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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Toxoplasmosis testing

21 replies

JBrd · 24/10/2010 10:57

I've had my booking bloods taken last week and was surprised to find out that they don't test you for toxoplasmosis. I've got 2 cats and as this is my first pregnancy, I'd quite like to know if I have the antibodies or not... Apparently, it's quite likely that I've had it already without noticing, but I'd rather be sure. Has anyone requested a test, is it useful to know?

OP posts:
Tootlesmummy · 24/10/2010 11:10

No, they don't do it as routine as it's a complicated test to do in terms of being able to tell when you acquired the immunity.

I wouldn't worry and just stay away from the cat trays, undercooked meat etc etc.

Samvet · 24/10/2010 11:17

I am a feline vet and was negative! You can request the test. I am a veggie so can only assume a lot of exposure is through rare meat and gardening. If you are negative you would need to take care with litter trays - but I expect you would do that anyway. If you are positive you might not worry as much. So I would agree just wear gloves for litter tray, and gardening, wash veg well, no rare meat. If you get rid of cat poo within 24 hrs then even if toxo is present it isn't infectious.

lucy101 · 24/10/2010 11:21

I had the blood test at the start of each of my pregnancies. I just asked my GP and he sent me off for it no problem. I am still negative but if I found I was positive I would have been less cautious so wanted to know.

allyfe · 24/10/2010 11:43

You can ask for it. I asked when I got my booking in blood tests done and the midwife was really accomodating. They do it as a routine test in France - it surprises me they don't do it here.

Next time you get bloods done, just ask them and they should do it. It saves worrying.

Original poster
JBrd · 27/10/2010 15:27

Thanks all for your replies. I've spoken to my GP (well, the receptionist), who said to talk to the midwife. Was told that they don't test for toxoplasmosis, regardless of me having cats etc., I should just stay clear of the litter tray and no gardening :( So I guess I'd have to get it done privately...

Really annoyed about this.

allyfe - don't get me started about the health system here in this country! I think they test routinely for toxo in every other European country but the UK!

OP posts:
GoldenKippers · 27/10/2010 16:41

Surely gardening is OK as long as you wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards - the same goes for cat litter trays, although I'm glad not to have an excuse to deal with it. I think avoiding gardening in pregnancy is getting a bit silly!

lilly13 · 27/10/2010 16:43

I was tested for it, although I did not ask...

crazydayz · 27/10/2010 17:50

They wouldn't test me for it when I asked for it either and I'm a Veterinary Nurse so you'd have thought quite at risk if currently negative but just told by the midwife to be careful! Angry

knittakid · 27/10/2010 18:01

Your cats would only have it if they eat outdoor mice or rats, as far as I understand.
I too love not to have to do the litter tray, even though I do garden at my allotment all the time, just wash your hands.

Rosa · 27/10/2010 18:02

It is routine in Italy and when I was in the Uk i was due for a selection of bloods . The local surgery were a bit surprised but when they found the code they did it for me no problem .( Both pgs)

PipPipPip · 27/10/2010 18:29

Thanks everyone, I was also wondering about this.

I've eaten plenty of rare meat pre-pregnancy. I'm being more careful now that I'm pregnant but it'd be nice to know either way.

Sparklies · 27/10/2010 20:30

I managed to somehow convince my midwife to do it in my first pregnancy. Maybe he (yes, it was a dude!) was just a nice chap. Despite having two cats, loving rare steak and cured meats, and spending a lifetime grubbing about in mud and filth plus lots of gardening, I am also negative :-( So annoying!!

debka · 27/10/2010 21:05

I had toxo (was in Slovenia where testing is routine). My dr said that rather than rare meat, cats or gardening it is most often caught from badly washed veg, of which I was guilty. So if you grow your own, make sure you wash it well.

MyThumbsHaveGoneWeird · 27/10/2010 21:13

Or just make sure you eat lots and lots of unwashed veg before getting pregnant to get immunity Grin

MiniMarmite · 27/10/2010 22:02

I requested a test as I have a cat (have had one for more than 10 years) and the test came back negative which was a suprise!

DUSTIN · 27/10/2010 22:15

I am a vet nurse and worked at a rescue centre for years and I also have cats. I was tested during a pre-conception health check that I requested. I tested negative which I was surprised about.

1Catherine1 · 27/10/2010 22:31

I requested a test and didn't get one. Was asked why I wanted that in a very condescending tone. I then decided screw it! I would carry on regardless just being very cautious when doing anything.

I change the cat litter wearing disposable gloves and use the Catsan smart packs to minimise any contact near me. I still handle raw meat but religiously wash my hands with antibacterial hand wash. I haven't been ill yet so I'm guessing I haven't caught it (in pregnancy that is).

Original poster
JBrd · 27/10/2010 23:29

I'm fine with the litter trays, meat etc., as my lovely hubby takes care of all that for me :)

What annoys me is that I can't get the test, even though I requested it and believe that there is good reason for it. It obvioulsy seems to depend on which doctor/midwife you ask, as some of you got tested no problems. There is no consistency in the health system, grrr!

Maybe I can ask for it when I get my dating scan/bloods done...Here's hoping.

OP posts:
terrordelivery · 27/10/2010 23:46

this is Tommy's really interesting info on this subject.
If anyone wants testing I can't see anyone refusing, so long as you show you have an understanding of the issues. The testing should be programme of testing really.

Congratulations by the way!

cordiality · 28/10/2010 09:21

Question for you guys- I'm staying with my mum at the mo and she's driving me mad making me wash my hands every time I pick up her cats. She reckons I xould get toxoplasmosis off their paws. Is this true? I'd love to be able to tell her otherwise, she's saying it about five times a day!

debka · 28/10/2010 09:32

Rubbish. See all the above posts from CAT VETS!!!

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