Yep, you may treat it as paranoia. I will allow myself on the other hand call it irresponsible to be a mother or mother to be and not know what is toxoplasmosis or cytomegalovirus. We both have full right to our own opinions.
Poodlek, they are both commonly used terms and have nothing to do with geographical location.
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic illness, that you may 'catch' by getting in contact with unwashed fruits, raw meat or simply poo of infected animals (cats). If you will be infected while getting pregnant or will get it during the pregnancy, especially in th early stage, it may lead to serious problems with the foetus, such brain damage.
More here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxoplasmosis
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus that can easily spread from human to human, as it can be found in saliva, urine, tears, blood, semen, breast milk. Often it goes unnoticed when you get it, as it gives symptoms like a light flu. When passed from the pregnant mother to the baby - it can cause deaf and blindness.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytomegalovirus
Both toxoplasmosis and CMV are part of a TORCH group of illnesses that are dangerous for the foetus and pregnant woman are usually tested after the pregnancy is confirmed.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TORCH_infections
TORCH complex is commonly tested in Singapore, as a routine blood work once the pregnancy is confirmed by the gynea.
In my opinion (and everyone has to have his/her own, I am not trying to convince everyone, especially those who treat prevention as 'over the top' approach) there is too big risk for the baby to simply ignore it. All it takes is to let the doctor to draw your blood, test for the TORCH group and if it will be needed - take a medication that can help easily. Once you get it when you are pregnant or will get pregnant once you have it, there is still possibility your baby will be fine. Well, again it's better to be safe than sorry IMHO.
On the other hand, there will always be people who will easily call other paranoid etc. when one decides not to drink AT ALL alcohol during pregnancy or breastfeeding, avoid medication, eat well and do other things that will lead to healthy baby. After all, there is no guarantee. One may not care for herself and have a perfectly fine baby and other can stand on the head and dance around and end up with sick one. Yet, my philosophy is - since I am getting pregnant on purpose, I am aware and will do my best to have a healthy little one.
BTW, toxoplasmosis is so well known that even Hugh Grant in "Nine Months" movie knew what it is, and he was not planning for a baby
