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Can A Hookworm Infection Harm The Fetus?

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Posted on Sat, 3 Sep 2016
Question: I am 13 weeks pregnant and just found out that a friend's dog, which both my 3 year old son and I have both recently been in contact with, has a hookworm infestation. Would this harm my unborn child?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (35 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Get stool test done to rule out infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
A hookworm infestation is not likely to spread only with a physical contact. If you did not come in contact with the feces or did not wash the hands during those days before meals then an infection is possible. It is best to get a stool test done and repeat the test after 2 weeks to rule out the infection.
Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (20 minutes later)
That wasn't my question. I asked: could a hookworm infection harm my unborn child?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
A hookworm infestation cannot cross the placental barrier and reach the baby. Your baby is safe. It will not harm the baby even if you have an infestation. Please do not worry.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal

OBGYN

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 14043 Questions

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Can A Hookworm Infection Harm The Fetus?

Brief Answer: Get stool test done to rule out infection. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for trusting us with your health concern. A hookworm infestation is not likely to spread only with a physical contact. If you did not come in contact with the feces or did not wash the hands during those days before meals then an infection is possible. It is best to get a stool test done and repeat the test after 2 weeks to rule out the infection. Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Rakhi Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal