Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite (toxoplasma gondii) that is not serious in healthy adults, but in pregnant women.
It can pass through the placenta and infect the unborn baby causing serious damage to the brain and eyes, hearing loss, learning problems, and even the death of the baby.
The risk that the pregnant woman who gets the infection can infect the fetus is 40%. But much depends on the moment in which it contracts, because in the first trimester it is less frequent than in the second trimester and in this one less than in the third trimester, however, during the first trimester of pregnancy it is when greater damage causes in the baby.
In the first prenatal appointment, the doctor will indicate a series of studies among which is an analysis to detect if you are immune or not to toxoplasmosis, that is if you have already had it in your life.
If not, it means that you should take some care to avoid getting infected, for example:
● Always wash your hands before eating, especially if you have been in contact with raw meats, dirt or animals.
● Cats are a source of contamination, so if you have a cat at home it is preferable that another person clean the litter box for you, or do it with gloves and then wash your hands very well. The same if you are going to manipulate land in the garden or in the park.
● Wash and peel vegetables and fruits before eating them.
● Carefully wash knives and kitchen utensils that have been in contact with raw meat and unwashed fruits and vegetables.
● Control the presence of cockroaches, fleas and flies as they can carry the parasite.
● Do not consume cold cuts (ham, sausage, sausage, etc.) or raw eggs.
● Do not drink water that is not potable.
