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Pregnancy

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

Toxoplasmosis worries!

5 replies

LookAtMeImJennyDee · 13/07/2014 17:50

Hi all -

So I'm pretty much the most anxious person ever (!) and always seem to have one worry or another going on during my pregnancy. Am currently 22 weeks tomorrow and can't get the worry of toxoplasmosis out of my head. I don't have a cat and to be honest I'm not a fan of them but yesterday with a friend of mine who's a photographer. He wanted to take a few quick snaps of me and my bump, just some nice maternity shots so I had a dress and some high heeled sandals on. We used the white walls of the big communal garage on his street which is open to I'd say at least 15 - 20 cars. There was lots of birds up in the rafters and hence lots of bird poo on the floor too and what looked like animal poo which am assuming and am pretty sure was cat (definitely not dog) and/or fox poo. Now I'm worried because was oblivious to this as I was posing about and it was only when I looked down and saw how close my pretty much bare feet had been to the faeces and am terrified in case my toes touched the poo or if my shoes did. I walked back to the car and took my shoes off however I didn't have anywhere to wash my hands for a while and am worried in case touching my shoes and then perhaps touching my mouth, nose or eyes (I have a cold so may have been dabbing at my nose!) can spread infection?! This no doubt sounds incredibly neurotic but its my first baby, I suffer from severe anxiety disorder which I have counselling for and yeah - just need to be told if I'm being incredibly silly!

Have looked online for information about toxoplasmosis but nothing says quite how infectious it is - whether the droppings have to be fresh etc etc.

I am aware that the risk of infection can come from raw meats etc too, its not solely from cats but obviously in this case am just worried about cats (apologies to any cat lovers) !

OP posts:
JennyBlueWren · 13/07/2014 18:06

If it's any consolation it probably wouldn't be cat poo as they tend to bury their waste. The risk would be very very low anyway.

Rufus200 · 13/07/2014 18:19

You have to ingest toxoplasmosis to become infected with it! Even if you were standing in infected faeces then there is no risk to you or baby.

Lalalax3 · 13/07/2014 18:19

I occasionally have to sift my cat's box if he's had a smelly poo and my DH isn't around to deal with it. I pick it up in a plastic bag and wash my hands thoroughly in hot water. It's FINE.

LookAtMeImJennyDee · 14/07/2014 16:21

Hi all -

Thanks so much for your replies. I knew I was being a bit silly but as its my first baby I'm just so overly cautious! Glad to you ladies have put my mind at rest - thank you so much :)

Jaye x

OP posts:
mami2015 · 15/07/2014 23:28

Hi,most woman are immun and have the antibodies.at one point in your life you probably got toxoplasmosis and now you're immune.(playing as a little girl outside barefoot in summer or with pets etc)most people dont know that they had it anyway.even if someone isn't immune than you would get antibiotics.i wouldn't worry too much.

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