Protective measures for toxoplasmosis during pregnancy

Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Baby

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 3 min read.

"Understanding the risks, prevention, and prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women for a healthy pregnancy."

Toxoplasmosis, commonly known as the "cat disease," is a widespread infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). This parasite can infect almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans, but it's cats that play a key role in its spread. Cats are the only animals that excrete the parasite in their feces, contaminating the environment.

While toxoplasmosis often causes no symptoms in healthy individuals, it can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women. If a woman becomes infected with T. gondii during pregnancy, the parasite can pass to her baby, potentially leading to serious health problems.

This article will explore the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women, how the infection is transmitted, and what steps you can take to protect yourself and your developing baby. Understanding the risks and taking preventive measures are crucial for a healthy pregnancy.

How Common is Toxoplasmosis in Pregnant Women?

Protective measures for toxoplasmosis during pregnancy

A study conducted in Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil, examined the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women who received prenatal care through the public health system (SUS). The study analyzed data from 2013 and 2014 and found that 45% of pregnant women tested positive for Toxoplasma gondii in 2013, while 38% tested positive in 2014. This difference was statistically significant.

These findings are consistent with other studies in Brazil, which have reported prevalence rates ranging from 36% to 77.9%, but it is important to consider that prevalence rates can vary widely depending on geographical location, socioeconomic factors, and dietary habits. Factors that contribute to the spread include:

Poor sanitary conditions
Socioeconomic factors
Type of diet
Adequate water treatment
Environmental exposure

The Divinópolis study also looked at the age of the pregnant women and found that infection rates were higher among women aged 15 and older. This is likely because older women have had more opportunities to be exposed to the parasite. Also of significance, in 2013 a relationship between age and seroprevalence was identified.

Protecting Your Pregnancy

Preventive strategies should be implemented throughout prenatal care, emphasizing risk factors and preventive measures for all pregnant women, with special attention to susceptible pregnant women, as well as at the beginning of women's reproductive lives, since the possibility of acquiring the acute form is greater at this time. This will reduce the possibility of seroconversion and fetal transmission during pregnancy.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.15448/1983-652x.2017.2.23297, Alternate LINK

Title: Prevalência De Toxoplasma Gondii Em Gestantes Atendidas Pelo Sistema Único De Saúde

Subject: Pharmacology (medical)

Journal: Ciência & Saúde

Publisher: EDIPUCRS

Authors: Thaís Laila Nascimento, Camila Mariangela Pacheco, Fabrízio Furtado De Sousa

Published: 2017-05-17

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is toxoplasmosis, and why should I be concerned about it during pregnancy?

Toxoplasmosis, often called the 'cat disease', is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). While many animals can be infected, cats are key because they excrete the parasite in their feces, contaminating the environment. Though it usually doesn't cause symptoms in healthy people, it's particularly risky during pregnancy because the parasite can be transmitted to the baby. Understanding the transmission of Toxoplasma gondii and taking preventive steps are essential for a healthy pregnancy.

How common is Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women, and what factors contribute to its spread?

The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii can vary greatly depending on location, socioeconomic factors, and dietary habits. A study in Divinópolis, Brazil, found that 45% of pregnant women tested positive for Toxoplasma gondii in 2013 and 38% in 2014. Other studies in Brazil have reported rates from 36% to 77.9%. Factors like poor sanitation, socioeconomic conditions, diet, water treatment, and environmental exposure all play a role in the spread.

What are the potential consequences if a pregnant woman becomes infected with Toxoplasma gondii?

If a pregnant woman is infected with Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite can pass to her baby, potentially leading to serious health problems. This is why preventive measures are so important during prenatal care. Identifying risk factors and understanding how to avoid exposure to Toxoplasma gondii can significantly reduce the chances of the infection being transmitted to the fetus. Seroconversion and fetal transmission can be reduced by applying these strategies.

What steps can I take during pregnancy to protect myself from Toxoplasma gondii infection?

Preventive measures are crucial during pregnancy to reduce the risk of Toxoplasma gondii infection. These strategies involve understanding the risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii and implementing measures to minimize exposure, especially for susceptible pregnant women. Implementing these strategies early, even before pregnancy, further reduces the risk of contracting the infection during pregnancy.

Does age play a role in the likelihood of contracting a Toxoplasma gondii infection?

Age is a factor to consider regarding Toxoplasma gondii infection rates. Studies, such as the one in Divinópolis, Brazil, have found higher infection rates among women aged 15 and older. This is likely because older women have had more opportunities to be exposed to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii throughout their lives. Specifically, in 2013 there was a relationship identified between the age of the mother and the prevalence of the Toxoplasma gondii.