Concerned about toxoplasmosis

[brownpaperbag1]

I’m pregnant with my first child and also have a lovely cat who’s unfortunately quite a hunter. He’s very affectionate and I tend to kiss and stroke him quite a lot. He sleeps on my bed also licks my hands occasionally.

Recently he had diarrhea and I had to brush/clean it off his behind (he’s a long-haired cat so his hair was all matted). I wore long rubber gloves and immediately disposed of any cloths/sponges used, so I’m confident my skin didn’t come into contact with any poo.

Having read up on toxoplasmosis though I’m now concerned that I may have caught it.

I’ve had the cat for almost two years and had cats when I was growing up as well, so there’s a chance I might have caught it before, which I think might make me immune. However, I can’t be absolutely certain I’ve had it already.

WWYD?

you've done exactly what you should of done and worn gloves - you also have to take into consideration the chances of your cat having toxo. you're actually more likely to get it by eating raw or under cooked meat then being around cats. think about vets who have kids. they are around cats etc. all the time - aslong as you take proper precautions ie. wear gloves, wash your hands thoroughly you are no more likely to catch it than anyone. I know the worry tho, I panicked about this too and I dont even own a cat. chance of the baby being born with issues due to toxo is super rare even if you did (which I'm sure you haven't) anyway something like 1 in 10000 so try and relax x

Thank you. Do you think I should ask for a blood test anyway? I know it’s probably irrational but I’m freaking out about it a little bit.

I asked for a blood test in the 12 week appointment and got one without any quibbles, even when my midwife was really against it and didn’t want to give me one. Turns out I’ve never had toxo in my life, which I was very surprised as I have grown up and been around cats all my life, and let’s face it — probably not that good with hand washing when I was 7 years old or so!

You can also get your cat tested, which is what I’ve done. Turned out my cat is toxo positive, but did not have an active infection. The vet explained to me that it was like herpes simplex in humans - once you have it once you’ll always have it, but it doesn’t mean that you are infectious and passing it on to others all the time - only when you have an outbreak. You can do repeat tests at the vets to check for active infections if you feel you need to. I kind of calmed down after the first round — I haven’t managed to catch toxo loving with toxo positive cat for years, it’s very unlikely I would do it now with ALLLLL the extra precautions I’m taking (rubber gloves that get disposed every time they used, litter duties transferred to husband, cat not allowed on pillows any more etc)

Thanks @IoMoon. My cat has been allowed on the bed/pillows a number of times recently - oh dear! I’ve got my 12 week scan coming up soon - how do I arrange to get a toxo test done at the same time? Is it just a case of ringing my midwife and asking?

@IoMoon oh, sorry - I just re-read your post. Did you just ask for one when you were actually at the hospital for the scan then?

I’m worried my midwife won’t agree to it too. I know the risk is very small but I’m really on edge about it!

My midwife didn’t agree to one, so I just asked for it when I was in the hospital for the 12 week scan (as they were doing all the other blood tests anyway). They didn’t question it at all and just gave me one there and then, without any prebooking. I would ask as soon as you see someone as the midwifes/nurses took a while to find out which colour vial it needs to go to! I also inquired at a private gps about getting toxo tests and they were available there as well (would have paid privately if I couldn’t get one at the hospital).

I still let my cat sleep on the bed, I just cover the pillows with a bed spread during the day.

Thank you - I will ask at the hospital in that case. I should’ve tried to get it done at my booking in appointment with the midwife but didn’t think!