By: Megan Yanny, MD, FAAP & Kedar Tilak, MD, FAAP
If you're pregnant, you may have heard questions like, "Do you have a cat?" This comes from concern about
toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by a microscopic parasite.
While most people who get toxoplasmosis never feel sick, the infection can be serious during pregnancy because it can pass to the developing baby. Here's what every expectant parent should know about toxoplasmosis and simple steps you can take to stay safe.
What Is toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis is caused by the parasite
Toxoplasma gondii. Cats, both domestic and wild, are the only animals in which the parasite can complete its full life cycle. The parasite's eggs (called
oocysts) are shed in cat stool and can contaminate soil, water, and food.
Most people who become infected never develop symptoms. But if a person becomes infected
for the first time during pregnancy or shortly before conceiving, the parasite can cross the placenta and infect the fetus. This is called
congenital toxoplasmosis.
How can toxoplasmosis affect your baby?
If a fetus becomes infected, toxoplasmosis can lead to a range of health problems, including:
Premature birth
Low birth weight
Jaundice or liver problems
Abnormal blood counts
Rashes
Eye disease (including vision loss)
Brain changes or calcifications
Seizures
Developmental delays
In severe cases, stillbirth or death
Some babies show no symptoms at birth but develop problems months or years later. Your OB‑GYN or pediatrician can discuss testing and treatment options if exposure is suspected.
Symptoms of toxoplasmosis in pregnant people
Most adults including pregnant people either have no symptoms or experience mild, flu‑like illness such as:
If you're pregnant and worried you may have been exposed, contact your doctor promptly. They can help determine whether testing or treatment is needed.
Cats and toxoplasmosis: What pregnant people should know
Cats play an important role in spreading parasites, but you
don't need to give up your cat.
Keep in mind:
Cats become infected by eating raw meat, birds, mice or contaminated soil.
Only cats that are actively shedding parasites in their stool can spread it and they typically shed for a short period.
Indoor cats fed commercial cat food are much less likely to be infected.
Steps to lower your risk during pregnancy:
Avoid changing the litter box if possible.
If you must do it, wear gloves and wash hands afterward.
Change the litter daily. Toxoplasma eggs need time (1–5 days) to become infectious.
Feed your cat commercial food, not raw meat or raw pet diets.
Other ways people can get toxoplasmosis
Most infections come from
food, not cats. You can reduce your risk by following safe food and water practices:
Food safety tips
Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating, cutting or peeling.
Cook meat and shellfish thoroughly (until no longer pink or to recommended safe temperatures).
Avoid raw or undercooked meats, including smoked or cured meats that are not fully cooked.
Consider freezing meat for 48 hours before cooking to reduce parasite survival.
Wash hands after handling raw meat or unwashed produce.
Clean cutting boards knives and kitchen surfaces after preparing raw foods.
Environmental safety
Wear gloves when gardening or handling soil.
Wash hands after outdoor activities.
Avoid drinking untreated water or unpasteurized goat milk.
Cover sandboxes when not in use to prevent cats from using them as litter boxes.
Remember
Toxoplasmosis is common, but there are straightforward ways to protect yourself and your baby. Safe food handling, good hygiene and avoiding contact with cat stool can significantly reduce your risk.
If you're pregnant and have concerns about toxoplasmosis, reach out to your healthcare provider. They can guide you on testing, treatment and steps to keep your pregnancy healthy.
More information
About Dr. Yanny  Megan Yanny, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified general pediatrician and
Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of
Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Dr Yanny is involved in medical
student and resident education and is a member of the Wisconsin Chapter of the
American Academy of Pediatrics.
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About Dr. Tilak Kedar Tilak, MD, FAAP, is board-certified in pediatrics and is currently in a combined fellowship training program in neonatology and pediatric infectious diseases at children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. Dr. Tilak's interests include clinical research, newborn sepsis, antibiotic stewardship in NICU and travel medicine.
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