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Emms · Oct 27, 2008, 01:53 AM

Hi all,

I am currently 17 weeks pregnant and really struggling.

I have a fear (and it really does feel like that) of catching toxoplasmosis. I am pretty careful and have been tested a few weeks ago (negative) but I can't shake the fear I feel about it.

I have two questions really, the first is (and please don't laugh) do you think that you can get toxoplasmosis from eating food served in a banana leaf. I know that sounds random but we were cooked a curry last night and it came served in a banana leaf. I tucked in as I was starving, then looked at the leaf and it didn't look 100% clean to me. So I am looking for opinions on whether people think this is possible.

The other question is: Does anybody have any tips/tricks/ideas on how to cope with these thoughts. I am ony 17 weeks and am scared that this is going to get worse. I feel like it panics me when I think there is a possibility of toxoplasmosis.

I have moved to a foreign country and in my own country I might have tried to see a counsellor or something but here its not so easy.

Please help with both questions as I really need reassurance and help.

Thanks

tickle · Oct 27, 2008, 04:21 AM

www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/toxoplasmosis

This website, emms, will explain all you need to know about toxoplasmosis. And after reading, it is my considered opinion, that during your pregnancy you only eat what you cook as it indicates this parasite comes from undercooked meat. As for the banana, the heat in cooking would have destroyed bacteria.

These kind of thoughts are not uncommon for pregnant women and usually pass and are forgotten further on in the pregnancy when you and your new body accept each other as being together for the entire nine months !

Concern yourself with getting the proper nutrition, plenty of rest and look forward with thoughts of your new baby in your arms.

God bless you and keep you safe.

tickle · Oct 27, 2008, 06:03 AM

Emms, this is a post script to my previous post. How did you come across such a remote condition ? Did a family member have this as a condition ?
It is such a strange condition to be stuck in somebody's mind. If you can't access the URL I provided, please enter 'toxoplasmosis' in Google to view the same website.

Emms · Oct 27, 2008, 06:42 AM

Hi there, I had my first baby in New Zealand and they hand out extensive literature on all the do's and dont's of pregnancy. Toxoplasmosis had a write up there and it stuck in my head as it went on about how its quite easy to catch, you don't know if you have it and it can do extensive damage to an unborn baby. It just freaked me out as it seemed like it was a silent but dangerous illness. I feel very stupid talking about it but its just really troubled me.

I told my husband about the banana leaf/toxo fear and he couldn't understand as he is very rational and was like well cat poo is in the soil and banana leaves are on the trees - which is true and logical. I just feel a bit like I have lost my marbles!!

tickle · Oct 27, 2008, 09:03 AM

This is your second child so you know you will be a little bit crazy for a while. To be quite honest, Emms, I am in the health care field and have never heard of this toxoplasmosis but in the information I found for you it does mention about Canadians getting it but it isn't a big deal. So I don't know. Don't worry. Just eat what you cook and there won't be any problems. Stay out of restaurants.