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Toxoplasmosis in Pregnancy: How to Avoid It

Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy — what it is, how to avoid it, and when to get tested.

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. For most healthy adults it passes unnoticed, but during pregnancy it can cross the placenta and, in some cases, cause serious harm to your baby. The good news is that most infections are entirely preventable through straightforward food and hygiene habits. Understanding where the parasite lives and how to avoid it puts you firmly in control.

What Is Toxoplasmosis and How Do You Catch It?

The Toxoplasma gondii parasite is found in several everyday sources:

  • Undercooked or raw meat — particularly lamb, pork, and venison. The parasite is killed by thorough cooking.
  • Unwashed fruit and vegetables — soil contaminated with cat faeces can cling to produce.
  • Cat faeces — cats that hunt or eat raw meat can shed the parasite in their litter tray, usually for a few weeks after first infection.
  • Contaminated soil — gardening without gloves in areas where cats roam is a known route.
  • Unpasteurised goat's milk — a less common but recognised source.

You cannot catch toxoplasmosis from a cat simply by stroking it or sitting near it. The risk comes specifically from contact with faeces.

How to Avoid Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy

Following these precautions significantly reduces your risk:

  • Cook meat thoroughly until there is no pink left and the juices run clear. Use a food thermometer if you are unsure.
  • Wash all fruit and vegetables carefully before eating, even pre-washed or bagged salads.
  • Wear gloves when gardening and wash your hands well afterwards.
  • Ask someone else to change the cat litter tray if possible. If you must do it yourself, wear disposable gloves, do it daily (the parasite only becomes infectious after one to five days in faeces), and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
  • Keep your cat indoors during pregnancy if practical — indoor cats that eat commercially prepared food are at very low risk of carrying the parasite.
  • Avoid contact with stray cats or cats whose diet is unknown.
  • Wash your hands before eating and after handling raw meat, soil, or animals.
  • Avoid raw or cured meat products such as Parma ham or salami unless they have been frozen (freezing reduces but does not always eliminate the risk).

You do not need to rehome your cat. The risk from a healthy indoor pet is very low, and simple precautions are sufficient.

Symptoms and Testing

Most people who contract toxoplasmosis during pregnancy have no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear they can resemble a mild flu — tiredness, swollen glands, or mild muscle aches — and typically resolve on their own.

Routine testing for toxoplasmosis is not offered on the NHS during pregnancy, unlike in some other countries. If you think you may have been exposed — for example after eating significantly undercooked meat or a gardening accident involving cat faeces — tell your midwife or GP. They can arrange a blood test and refer you to a specialist if needed. Treatment with antibiotics is available and can reduce the risk of the infection passing to your baby.

What Are the Risks to My Baby?

The risk to your baby depends largely on when during pregnancy the infection occurs. Infection in the first trimester carries a lower chance of transmission to the baby but a higher risk of serious complications if transmission does occur. Infection later in pregnancy is more likely to be passed to the baby, but tends to cause less severe effects. Potential complications include problems with vision, hearing, brain development, and, in serious cases, miscarriage or stillbirth — though these outcomes are uncommon.

If you are diagnosed during pregnancy, you will be referred to a specialist team for monitoring and guidance. Most babies born to women who contracted toxoplasmosis during pregnancy are born healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How common is toxoplasmosis in pregnancy in the UK?

Toxoplasmosis infection during pregnancy is uncommon in the UK. Most UK adults already have some immunity from past exposure. Because the UK does not routinely test for it, exact current figures are not widely published, but it remains a relatively rare occurrence. However, the potential consequences mean prevention is worth taking seriously.

Do I need to get rid of my cat if I'm pregnant?

No — you do not need to rehome your cat. The risk comes from contact with cat faeces, not from the cat itself. If you have an indoor cat that eats commercial food, the risk is very low. Ask someone else to handle the litter tray, or wear disposable gloves and wash your hands well if you must do it yourself.

Can I eat cured or processed meats like Parma ham in pregnancy?

The NHS advises pregnant women to avoid or be cautious with cured or processed meats such as Parma ham, salami, and chorizo, as these can carry toxoplasmosis (and listeria). If you want to eat them, cooking them thoroughly first reduces the risk significantly. Speak to your midwife if you are unsure.

Always speak to your midwife or GP for personalised advice about toxoplasmosis and food safety during your pregnancy.