How to prevent toxoplasmosis during pregnancy

  Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women can lead to miscarriage, preterm birth, stillbirth, malformation or severe symptoms in the newborn with residual central nervous system disorders via the placenta. The risk of transmission of Toxoplasma gondii to the fetus is related to the duration of maternal infection during pregnancy. About 2/3 of fetuses are infected when the mother acquires infection in late pregnancy, but the newborn is delivered subclinically infected. Infection of the mother in early pregnancy is rarely transmitted to the fetus, but the consequences of fetal infection are severe. Because of the seriousness of congenital toxoplasmosis and the cost of treatment, prevention of toxoplasmosis infection is very important.  1. Prevention of primary maternal infection (primary prevention) (1) Eat cooked and processed meat; (2) Avoid contact with meat mucosa, wash hands after handling raw meat and clean cookware thoroughly; (3) Wash fruits and vegetables before eating; (4) Avoid contamination of food by flies, cockroaches or other insects; (5) Avoid contact with things contaminated by cat feces (soil, fruits, vegetables); (6) No cats at home during pregnancy (7) Wear gloves for gardening work or wash hands thoroughly after work.  2. Prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis (secondary prevention) (1) Serological screening to identify whether the pregnant woman has Toxoplasma gondii infection; (2) Antibiotic treatment during pregnancy to reduce fetal infection; (3) Termination of pregnancy should be considered when the diagnosis is clear in early pregnancy.