Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all

I have just received a most shocking and disturbing phonecall. As some of you may know, I am about 10 weeks pregnant, and this last Monday went in for a prenatal visit and had a full physical, including various blood and urine tests. A midwife at the centre just called me to tell me that I am fine, but have a urinary tract infection (which is not uncommon for pregnant women), but the bacteria that is causing the infection is uncommon, apparently it's Salmonella.
Now, I am a stickler for cleanliness, I am an avid handwasher, before, during and after I handle my animals or their food dishes, furniture, bedding etc. Plus I have had no outright symptoms of Salmonella, mainly diarrhea and/or vomiting. The last major bout of diarrhea I can remember having was over 2 years ago now, and I can't remember having any mysterious episodes of vomiting at all. The only thing that has been plagueing me off and on since I had my son 2 years ago have been UTI's, and that is not entirely uncommon.
They are putting me on some antibiotics immediately, hopefully they will wipe it out. But I am worried, and my midwife didn't know either, but can this possibly have any adverse reaction to my baby? Could it cause birth defects or any other problems? She's tying to get hold of the infectuous disease ppl at the hospital to find out. Do any of you know?
In light of this, I am now also frightened that I may have also contracted coccidia from my lizards/snakes, because that is most likely where the salmonella came from. I had a young beardie die on me earlier this year from an extreme case of coccidiosis, my others have since been treated and I am now using parazap religiously. But what are the chances that I've contracted that too? And what are the risks to my baby if I have?
I am scared and woried to death, can someone please help me?
Thanks, for reading, sorry so long.

More people get it that NEVER see a reptile. I was of the understanding that a lot of food items (raw chicken,etc...) can cause salm.? I'm not saying that you didn't get it from your reptiles but I would recommend finding a "reptile vet" and ask him/her.

Kerby...

From the studies I've read, most people, and animals, carry small traces of Salmonella bacteria. The levels are so small, they tend to stay under control until the immune system is threatened or lowered, in which your case would be by having a baby. I think as long as it doesn't get out of control, you and the baby should be fine. I'm not a doctor, and I don't play one on the internet, but from what I've read, and I've read a lot on the subject of Salmonella, it shouldn't be anything to worry about. Keep us posted on the results and take care.

Brandon Osborne

TY very much Brandon, your post has made me feel better about this. I have done a little research since I posted this earier and have also had some advice from other herpers, and everything seems to point to it not harming the babe directly, so to hear it from you too is a big relief.

And TY Kerby, that's a good idea, I will contact my vet about this, as I will probably be able to get a hold of him easier over the weekend than my own midwife who I'll have to wait til Monday to call.

The nurse called me late Friday afternoon to tell me about it, so difficult to find any professional opinions til next week. Apparently the urinary tract is a pretty weird place for this to show up though, as they're sending my culture off to the state (NY state) for further testng, lol.