Threadworm infection during pregnancy is not known to put your unborn baby at any risk. Pregnant women may be able to avoid taking medicines to treat threadworms by using strict hygiene measures to clear themselves. Threadworms already in the bowel die within approximately six weeks.
What happens if I get worms while pregnant?
Infection with a number of parasites can lead to unique consequences for women. Some examples are given below. Infection with Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite found in undercooked meat, cat feces, soil, and untreated water can lead to severe brain and eye disorders in a fetus when a pregnant woman becomes newly infected.
How do you get rid of worms while pregnant?
There are two medications that are commonly used to treat worm infections and they are both available over the counter from a pharmacy. The generic names are Mebendazole and Pyrantel. Mebendazole is the first preference as studies in human pregnancy show no increase in adverse effects to the mother or fetus.
What are the effects of maternal worm infections on the fetus?
Animal studies suggest that by depleting nutrients available to the fetus, maternal worm infections may interfere with processes such as myelination and the development of neurotransmitter systems vital for neurological and cognitive functioning (Beard et al., 2007).
Can worms cause miscarriages?
This infection is caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. The infection is often symptomless, but may cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue and muscle aches. It is usually harmless, but increases the likelihood of miscarriage in pregnant women, particularly in early pregnancy.
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