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Q.

What happens to someone when they get Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy?

Related Topics: Toxoplasmosis, Pregnancy
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A.

After having toxoplasmosis once, you cannot get it again. This is because your immune system has learned how to fight it. When you are immune to toxoplasmosis, you don't have to worry about getting it and passing it on to a fetus (growing baby).

If you have an impaired immune system (such as from HIV infection or chemotherapy), you may have problems with repeat toxoplasmosis infections.

Infection during or just before pregnancy

A fetus cannot protect itself from toxoplasmosis. The toxoplasma parasite can infect your fetus up to 2 months after you have been infected.

  • If your fetus is infected during the first half of pregnancy, toxoplasmosis may cause serious brain or eye damage.
  • If your fetus is infected later in pregnancy, toxoplasmosis is less likely to cause serious problems.

Infected infants who are not treated with antibiotics after birth can develop severe infection during the first 20 years of life. This can lead to intellectual disability, eye damage, and sometimes blindness.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

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Read the Original Article: Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy-What Happens
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