Toxoplasmosis worry

[neurotic]

Have changed my nickname for this to a more appropriate one as I do feel a bit of a plonker, but am worrying myself sick and need some advice/reassurance. Here goes...

Am 28 weeks pregnant. Was cooking spag bol for lunch today and had some difficulty opening the packet of lamb mince. Was probably squeezing it a bit too hard when trying to rip the top off, so when it finally came off, it sort of expoded and raw meat juice shot into my face (into my eyes and mouth). Not loads of the stuff, just little droplets, but enough to make me totally paranoid about getting toxoplasmosis. Of course, I washed my face straightaway but know that I am going to be worrying myself sick for the next 12 wks. Am I being mad? Any advice much appreciated.

Help - anyone?

I would doubt very much that you are now 'infected'. Please try not to worry yourself about it but give NHS direct a call if you're really worried 0845 4647.

I'm ashamed to admit that I have had some rare meat since being pregnant, just a taste, but shouldn't have really I know. But I'm fine and so is baby so don't panic!!

If you are still worried call your midwife and ask to see someone.

BR

Thanks for replying, wickedstepmother and bunnyrabbit. I know the likelihood is that I will be ok, but when your are pg, all common sense seems to go out the window and you become a paranoid mad thing. Sometimes you need someone detached from the situation to act as your more rational side. Do feel slightly better today, but no doubt will still have the worry niggling away till baby arrives.

bunnyrabbit - how many weeks are you and when did you eat your rare meat? Have you had tests to show your baby is ok, or are you just going by the fact that it is still wriggling about? TIA.

neurotic, have you ever been around cats or cat poop or eaten undercooked meat? If so, you probably have had toxoplasmosis. It's very mild in adults and chances are you didn't even notice. If you've had it, you're immune and don't have to worry.

Did you have a batch of blood tests done early on in the pregnancy? A toxoplasmosis screen was included in mine (I'm immune) -- perhaps ask your doctor if you had one and the results.

JJ - Yes, I lived with cats for 2 yrs as a student in a manky house so may have got it then and not even known about it. Don't remember ever eating rare meat, but may have done sometime. Have eaten smoked salmon and parma ham, do these count?

Are you in the UK? Didn't think that we routinely check for toxo in this country. Did have loads of blood tests early on, but don't think toxo was one of them. Maybe I will ask for one at my next appointment. There doesn't seem to be a great rush (from what I have read on the internet) it takes approx 4 wks to reach the baby if the mother does get infected. Thanks for the advice, can't help worrying though..........

Neurotic, I don't have any advice but I just wanted to sympathise, having just had salmonella I do know how panicky the whole thing can make you. I doubt very much that such a small exposure will have given you toxoplasmosis, honestly. I'm no expert but I suspect that not all meat has this so even eating rare meat wouldn't necessarily mean you'd get it - spilling a very small amount of juice (it's not even as if you ate a huge hunk of it) means it's unlikely I'm sure.

Neurotic, just to let you know that toxoplasm can't live in the blood, which was probably most of what splattered on you.

Also since the meat probably come from a young animal (being lamb) the chances of it having toxoplasma is about 0% -especially if it was less than 12 months (a research article I just read showed of 750 tested none had toxoplasma).

If you can get tested for immunity it might be a good idea just to put your mind at ease (you can't get it if immune -which you probably already are thanks to the cats).

So since the mince was probably fine and you were only splattered with juice I don't think you have anything to worry about

PS I joined just to tell you this since I happen to be doing a review of studies on toxoplasmosis
at the moment and accidentally found this page while searching! Thats how much I think you have nothing to worry about.
Hope the everything goes well for the next 12 weeks

PPS don't worry about some of the stuff about it online -most is outdate or wrong. Also toxoplasmosis wouldn't have much affect on a baby once its reached the third trimester.

Hi,
Sorry for the slow reply... have visitors.
I had some rare met at the end of June which would have made me about 31 weeks I think.
I'm in the UK and as far as I'm aware they do not rourtinely test for Toxoplasmosis here, but ss Katypie says, I'm sure you've nothing to worry about. She seems to have some upto date info on this. (Thanks for your post Katypie).

Please don't worry your self. If you're still concerned then call your midwife and talk to her about this and ask if there is anything they can do to reassure you all is OK.

Yes my little bunny could play football for England so I'm sure all is OK.

BR

Thanks again for all your reassuring comments.

Katypie - that was really interesting stuff, thank you. I do feel much better after reading it. I hope you'll keep posting now you've found mumsnet - toxoplasmosis is regularly discussed here so I'm sure we'll keep you busy Good luck with your studies.

www - so sorry you have been poorly, hope you are feeling much better now. I had food poisoning in one of my last pregnancies so I understand how c**p (quite literally!) it makes you feel.

bunnyrabbit - so your baby must be due very soon, lucky you! Bet you can't wait to dive into the pates, soft cheeses and smoked salmon again! Best wishes for your imminent birth and new arrival

Thanks. Baby bunny will hopefully make an appearance on Friday..