Toxoplasmosis

[EmsyW]

Hi there
I’m currently 22 weeks pregnant and worried about toxoplasmosis. I recently did some gardening without wearing gloves and found some cat excretion from our neighbouring cats. I didn’t think anything at the time but upon reading my baby book it mentioned I should also wear gloves. I don’t remember putting my hands near my mouth before I washed them but I’m still worried. I have been reading about toxoplasmosis I also discovered you can get it from unwashed veg and undercooked meat and now I’m analysising everything I’ve ate / cooked recently. I must admit I don’t always wash fruit and veg before I eat. Xx

All you can really do is take precautions from now on.

To get toxo you have to actually ingest it, and as someone who has had cats, does all the gardening and lived on a sheep farm and lambed sheep my whole life and still has never caught toxo my view is that you would have to be really unlucky to contract it when you are pregnant. If you have googled you will know the symptoms to look out for, if you have been feeling generally well though you are probably fine.

If you are really worried you can ask your midwife at the next appointment if you could have a blood test to be screened for toxo immunity. At this stage they might do it or they might not, I've had one done at each booking appointment for my pregnancies which is how I know I'm not immune yet.

I accidentally ate some rare beef yesterday (it was covered in gravy!) so have been obsessively googling toxoplasmosis since then.

Turns out cats are only able to pass on toxoplasmosis for 2 weeks of their life when they first get it - usually as kittens. It's very rare especially from a one off exposure. I'm sure you will be fine.

I had some Parma ham yesterday too. I have been avoiding Deli meats for the whole pregnancy. Yesterday my husband was like it’s fine is fine so ate a little bit and now I’ve read it’s definitely ok! I should listen to myself rather than him! I have been doing the same ref the internet 🤦🏼‍♀️ So now not only am I thinking about the gardening with no gloves but the business to trip to France I took March time and how rife it is there. I’m sure it’s all fine but I’m one of these people who obsess over things and ultimately think the worse! Although like scrowy there are people who live with cats their whole life and don’t seem to catch it. I’m not sure how prevalent it actually is xx

I got myself so so worried about Toxo after eating a sausage which was pink still (I didn't realise). I also have two cats and slowly drove myself insane worrying about it. I was about 8 weeks pregnant at the time. My midwife was ok with including it in my booking in appointment bloods so I got tested for it and it was all fine. My point being....I ate raw meat and I also have two cats. I have emptied their litter tray for years sometimes without washing my hands (not whilst pregnant)...and the test said I have never been exposed to toxo. The chances of you getting it whilst pregnant are so rare. If it is going to help though ask to be tested for it, you need to wait 2 - 3 weeks after potential exposure but that will put your mind at rest. I don't think you need to worry at all though...your risk from what you did is so much less likely compared to me etc and I was still fine x

@hopehope20 Thankyou for your message. You are right, it does put things into perspective, my chances if catching it are slim to none compared to someone who has had daily contact with cats for years.
I think I have worked myself up and thinking worst case although I may ask to get tested anyway just to put my mind at rest. I think I also need to speak to someone about my anxiety as I am worrying about every little thing at the moment! X

I hear you! I have just come to that decision. First I went crazy because i used a electric blanket before I knew I was pregnant (apparently that is not advised)....then for 3 weeks I was convinced I had passed on toxo...then CMV. Now I am working myself up about downs even though I had a low risk screening....all of this now has finally made me realise my anxiety is actually the problem. I will keep finding something to worry about and that is making this whole journey terrifying when it shouldn't be. Trip to the doctors for me! I think it is good you have recognised your anxiety as it has taken me ages!!

A lot of people are immune anyway after exposure and mild symptoms - try not to fret it's unlikely and I suspect you washed your hands as you must have been covered in soil without gloves

If you have ever had a cat in your life you'll most likely have immunity. Even if not, I wouldn't worry. You washed your hands.

Suggest reading the book "expecting better", it'll put your mind at rest about a lot of things.

Yes I did wash my hands but I started doubting if I put them near my mouth at any point 🤦🏼‍♀️ I will look into that book you suggested, may definitely help!
@hopehope20, don’t worry I fret exactly the same, I’ve had dentist X-rays, hot baths, fallen down the stairs - all of which I thought the worst. I was in India at the start on my pregnancy so was convinced I had zika so had to have a private blood test for that just to put my mind at ease. I know I’m over thinking, I do it with everything and you are right, if it’s not this it will be something else!
Seems like everyone says toxoplasmosis is rare so I will keep thinking positively! Xx

I mentioned my concern about rare beef to my mw today and she looked at me like I was a bit mad. I guess that's reassuring!

I did also mention to my MW and she didn’t seem that concerned either! I’m also concerned that I hardly ever wash salad (though starting to now) especially if it’s says washed and ready to eat though I read you should still wash that as well! I have never washed things like mushrooms or broccoli either.
Despite being pregnant you kinda forget and carry on about your ways as normal x