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qwerty12e

Risk of toxoplasmosis 3-4w before pregnancy?

27F, previously healthy, 5ft6, 140lb
USA

My family and I traveled to Europe and ate a lot of Spanish jamon (usually fairly high quality places). I recently found out I am pregnant, currently about 5 weeks. We returned from the trip about 3-4 weeks before likely conception date.

I am worried about toxoplasmosis from the jamon, which I know is usually asymptomatic. While the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis from jamon in Spain is low, it is not 0…and I’m not sure if I was immune to it already before this trip. I know this is likely anxiety talking.

Is this a valid concern and should I be asking for TORCH screening (not routine to test in my state)? From my search online it sounds like the main risk is contracting it DURING pregnancy, as before pregnancy the immune system has a chance to control the parasite, but also guidelines recommend holding off 3-6mo after infection to avoid the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis.

Thank you

Posted Jun 6, 2026, 9:40 PM UTC

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