Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy

Medications

Medicine for toxoplasmosis is only needed when the infection affects a growing baby (fetus) or someone with a very weak immune system. So although a pregnant woman who has a healthy immune system is not personally at risk when infected, treatment is needed to protect her fetus.

If you are diagnosed with toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, you will be treated with antibiotics.³

• Antibiotic treatment reduces the chances that your fetus will become infected.
• If your fetus becomes infected (diagnosed using amniocentesis), another antibiotic may replace or be added to your treatment.
• If your newborn has toxoplasmosis, he or she will take antibiotics for the first year of life. This is needed to lower the risk of brain damage and blindness from the infection.

Medication Choices

Antibiotic therapy

What To Think About

Antibiotic treatment during pregnancy may not cure a fetal toxoplasmosis infection.¹

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Author:	Sandy Jocoy, RN	Last Updated: June 18, 2009
Medical Review:	Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine Gregory A L Davies, MD, FRCSC, FACOG - Maternal-Fetal Medicine
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