EDAPT INFECTIONS AND PREGNANCY
How is toxoplasmosis transmitted? Select all that apply.
Toxoplasmosis is transmitted by eating raw, contaminated meats or coming in contact with the feces of
infected cats.
When the mother has an infection in pregnancy, it will sometimes spread to the fetus and
will sometimes cause critical complications even if the mother is only mildly ill.
Some infections do not spread to the fetus (tuberculosis, for example) but the well-being of the fetus may still
be compromised. Some infections do spread to the fetus (rubella, for example) and cause critical complications
even though the mother is only mildly ill.
Which statements are true about a pregnant woman with active Herpes genitalis lesions? Select all that
apply.
Herpes genitalis causes painful genital lesions that can infect the fetus in the uterus if membranes rupture
when there are active lesions. Cesarean delivery is done when there are active lesions. Breastfeeding is not
impacted by this virus.
When the mother has an infection in pregnancy, it often impacts the fetus as well. However, not all infections
in the mother reach the fetus but may still impact fetal well-being even if the mother is only mildly ill.
Pregnant women are more susceptible to vaginal infections due to hormone related anatomical changes, and
some infections in the female can cause lifelong infertility.
The acronym TORCH is used to group certain organisms that can cross the placenta and reach the fetus.
T = Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is contracted from eating raw, contaminated meats or coming into contact with the feces of
infected cats. Pregnant women do not need to give up their cats but should not change the cat litter prior to
or during pregnancy.
Toxoplasmosis symptoms may not appear but can be passed on to the fetus and cause serious symptoms later
in life, including blindness and mental disability. To prevent toxoplasmosis, pregnant women should avoid
uncooked meats and contact with cat feces.