In this article:
What Causes Tapeworm Infection During Pregnancy?
Tapeworm infections are caused by different types of tapeworms. The infection you develop depends partly on how you were exposed.You may become infected through:
- Eating undercooked pork or beef containing tapeworm larvae
- Consuming food or water contaminated with tapeworm eggs
- Poor hand hygiene after using the toilet
- Eating food prepared with contaminated hands or utensils
- Poor sanitation and unsafe disposal of human waste
The route of infection depends on the type of tapeworm:
| Type of tapeworm | Route of infection |
| Pork tapeworm (Taenia solium) | Eating undercooked pork containing tapeworm larvae |
| Beef tapeworm (Taenia saginata) | Eating undercooked beef containing tapeworm larvae |
| Eggs of T. solium | Consuming contaminated food or water, or through faecal-oral transmission; this can cause cysticercosis |
Can Tapeworm Infection Affect Your Baby?
Most intestinal tapeworm infections do not directly affect the baby. However, you should not ignore the infection during pregnancy. A severe infection may affect your appetite and nutrition. Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea can also cause dehydration. Some types of tapeworms can cause infections outside the intestine. For example, swallowing eggs of Taenia solium can lead to cysticercosis. This can affect organs such as the brain and requires medical assessment.Symptoms of Tapeworm Infection During Pregnancy
You may have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include:- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Increased or reduced appetite
- Weakness or tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bloating
- Worm segments in the stool
Diagnosis and Treatment of Tapeworm Infection During Pregnancy
Your doctor may ask about your symptoms, food intake, travel history, sanitation, and possible exposure. A stool examination may be advised to look for tapeworm eggs or segments. In some situations, additional tests may be needed, particularly if your doctor suspects that the infection has affected another part of your body. Treatment depends on the type of tapeworm and where the infection is located.What Should You Do If You Suspect a Tapeworm Infection?
You should:- Contact your obstetrician or doctor for an assessment
- Tell them that you are pregnant
- Follow the recommended tests
- Take only medicines prescribed or advised by your doctor
- Drink enough fluids, particularly if you have diarrhoea or vomiting
- Maintain good hand hygiene
- Cook meat thoroughly before eating it
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FAQs on Tapeworm Infection During Pregnancy
- Can tapeworm infection cause pregnancy complications?
An intestinal tapeworm infection usually does not directly affect the pregnancy. However, a significant infection may affect your nutrition or cause dehydration. Some forms of tapeworm infection can also affect organs outside the intestine. - Can you see a tapeworm in your stool?
You may notice flat, white worm segments in your stool or on your underwear. However, you should not rely on appearance alone to diagnose an infection. A stool examination may help confirm the cause. - Is deworming safe during pregnancy?
Not every deworming medicine is suitable at every stage of pregnancy. Therefore, you should not self-medicate. Your doctor can assess the infection and decide whether treatment is needed.