Toxoplasmosis Salami Anxiety

[Lucious]

Hi All,

So this is probably going to sound very irrational and anxious, but I want to know the specifics. I have been trying to be super cautious about eating anything that is "illegal" during pregnancy, and lets face it once you delve into these things the things that are safe to eat become quite limiting. However occasionally I get this guilt that I could have been more careful . My most recent one is figuring out if there is a risk of me getting toxoplasmosis if I have eaten a sandwich that touched salami? Bare with me. There were sandwiches stacked up on a plate, some were with salami, some avocado and tomato etc. I have picked up one sandwich that rested partially on the salami. After eating it I had started thinking about whether this salami could have contaminated the sandwich I ate and transferred the parasites to it?

I have read so many studies on toxoplasmosis and pork meats, but so far I haven't come across anything that would explain what quantity of parasite would be able to infect? I think Tommys website does say that contaminated foods could cause Toxoplasmosis infection. What's made it worse for me is that a couple of studies said 34% of UK pork meats have tested positive for Toxoplasmosis. That doesn't sound that low to me..

Also I'm pretty sure at the beginning of the pregnancy I ate some of these meats without knowing that they're not allowed, so who knows, I may have contracted it already.

Any info tor experiences that you can share will be much appreciated

I completely sympathise. My food anxiety in pregnancy was something I struggle to shake off even two years later! If any consolation, I was a complete idiot about salami, it was my blind spot throughout all three pregnancies. I only realised it was cured in the third trimester of my third pregnancy, and ate it almost every day! Obviously that's not recommended but all my kids were absolutely fine, don't know if that sets your mind at ease at all.

I've read that if it's salami from a supermarket in a packet it will be ok as it gets frozen before sale, and that it's only from delis you should be concerned.

Wherever it's from, considering you didn't actually eat it I think you'll be fine - the chances are so so so so tiny. Try to put your mind at rest :)

I have had lots of salami , Chorizo etc and I’m 22 weeks. Most cured meats are safe , especially if in sandwiches etc as most places try to cater for pregnant women etc . You’ll be fine I promise . You’d know if you’d eaten something bad as you’d be very poorly very quickly . If this eases your mind , my friend didn’t know she was pregnant until she actually gave brith on a night out for my birthday. She’d eaten everything you’re told not to, drank all sorts , even smoked . She was full term 40 weeks, baby girl perfectly healthy ! xx

Also re toxoplasmosis, it's quite complicated and not necessarily as bad as it sounds. Some people will already have contracted it before pregnancy and that does give immunity. However, as you don't know obviously best to play it safe. Try not to stress, it's a rare problem.

Just know that this is your anxiety talking, not a real risk.

The likelihood of you getting ill from the sandwich is minuscule. Chances of you making yourself ill through worrying are higher.

Try and focus on whatever helps you soothe your anxiety and forget about the sandwich.

You will be fine. Have you spoken to your midwife about your levels of anxiety though? I think it might be a good idea.

Thank you all for your kind messages. The food anxiety is what is going to put me off of having more kids! Hearing your stories is very reassuring and putting things into perspective

In regards to anxiety, I have been open with my midwife. I'm managing well so far (I think), but have these bouts of worry when I think I just shouldn't of taken the risk. Although with the current situation it is a little harder to not give in with paranoia.

Hi, just to echo what the others have said, the chances are very, very, very slim. To give this slightly more context, I dedicated 3 years of my uni life to studying this parasite and its interactions with the immune response .....honestly, I never met a single infected person. I look back and wish I'd spend my time on something a bit more prolific.

I've had 2 pregnancies and whilst I dont go mad on deli meat, I dont deprive myself either. I think speaking to your midwife about anxiety is a good step though because 40 weeks is a long time to feeling anxious with no support :) Take care x

Hi Op,

Just to add another perspective... I zero concerted for toxoplasma either between my second and third pregnancy or in the beginning of my third. < waving to Toffee “ I am the outlier you wanted to meet”>.

The only reason I know is that I tested negative at the end of my second pregnancy and had antibodies in the middle of my third pregnancy (very close together). These were private tests (I am very worried about everything, just like you).

It is incredibly rare, I was quite the excitement of the maternity ward. I doubt very much that you have it. Please PM me if you have any questions. And please don’t worry, all very senior doctors thought it was incredibly rare!!! And my DD is perfectly fine!

In my first pregnancy I actually ate a salami sandwich before I found out I was pregnant, I was on a business trip and also had a dodgy hot dog from a stand. I was freaking out for ages afterards. I was pregnant twice over Christmas, bloody nightmare when everyone is stuffind their faces with blue cheese and all the goods that are forbidden!
So I totally get you, I gave up so many foods that are actually fine to eat just in case!