, allowing the doctor to check if the woman is infected, has had contact with the parasite or has acquired immunity.
If it turns out that the woman has recently been infected, and perhaps during pregnancy, the obstetrician may order a test called amniocentesis to check if the baby has been affected or not. An ultrasound is also needed to evaluate whether the baby has been affected, especially at the end of pregnancy.
Contamination by Toxoplasma gondii can occur through contact with cat droppings contaminated with the parasite or by eating contaminated water or raw or undercoated meat from animals infected with T. gondii. In addition, contamination can occur accidentally after touching the sand of the infected cat, for example.
Domestic cats raised only with food and never leave home, are much less likely to become infected, compared to those who live on the street and eat everything they find along the way. However, regardless of the cat’s lifestyle, it is important that the cat is regularly taken to the veterinarian for parading.
Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy is severe, especially when the woman becomes infected in the third trimester of pregnancy, as there is an increased risk of contamination of the baby, however when the infection occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy, although the baby is less likely to spread, when this occurs, it may present greater risks to the baby. Therefore, it is important for the woman to perform tests to identify the infection with the parasite and, if necessary, to initiate the treatment indicated by the doctor.
The risks of toxoplasmosis vary depending on the trimester of pregnancy in which the infection occurs, being generally:
After birth, the risks to the baby born with congenital toxoplasmosis are:
Toxoplasmosis can also go unnoticed at birth and can occur months or even years after birth.
It is important that a woman be careful during pregnancy to avoid contamination and reduce the risk to the baby, it is important to avoid eating raw or undercoated meat and washing her hands well, avoiding not only toxoplasmosis but also other infections that may occur. . Get more tips for not getting toxoplasmosis during pregnancy.
Treatment of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy is done with 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 may be used include pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, clindamycin and spiramycin. If the baby is already infected, treatment is also done with antibiotics and should be started shortly after birth.
To better understand how toxoplasmosis is treated during pregnancy.