Toxoplasmosis test

[FindingNemoandDory]

Hi everyone,

I visited a restaurant yesterday and had told them I was pregnant (set menu but with vegetarian options). They carefully pointed out dishes I couldn't have, and I chose alternatives, but lamb wasn't mentioned so I wrongly assumed that knowing my condition they'd make sure it was cooked through for our table.

I only realised afterwards (mixed with vegetables) that it was very rare inside, though a very small portion (fine dining type sizes!)

I should have paid more attention of course but now I'm really worried as I've read lamb is one of the most highly infected meats and a large proportion of British sheep are infected.

There's a chance I'm immune already as grew up on a farm, had cats etc. but anecdotally it seems many women in the same position are not immune.

I'll try NHS but does anyone know where I could go for private testing? Or anyone know statistics for likelihood of exposure after consuming rare meat?

In first trimester so if caught less likely to pass on but most severe implications!

Thank you!

Also served with a no doubt uncooked lamb jus! :(

If the lamb was well cooked on the outside, the risk is very low - and I'd be surprised if the jus wasn't well heated through. The lamb /jus may well have been frozen, in which case it should be fine to eat.

Even if you did catch it, the chance of passing it on to the baby is extremely low too.

I know it's hard not to worry, so do ask your GP or midwife, but I don't think they'd be likely to test for antibodies (but might test if they suspect you've caught it).

www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/antenatal-care/infections-avoid-pregnancy/toxoplasmosis-pregnancy

Toxoplasmosis in meat (tissue cysts) is killed immediately at around 67 degrees C. It is also killed at lower temperatures if cooked for longer.
I was toxoplasmosis obsessed in first trimester. I managed to persuade my midwife that I should have the test. I have eaten tonnes of raw meat in my life and have lots of cats and I have never had toxoplasmosis.
I know there's no point in saying "the risk is low" because if you're anything like me, you'll need to know for sure.
You'll need to wait 3 weeks or so until you get a test as that's when you'll start to get positive IgM (antibodies). IgM antibodies are indicative of recent infection where's IgG antibodies will stay with you forever once you've had it. Nuffield health do private testing, and lots of private GPS too.

Thank you both! I've found somewhere reasonable for the tests and I know it's silly but booked in this week (hoping to see igG as sounds like then a non issue!) and then in a month to check for the results of this incident! Pregnancy craziness eh!