This is an infection that does not usually cause symptoms in healthy women. Very occasionally it can cause problems for the unborn baby of an infected mother. You can pick it up from undercooked or uncooked meat (such as salami, which is cured) and from the faces of infected cats or contaminated soil or water.
To help avoid this infection while you are pregnant it is best to:
- wash your hands before you handle food
- wash all fruit and vegetables, including ready prepared salads, before you eat them
- make sure you thoroughly cook raw meats and ready-prepared chilled meats
- wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after gardening or handling soil
- avoid contact with cat faeces (in cat litter or in soil).