Toxoplasmosis…
Optional Testing During Pregnancy
By Valerie Jacques, RN, CPM, NHCM
This is the fourth in a series of articles exploring testing procedures available for you and your baby during pregnancy.
Toxoplasmosis is a parasite, usually transmitted to humans by handling or eating poorly cooked or raw meats. The parasite can also be transmitted via cat, bird, rodent and other animal feces. The infection is asymptomatic (Mom may be without symptoms), but may cause numerous serious birth defects such as liver/spleen enlargement, blindness, and brain damage.
The test for toxoplasmosis is best performed very early in pregnancy. If Mom tests negative for the parasite, a second test is usually suggested again at about 20 weeks. The test consists of a simple blood draw followed by laboratory analysis. The results of testing will show if Mom is (1) immune to toxoplasmosis, (2) has previously been infected, or (3) is presently infected.
In the case of a positive test result (active infection), treatment with medication may inhibit or prevent harm to your baby. However there is no guarantee, and the determination of a successful treatment cannot be established until after your baby is born. Therefore it is essential that Mom avoid all exposure to risk of parasite transmission.
You may want to consider asking a friend or relative to board your cat or pet bird for the duration of your pregnancy, as the presence of active birdcages or cat litter boxes pose a potential threat. If you decide to keep your pets during pregnancy, make sure you do not clean cages or litter boxes. While the toxoplasmosis parasite seldom causes direct harm to adults, it can be devastating to your baby.
The severity of the effects on the baby depend on the stage in the pregnancy at which the disease was caught. If the infection occurs early in the pregnancy, the baby may be miscarried or stillborn. If infected between the third and sixth month of pregnancy, the baby may develop some or all of the following severe symptoms:
· Hydrocephalus (an excess of fluid on the brain)
· Brain lesions (scarring of the brain tissue)
· Eye damage (retinochoroditis)
Hydrocephalus and brain lesions can cause mental retardation and epilepsy while retinochoroditis causes partial sight or may cause blindness. The symptoms, particularly retinochoroditis, may sometimes develop at any stage of childhood or adulthood.
Knowledge is power. The more informed you are, the better prepared you will be to make decisions regarding your health and the health of your baby. For more information on these and other tests during pregnancy, speak with your health provider. Also, look for more information contained in the Informed Consent Agreement provided by your health professional.
Valerie Jacques is a NH Certified Midwife, a Certified Professional Midwife, an RN, and the owner/operator of Coastal Family Birth Retreat in Stratham, NH. She can be reached at 603-502-9452, or at www.coastalfamilybirthretreat.com.
Optional Testing During Pregnancy
By Valerie Jacques, RN, CPM, NHCM
This is the fourth in a series of articles exploring testing procedures available for you and your baby during pregnancy.
Toxoplasmosis is a parasite, usually transmitted to humans by handling or eating poorly cooked or raw meats. The parasite can also be transmitted via cat, bird, rodent and other animal feces. The infection is asymptomatic (Mom may be without symptoms), but may cause numerous serious birth defects such as liver/spleen enlargement, blindness, and brain damage.
The test for toxoplasmosis is best performed very early in pregnancy. If Mom tests negative for the parasite, a second test is usually suggested again at about 20 weeks. The test consists of a simple blood draw followed by laboratory analysis. The results of testing will show if Mom is (1) immune to toxoplasmosis, (2) has previously been infected, or (3) is presently infected.
In the case of a positive test result (active infection), treatment with medication may inhibit or prevent harm to your baby. However there is no guarantee, and the determination of a successful treatment cannot be established until after your baby is born. Therefore it is essential that Mom avoid all exposure to risk of parasite transmission.
You may want to consider asking a friend or relative to board your cat or pet bird for the duration of your pregnancy, as the presence of active birdcages or cat litter boxes pose a potential threat. If you decide to keep your pets during pregnancy, make sure you do not clean cages or litter boxes. While the toxoplasmosis parasite seldom causes direct harm to adults, it can be devastating to your baby.
The severity of the effects on the baby depend on the stage in the pregnancy at which the disease was caught. If the infection occurs early in the pregnancy, the baby may be miscarried or stillborn. If infected between the third and sixth month of pregnancy, the baby may develop some or all of the following severe symptoms:
· Hydrocephalus (an excess of fluid on the brain)
· Brain lesions (scarring of the brain tissue)
· Eye damage (retinochoroditis)
Hydrocephalus and brain lesions can cause mental retardation and epilepsy while retinochoroditis causes partial sight or may cause blindness. The symptoms, particularly retinochoroditis, may sometimes develop at any stage of childhood or adulthood.
Knowledge is power. The more informed you are, the better prepared you will be to make decisions regarding your health and the health of your baby. For more information on these and other tests during pregnancy, speak with your health provider. Also, look for more information contained in the Informed Consent Agreement provided by your health professional.
Valerie Jacques is a NH Certified Midwife, a Certified Professional Midwife, an RN, and the owner/operator of Coastal Family Birth Retreat in Stratham, NH. She can be reached at 603-502-9452, or at www.coastalfamilybirthretreat.com.
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