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.
Can having parasites affect pregnancy?
A study by Kalilani and colleagues reported on the association between parasitic infections during pregnancy and increased risk of multiple complications such as maternal anemia, miscarriage, intrauterine growth retardation and maternal death [3].
Can you treat parasites while pregnant?
The most common medications for treatment during pregnancy, Praziquantel, and Niclosamide, are both in risk category B. Most often, doctors will prescribe these medications if the risk of withholding treatment outweighs the risk of the potential drug effects to the fetus during pregnancy.
What do you do if you have 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.
Which parasite can harm developing fetus?
Toxoplasmosis is caused by infection with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It is one of the most common parasitic infections in humans and is most typically asymptomatic. However, primary infection in a pregnant woman can cause severe and disabling disease in the developing fetus.
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