Q:  How do I avoid infection during pregnancy?


 A:

Many infections during pregnancy can be dangerous to an unborn child. Urinary tract infections and any sexually transmitted diseases need to be treated immed iately.

Cat litter and raw meat may contain the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, wh ich can cause toxoplasmosis infection. It's rare for a pregnant woman to get the infection, but if she does, her baby could be at risk for serious illnes s or death. Get someone else to change the kitty litter if possible, or wear a f ace mask and rubber gloves for protection.

Problems also may arise when a pregnant woman eats undercooked or raw foods, or cooked foods that have been cross-contaminated with bacteria from raw food ne arby. Food poisoning can cause meningitis, pneumonia, or even death to an unborn child, plus the vomiting and diarrhea involved leave the mother exhausted and d ehydrated. (See "On the Home Front" in the November-December 1997 FDA Consumer.)

 

Source: Excerpted from FDA Consumer, March - April 1999: Healthy Pregnancy, Healthy Baby

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