Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy: When To Call A Doctor

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When To Call a Doctor

Talk to your health professional during your first prenatal exam if you are concerned about your risk factors for toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. Together, you can decide about whether to have a toxoplasmosis screening.

Call your health professional if you are pregnant and develop swollen glands, fever, sore throat, or other flu-like symptoms.

Watchful Waiting

Most health professionals in the United States take a wait-and-see approach during a pregnancy because fetal toxoplasmosis is not common. Toxoplasmosis screening is performed when the health professional thinks that the fetus or newborn may be affected. In countries where toxoplasmosis is more common, experts say that early testing and treatment are key to preventing severe fetal consequences.

If you are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant and think you have been exposed to Toxoplasma gondii, discuss testing with your health professional. For more information, see the Exams and Tests section of this topic.

Who To See

Your obstetrician, family medicine doctor, or certified nurse-midwife can test you for toxoplasmosis immunity. But your health professional must have access to a reference laboratory that can produce dependable test results.

If you are diagnosed with toxoplasmosis infection while pregnant, a perinatologist or infectious disease specialist can provide treatment to prevent or reduce fetal infection.

If your newborn has become infected during your pregnancy (congenital toxoplasmosis), a doctor specializing in newborn care (neonatologist) or an infectious disease specialist can provide treatment.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

Last updated:	June 27, 2007
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Gregory A L Davies, MD, FRCSC, FACOG - Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC