What is My Risk of Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy? Understanding Antenatal Health.

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that can pose significant health risks during pregnancy, particularly if contracted for the first time while expecting. Although the infection often produces mild or no symptoms in adults, it can lead to serious complications for the unborn baby if the mother becomes infected during pregnancy. In the UK, there is considerable concern around toxoplasmosis and its potential impact on antenatal health. This article will explore the risks of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, the ways to minimise these risks, and how antenatal care can help protect both the mother and the baby.

What is Toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which can be found in contaminated food, soil, and the faeces of infected animals, particularly cats. The parasite can also live in undercooked or raw meat. For most people, toxoplasmosis is a mild illness that may go unnoticed, as the immune system is generally able to fight it off. However, for pregnant women, contracting toxoplasmosis can lead to congenital toxoplasmosis, a condition that can severely affect the developing baby. According to the NHS, the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis during pregnancy is relatively low, but the potential consequences are significant enough that it is important to be informed and take precautions.

How Does Toxoplasmosis Affect Pregnancy?

If a pregnant woman contracts toxoplasmosis for the first time during pregnancy, the infection can be passed to the baby through the placenta. This can result in congenital toxoplasmosis, which can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious health problems for the baby, including vision loss, hearing impairment, developmental delays, and brain damage. The severity of these complications depends on when the infection occurs during pregnancy. According to Tommy’s, a leading pregnancy charity in the UK, the risk of transmission is higher in the third trimester, but infections contracted earlier in pregnancy tend to cause more severe outcomes.

What is My Risk of Contracting Toxoplasmosis?

The overall risk of contracting toxoplasmosis during pregnancy in the UK is low. Public Health England estimates that around 2 in 1,000 pregnant women in the UK are infected with toxoplasmosis each year. However, taking preventative measures is crucial because even a low risk can have serious consequences for the unborn baby. Several factors can influence a pregnant woman’s risk of contracting toxoplasmosis:

1. Contact with Cats

Cats are the primary hosts of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. They become infected by eating contaminated prey, and the parasite is then excreted in their faeces. Although the risk from casual contact with cats is minimal, pregnant women should avoid cleaning litter trays, as this can expose them to the parasite. The NHS advises that if cleaning the litter box is unavoidable, pregnant women should wear gloves and wash their hands thoroughly afterwards. Regular antenatal checkups can provide further guidance on managing pet-related risks.

2. Eating Contaminated Food

Undercooked or raw meat, especially lamb, pork, and venison, can contain Toxoplasma gondii cysts. The NHS recommends that pregnant women avoid eating raw or undercooked meat and ensure that all meat is cooked thoroughly until it is no longer pink and the juices run clear. Similarly, pregnant women should avoid consuming unpasteurised dairy products, as these can also harbour the parasite.

3. Soil and Gardening

The Toxoplasma parasite can be present in soil, particularly where infected cats have defecated. Pregnant women who enjoy gardening should wear gloves to avoid direct contact with potentially contaminated soil. Thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables before consumption is also important, as they may have been grown in contaminated soil.

4. Travelling Abroad

Pregnant women travelling to countries where toxoplasmosis is more common, particularly in tropical or subtropical regions, may face a higher risk. It is important to practice good hygiene, avoid local street foods, and drink only bottled water in such regions to minimise the risk of contracting the infection.

How Can Antenatal Care Help Protect Against Toxoplasmosis?

Regular antenatal care plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of toxoplasmosis and ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Attending antenatal appointments allows healthcare professionals to monitor both the mother and baby for any signs of infection and provide advice on how to minimise risks. Antenatal care is also an opportunity to learn more about important lifestyle adjustments that may be necessary to prevent infections like toxoplasmosis.

1. Antenatal Appointments

During antenatal checkups, your midwife or doctor may discuss your risk factors for infections such as toxoplasmosis and provide guidance on how to stay safe. These appointments are an important part of pregnancy care, as they ensure that both mother and baby are monitored regularly.

2. Antenatal Education and Classes

Antenatal education can provide valuable information on how to protect yourself from toxoplasmosis and other infections during pregnancy. Many antenatal classes offer advice on proper nutrition, hygiene practices, and ways to avoid contact with potential sources of infection. These classes may also cover general pregnancy care, including the benefits of antenatal yoga or antenatal massage, which can help manage stress and promote relaxation during pregnancy.

3. Antenatal Vitamins

While antenatal vitamins won’t directly prevent toxoplasmosis, they play an important role in supporting your overall health during pregnancy. A strong immune system is crucial in fighting off infections, and taking the right prenatal care supplements ensures you’re getting the nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy.

Lifestyle Adjustments to Reduce Risk

There are several precautions pregnant women can take to reduce the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis. These simple lifestyle adjustments can help ensure a healthy pregnancy:

• Cook Meat Thoroughly: Ensure all meat is fully cooked before eating, particularly lamb, pork, and venison.
• Wear Gloves While Gardening: Always wear gloves when handling soil or gardening to avoid contact with the parasite.
• Avoid Cleaning Cat Litter: If possible, have someone else clean the litter tray. If not, use gloves and wash hands thoroughly.
• Wash Fruits and Vegetables: Wash all fruits and vegetables under running water to remove any potential traces of soil.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially after handling raw meat, gardening, or touching animals. While the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis during pregnancy in the UK is low, the potential consequences for the baby are significant. By following the recommendations for antenatal care, attending antenatal appointments, and making necessary lifestyle adjustments, pregnant women can significantly reduce their risk of infection. Antenatal care is crucial in monitoring your health and providing guidance on preventing infections like toxoplasmosis. Always speak to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions regarding your risk of toxoplasmosis or other infections during pregnancy.