Pregnant women and their sex partners should be questioned about STDs and should be counseled about the possibility of perinatal infections. This can happen if the mother is infected with the parasite while pregnant or before she becomes pregnant. Infection in the unborn child early in pregnancy can result in miscarriage, poor growth, early delivery or stillbirth. There is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against the examination of pregnant women in labor for signs of active genital HSV lesions, although recommendations to do so may be made on other grounds. Routine serologic screening for syphilis is recommended for all pregnant women.
Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite called toxoplasma gondii.
This is found in different forms in raw meat, within cats who eat raw meat and their faeces. To eliminate the risk of exposure to toxoplasmosis, pregnant cat owners should avoid handling the litter box by having someone else perform the task, or simply wear gloves when cleaning it, and washing hands thoroughly afterwards. Copyright 2000 KinderStart. Inc. All rights reserved.