Toxoplasmosis Screening in Pregnancy

What is toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. It is common, and many people are exposed to it at some point without ever knowing, because in healthy adults it usually causes no symptoms or only mild, flu-like ones such as tiredness, a raised temperature and swollen glands.

According to NHS guidance, the parasite is most often picked up from eating raw or undercooked meat, from unwashed fruit and vegetables, or from contact with cat faeces or contaminated soil. Once you have had a toxoplasmosis infection, you generally develop lifelong immunity, so a past infection before pregnancy does not carry the same risks.

Why toxoplasmosis matters in pregnancy

The main concern is a first (primary) toxoplasmosis infection caught for the first time during pregnancy, which can occasionally be passed to the baby across the placenta — known as congenital toxoplasmosis. The likelihood of transmission and the potential effect on the baby vary depending on the stage of pregnancy at which infection occurs.

It is important to keep this in proportion. Many babies exposed to toxoplasmosis are unaffected, and simple everyday precautions substantially reduce the risk of infection in the first place. If toxoplasmosis is suspected or confirmed, results always need to be interpreted by a specialist alongside your history and any ultrasound findings.

Is this screening for me?

Because toxoplasmosis is not part of routine NHS antenatal care, private testing tends to be considered only in particular situations. It is not something every pregnant woman needs, and whether it is appropriate for you is best discussed with a clinician who knows your history.

Toxoplasmosis testing is more likely to be considered if any of the following apply:

You have symptoms that could suggest a recent infection, such as an unexplained fever with swollen glands or persistent tiredness.
You know you have had a possible exposure — for example, handling cat litter, gardening without gloves, or eating undercooked or cured meat.
An ultrasound has picked up findings that a clinician wants to investigate further.
You would simply like to understand your immune status for reassurance before or early in pregnancy.

Simple ways to lower your risk

Everyday precautions recommended by the NHS can substantially reduce the chance of catching toxoplasmosis during pregnancy.

Cook meat thoroughly

Cook meat until piping hot throughout and avoid raw or cured meats such as salami and Parma ham during pregnancy.

Wash produce well

Rinse fruit, vegetables and salads to remove any traces of soil, which can carry the parasite.

Wear gloves for soil

Wear gloves when gardening or handling soil, and wash your hands afterwards.

Care with cat litter

If possible, ask someone else to change cat litter. If you do it yourself, wear gloves and wash your hands well.

Wash hands and surfaces

Wash your hands, chopping boards and utensils after handling raw meat or unwashed produce.

Avoid unpasteurised milk

Avoid unpasteurised goats' milk and products made from it, as advised by the NHS.

What the test involves

Toxoplasmosis screening is a simple blood test that looks for antibodies your immune system produces in response to the parasite. It measures two types of antibody: IgG, which usually reflects past exposure and immunity, and IgM, which can suggest a more recent infection.

At London Pregnancy Clinic, blood tests are taken at our City clinic in Spitalfields. The sample is a standard blood draw, and there is no special preparation needed. Because antibody results can be difficult to interpret, they are always reviewed by our clinicians in the context of your history rather than read in isolation.

Understanding your results

Toxoplasmosis antibody results are not always a simple positive or negative. A positive IgG with a negative IgM often points to a past infection and existing immunity, whereas a positive IgM can raise the possibility of a more recent infection — but IgM can also stay detectable for a long time or occasionally give a false positive, so it cannot be read on its own.

Where results are uncertain, further tests such as IgG avidity testing or a repeat sample may be advised, and specialist input is important. Our clinicians will talk you through what your particular results mean and what, if anything, should happen next.

Related infection screening

Toxoplasmosis is one of the infections grouped under the TORCH acronym — Toxoplasmosis, Other (including syphilis), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Herpes simplex. If you would like to consider several of these together, these pages may help.

TORCH infection screening

An overview of the TORCH panel and the infections it covers in pregnancy, and how our clinicians approach testing.

Learn more

CMV (cytomegalovirus) blood test

Information on cytomegalovirus in pregnancy, when testing is considered, and what your results mean.

Learn more

Your questions answered

Is toxoplasmosis screening part of routine NHS pregnancy care?

No. In the UK, toxoplasmosis is not part of routine NHS antenatal screening. This is because most infections are mild, many people are already immune, and testing everyone could lead to unnecessary worry and further investigations.

Private testing is an option some parents choose to ask about, usually because of symptoms, a possible exposure, or an ultrasound finding. Whether it is right for you is best discussed with your midwife or doctor.

How would I catch toxoplasmosis during pregnancy?

According to NHS guidance, toxoplasmosis is most commonly caught from eating raw or undercooked meat, from cured meats, from unwashed fruit and vegetables, or through contact with cat faeces or contaminated soil.

Straightforward precautions — cooking meat thoroughly, washing produce, wearing gloves for gardening and cat litter, and washing your hands afterwards — significantly reduce the risk. If you are worried about a specific exposure, discuss it with your midwife or doctor.

What do IgG and IgM results mean?

IgG antibodies usually indicate past exposure and immunity, while IgM antibodies can suggest a more recent infection. However, IgM can remain detectable for many months and can sometimes give a false positive, so results are never interpreted in isolation.

If results are unclear, additional tests such as IgG avidity or a repeat sample may be recommended. Your clinician will explain what your specific results mean and whether anything further is needed.

I have a cat — should I be worried?

Owning a cat does not mean you will catch toxoplasmosis, and you do not need to rehome your pet. The main precaution is to avoid direct contact with cat faeces: if possible, ask someone else to change the litter tray, and if you do it yourself, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

Changing litter daily and keeping cats indoors where practical can also help. If you have specific concerns, discuss them with your midwife or doctor.

What happens if my result suggests a recent infection?

A result that raises the possibility of a recent infection does not automatically mean your baby is affected. It usually prompts further testing to clarify the timing of any infection and, where appropriate, referral for specialist review and monitoring.

Because interpretation is complex, any positive or uncertain toxoplasmosis result should always be reviewed by a specialist. Please discuss the findings and next steps with your midwife or doctor.

Can I test for toxoplasmosis alongside other infections?

Yes. Toxoplasmosis is one of the infections included in TORCH screening, which also covers other infections such as syphilis, rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex. Some parents prefer to consider several of these together.

You can read more on our TORCH infection screening and CMV blood test pages, or get in touch to discuss which tests, if any, are relevant for you.

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