How dangerous is toxoplasmosis in pregnancy?

Toksoplazmozom called parasitic disease, the causative agent of which are representatives of protozoa - coccidia. It is also interesting that in women such a disease is diagnosed almost twice as often as in representatives of the male part of mankind. By itself, this disease is not so dangerous for the human body and it is often confused with an ordinary cold. But here toxoplasmosis in pregnancy is another matter, because there is always a risk of infection of the unborn child.

Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy: how does infection occur? The main source of infection are different types of animals, but especially dangerous are representatives of the cat family, including pets. Statistics show that almost every second cat is a carrier of cysts of toxoplasm. These microorganisms multiply in the intestines of cats and are discharged to the external environment along with feces.

Infection of a pregnant woman occurs with care and contact with a pet. In addition, getting cysts into the body is possible, along with unwashed vegetables, fruits, as well as raw or improperly cooked meat, minced meat or sausage products.

Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy: symptoms. The first sign of toxoplasmosis is a significant increase in lymph nodes, as well as their soreness when touched. In addition, a pregnant woman can slightly increase the temperature. The disease is accompanied by pain in the joints, body aches, skin rashes, headache, dizziness, and sometimes loss of consciousness. In studies, an increase in the spleen and liver is found.

Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy: how dangerous is this? Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy is dangerous not for the mother's body, but first of all for the future child. The risk of complications depends on the period of pregnancy.

If the mother is infected before the onset of pregnancy, the probability of complications is reduced to a minimum, since during this time antibodies have already been developed that will destroy the infection. Those women who have already been ill with toxoplasmosis, develop a permanent lifelong immunity to such a disease.

In the event that the infection penetrated the maternal organism during the first half of pregnancy, the probability of penetration of toxoplasm through the placenta is approximately 10 - 14%. If, however, the infection of the fetus has occurred, many doctors consider this disease to be an indication for the interruption of pregnancy. The fact is that toxoplasma affects first of all the neurons of the fetal brain, and this leads to various deviations in development, including mental retardation. The development of the disease in the early stages of pregnancy often leads to fading of the fetus or miscarriage.

If the infection of the female body occurred at later stages of pregnancy, then the risk of penetration of toxoplasm into the child's body increases significantly, as the placenta weakens and passes this type of infection over time. But at the same time, violations in development are observed less often, since the fetal organism already has its own, although weak immunity.

Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy: diagnosis and treatment. As a rule, tests for the presence of infection or immunity to it are carried out immediately after the detection of pregnancy, and sometimes during its planning. If the infection has occurred already during the bearing of the child, the patient is prescribed a number of studies, including blood and amniotic fluid tests. If the termination of pregnancy is impossible, or the woman refused it, then a certain group of antibiotics is used for treatment.

Methods of prophylaxis of toxoplasmosis. If a woman does not have antibodies to this disease, then she needs to carefully monitor her health. During this period, it is not necessary to keep pets in the house. All products must be thoroughly washed with boiled water before use. Meat must be subjected to careful and correct heat treatment.