Does anyone know if you can have tests for infections that are baaaad in pregnancy before you conceive?

[Whelk]

Wierd one I know. I suffered from depression and anxiety in each of my last pregnancies. Much of this centred around the possibility of getting slapped cheek, CMV, listeria.
I feel really stupid and incredibly embarassed about this and I know that the likelihood is low. I am a complete loon when pg though!

So I wodered if its possible to test for these things before getting pg so as to hopefully reduce my anxiety.

I would so love a third child but the anxiety was almost unbearable last time.

If you get a blood test you can check for CMV exposure not sure about the others tho....

Well most of these infections are transient (ie you get them and then they go) and this would be quite pointless. Unless you intend to inhabit a sterile room for nine months to avoid getting infected with anything?

I would suggest you concentrate on health, rather than illness, you can do a lot to improve your likelihood of getting diseases - hygiene, diet, a bit of exercise can do wonders (and all good for your mental wellbeing too).

Of course a genitourinary clinic can give you the works to check for any nasties that may be kicking around in the ladygarden dept.

If you get pregnant and you have depression and anxiety then talk to your midwife. She will be able to refer you for support. There are midwives who specialise in mental health issues during pregnancy.

You can get tested for toxoplasmosis exposure before you get pregnant - that's worth doing as once you've had it you're immune, so if you do have immunity it's one less thing to worry about.

Thank you for your helpful advice. I realise that I probably need some support for the anxiety too.

I would be happy to pay for tests to identify any previous exposure and therefore immunity. I understand that they go whomovedmychocolate but the crucial thing is that you are therfore immune.

You don't become immune from listeria unfortunately (as I discovered while researching the goats cheese sandwich I accidentally ate yesterday )
so a test would be no good for that one I'm afraid.

You can be tested for CMV and Parvovirus in order to see if you have evidence of previous infection with these viruses, and therefore let you know if you are immune to them or not. However persuading someone on the NHS to do these tests pre-conception might be tricky. I am 11 weeks pregnant with my first and my midwife has tested me for CMV and parvovirus. I asked because I know that up till 5 years ago I had never had CMV, don't think I've ever had parvo, and am a children's doctor who has a pretty good going chance of coming across these diseases - I'd rather know if there are any kids I should be avoiding! It's always worth asking, but you might have to pay (or argue your case very well!).

I am not sure I will be any less of a loon than you think you were, especially as I am surrounded by sick children all the time and have worked in 7 different Special Care baby units before - I have to keep reminding myself mums and babies CAN be well in pregnancy and beyond!

Thank you Kitty, I am more than happy to pay for it myself.

Good luck to you. If its any consolation despite 2 terrible terrible loon-like pregnancies I had two gorgeous healthy dds.