Worried about toxoplasmosis?

[LittleRedTealight]

I’m 6 weeks pregnant and I’ve just been digging around in the garden, moving soil out of our raised bed and digging some compost in. I wore gloves the whole time and I’ve washed my hands thoroughly twice when I got in.

How high is the risk from toxoplasmosis doing this? There was no evidence of cat poo and we have a dog which means that cats stay out of the garden as far as I can tell.

There’s no soil at all on my hands or nails, and wasn’t even before I washed them.

I had a MC last year so I’m feeling quite anxious.

TIA x

Bump in case anyone can advise x

I'd say the risk is close to zero. You did all the right things, gloves, handwashing.

You are naturally in a heightened state of anxiety due to previous MC; but if it were a very real, present risk, you'd hear far, far more about it and get much more advisory information around it.

Don't worry; be sensible but don't let your worry rule your pregnancy!

Shouldn't be an issue. Your GP can test if you have had it. Lots of women had it before pregnancy and therefore in no risk.

Thank you both. Admittedly I’m really quite anxious in this pregnancy. I’ve already had an early scan at 5+5 due to spotting/bleeding and have been put on progesterone, but we saw a heartbeat and everything looked perfect according to the sonographer.

I’ll mention the blood tests to the midwife (and the anxiety too).

thank you x

I’ve just checked and NHS guidance said to wear gloves and wash hands afterwards, both of which i did x

I was a vet nurse and cat owner when pregnant with my first, carried on as normal except I wore gloves, I looked into it at the time and the risk is very low

I think your risk is likely almost non-existent. Your anxiety is totally normal though. I booked a babymoon style trip to Bali whilst halfway through my pregnancy and then the Zika scare hit and Bali had a couple of cases- single digits for sure- but I still was petrified of the mosquitos for the whole trip. Also silly to give it so much headspace really as there were hardly any mosquitos. I had two bites, and I get bitten more than that at dusk in England.

Try to distract yourself from the worry thoughts any way you can though- nothing will be gained by letting them twirl in your head now anyway.

Thank you 🙏🏼

I’ll try some Headspace to help me chill out a bit (while still being safe and not taking risks of course).

I’ve already been worried about so much in this pregnancy and I’m only 6 weeks in 🤦🏻‍♀️ last time I was so chilled about it and then the miscarriage has completely upended me, I think.

thank you for your replies x

The first trimester is so difficult. I understand your worries having gone through similar. Please be kind to yourself and I hope everything goes well for you. 💐

Hey, I remember having the same anxiety. Very normal. But you’ve done everything right and I’m sure you don’t have toxoplasmosis

I can relate to that anxiety when being newly pregnant following a miscarriage.

OP, I had a cat that used an indoor litter tray when I was pregnant. My husband refused to clean it out (whole other story) so I had to do it. I used gloves and washed hands and it was fine.

I hope this is a smooth and successful pregnancy for you.

I've had two children, I own two cats and garden a lot, never been a problem. You'll be fine op

Thank you all so much, your posts have been really reassuring x

I’ve been gardening throughout, all fine. It is so low risk if you take the precautions you have done. And think about it - do you know anyone who has had toxoplasmosis??