Scarlett81
New member
I know I said I was losing my computer, but this is too important.
My obstetrician called and said there was a problem with my bloodwork results. I have tested positive for something called toxoplasmosis. It is a parasite that you can get from undercooked meats, soils, or most commonly-cats/cat feces. If you contract it during your pregnancy it is serious b/c if it goes to the fetus-of which there is a 15% chance that it will-it can cause serious brain related birth defects, and other infections in the baby.
Many people have this parasite-40% of Americans carry it and some never know it. If you get it, over time your body builds antibodies to it and you are immune and safe from further infections. In that case-I would be ok. If you catch it for the first time during pregnancy-that is the threat b/c it is a new infection to your body.
It is unlikely that I contracted it recently b/c I have had a cat for years, my whole life, and I never eat raw or undercooked meat. But there still is that worry that by some freak of nature-maybe I did contract it recently. They are doing more testing on my blood to try to see if I have a new infection or just antibodies and whatever the next step is. This opens up a whole new painful door to the pregnancy-more tests, risky tests, ect.
If any of you have dealt with this or know someone who has, can you please tell me your experience? I need information on this. I can't just go on fear, though i am unbelieveably scared right now.
My obstetrician called and said there was a problem with my bloodwork results. I have tested positive for something called toxoplasmosis. It is a parasite that you can get from undercooked meats, soils, or most commonly-cats/cat feces. If you contract it during your pregnancy it is serious b/c if it goes to the fetus-of which there is a 15% chance that it will-it can cause serious brain related birth defects, and other infections in the baby.
Many people have this parasite-40% of Americans carry it and some never know it. If you get it, over time your body builds antibodies to it and you are immune and safe from further infections. In that case-I would be ok. If you catch it for the first time during pregnancy-that is the threat b/c it is a new infection to your body.
It is unlikely that I contracted it recently b/c I have had a cat for years, my whole life, and I never eat raw or undercooked meat. But there still is that worry that by some freak of nature-maybe I did contract it recently. They are doing more testing on my blood to try to see if I have a new infection or just antibodies and whatever the next step is. This opens up a whole new painful door to the pregnancy-more tests, risky tests, ect.
If any of you have dealt with this or know someone who has, can you please tell me your experience? I need information on this. I can't just go on fear, though i am unbelieveably scared right now.