Awareness of the Termination of Pregnancy Act of the Laws of Zambia among Women of Reproductive Age at Kanyama First Level Hospital in Lusaka District Zambia

Background: Termination of pregnancy (TOP) in Zambia is guided by the Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) Act of 1972 and as amended in 1994 of the laws of Zambia. However, despite provision of Comprehensive abortion care services with the liberal law, statistics at Kanyama First Level Hospital in relation to unsafe illegal abortions are alarming. This study sought to understand the Awareness on the TOP Act of the laws of Zambia among women of reproductive age 15 - 49 years at Kanyama First Level Hospital in Lusaka District. Purpose of the Study: To assess awareness on the TOP Act among women of reproductive age at Kanyama First Level Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. Methodology: A convergent parallel mixed method design was conducted using both survey and in-depth interviews among women of reproductive age at Kanyama First Level Hospital in Lusaka District. The study surveyed 370 randomly sampled women aged 15 to 49 years old while the in-depth interviews included eight women purposively sampled from the survey population. Survey data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data thematic analysis was used. Results: The study found that 37% of the participants were aware of the TOP Act while 63.8% viewed legalization of abortion for any reason as wrong. The study results also showed that widowed women were 8 times more likely to be aware of the TOP Act compared to single women (AOR: 8.262;95% CI: 1.105, 61.778). Women in business were significantly more likely to be aware of the TOP Act compared to those who reported having no occupation. (AOR: 2.61;95% CI: 1.246, 5.499). Limited access to information, the social stigma attached to abortion, health care providers’ attitudes, cultural norms, values and religious beliefs, restrictive legal requirements, and absence of a supportive network were some of the barriers affecting awareness and utilization of available safe abortion care services. Conclusions: The research findings concluded that a significant lack of awareness among women of reproductive age regarding the Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) Act. The majority of respondents held the view that abortion should only be legalized for medical reasons. Furthermore, there was a notable gap in knowledge concerning the penal code’s provisions on abortion.

Cardiovascular complications following medical termination of pregnancy: An updated review

BACKGROUND Around 1 million cases of medical termination of pregnancy(MTP)take place yearly in the United States of America with around 2 percent of this population developing complications.The cardiovascular(CVD)complications occurring post MTP or after stillbirth is not very well described.AIM To help the reader better understand,prepare,and manage these complications by reviewing various cardiac comorbidities seen after MTP.METHODS We performed a literature search in PubMed,Medline,RCA,and google scholar,using the search terms“abortions”or“medical/legal termination of pregnancy”and“cardiac complications”or“cardiovascular complications”.RESULTS The most common complications described in the literature following MTP were infective endocarditis(IE)(n=16),takotsubo cardiomyopathy(TTC)(n=7),arrhythmias(n=5),and sudden coronary artery dissection(SCAD)(n=4).The most common valve involved in IE was the tricuspid valve in 69%(n=10).The most observed causative organism was group B Streptococcus in 81%(n=12).The most common type of TTC was apical type in 57%(n=4).Out of five patients de veloping arrhythmia,bradycardia was the most common and was seen in 60%(3/5)of the patients.All four cases of SCAD-P type presented as acute coronary syndrome 10-14 d post termination of pregnancy with predominant involvement of the right coronary artery.Mortality was only reported following IE in 6.25%.Clinical recovery was reported consistently after optimal medical management following all these complications.CONCLUSION In conclusion,the occurrence of CVD complications following pregnancy termination is infrequently documented in the existing literature.In this review,the most common CVD complication following MTP was noted to be IE and TTC.

Gestational diabetes mellitus:The optimal time of delivery

Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)is a common pregnancy complication strongly associated with poor maternal-fetal outcomes.Its incidence and prevalence have been increasing in recent years.Women with GDM typically give birth through either vaginal delivery or cesarean section,and the maternal-fetal outcomes are related to several factors such as cervical level,fetal lung maturity,the level of glycemic control still present,and the mode of treatment for the condition.We categorized women with GDM based on the latter two factors.GDM that is managed without medication when it is responsive to nutrition-and exercise-based therapy is considered diet-and exercise-controlled GDM,or class A1 GDM,and GDM managed with medication to achieve adequate glycemic control is considered class A2 GDM.The remaining cases in which neither medical nor nutritional treatment can control glucose levels or patients who do not control their blood sugar are categorized as class A3 GDM.We investigated the optimal time of delivery for women with GDM according to the classification of the condition.This review aimed to address the benefits and harms of giving birth at different weeks of gestation for women with different classes of GDM and attempted to provide an analytical framework and clearer advice on the optimal time for labor.

A Case-Control Study on Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) during the Last Three Months of Pregnancy and Foetal Outcomes in Italy

The association between Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) during pregnancy and foetal outcomes has been extensively investigated. However, epidemiological studies specifically referred to LPTA in the last months of pregnancy are scarce. We evaluated the association between LPTA and the risk of both preterm delivery and small for gestational age (SGA) during the last three months of pregnancy in Italy. A nationwide case-control study was performed in nine Italian cities. A total of 299 preterm delivery, 364 SGA and 855 controls were enrolled in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic variables, medical and reproductive history, life-style habits and LTPA referred to the last three months of pregnancy. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed in order to estimate Odds ratios and 95% CI. LTPA during the last three months of pregnancy decreases the risk of preterm delivery (adjusted OR = 0.56;95% CI 0.39 - 0.79). Among the different types of physical activity, walking, the most frequently referred activity, appears significantly protective against preterm delivery (adjusted OR = 0.53;95% CI 0.36 - 0.81). Moreover, a small protective effect of walking was evidenced against SGA (adjusted OR = 0.72;95% CI 0.51 - 1.00). In conclusion, a mild physical activity such as walking in the last three months of pregnancy seems to reduce the risk of preterm delivery and, at a lesser extent, of SGA, confirming the beneficial effects of physical activity along the whole pregnancy.

A Simple Procedure for Termination of Pregnancy in the Late First Trimester with Mifeprostone and Misoprostol

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of medical methods for termination of pregnancy at 9 - 12 weeks of gestation. Methods: Between December 2008 and December 2010, the 116 consecutive women received 200 mg oral mifepristone and after 24 - 36 hours they applied 800 μg vaginal misoprostol to medically terminate pregnancy. If the products of conception did not pass, three further doses of 400 μg misoprostol were given vaginally at three hours intervals to medically terminate pregnancy. Results: Of the 116 patients undergoing the procedure 104 (90%) aborted completely. Half of the patients aborted within 6 hours. After medical termination, five per cent of the women were treated because of infection, and five per cent needed a revisit to hospital because of excessive bleeding. Two women received a blood transfusion. Previous live births or previous inducted abortion is presented in the study results. Conclusions: Medical abortion at 9 - 12 weeks’ gestation is a safe alternative to surgery.

Surgical management of pituitary adenoma during pregnancy

BACKGROUND Although conservative treatment is typically recommended for pregnant patients with pituitary adenoma(PA),surgical treatment is occasionally necessary for those with acute symptoms.Currently,surgical interventions utilized among these patients is poorly studied.AIM To evaluate the surgical indications,timing,perioperative precautions and postoperative complications of PAs during pregnancy and to provide comprehensive guidance.METHODS Six patients with PAs who underwent surgical treatment during pregnancy at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 1990 and June 2021 were recruited for this study.Another 35 pregnant patients who were profiled in the literature were included in our analysis.RESULTS The 41 enrolled patients had acute symptoms including visual field defects,severe headaches or vision loss that required emergency pituitary surgeries.PA apoplexies were found in 23 patients.The majority of patients(55.9%)underwent surgery in the second trimester of pregnancy.A multidisciplinary team was involved in patient care from the preoperative period through the postpartum period.With the exception of 1 patient who underwent an induced abortion and 1 fetus that died due to a nuchal cord,39 patients delivered successfully.Among them,37 fetuses were healthy until the most recent follow-up.CONCLUSION PA surgery during pregnancy is effective and safe during the second and third trimesters.Pregnant patients requiring emergency PA surgery require multidisciplinary evaluation and healthcare management.

The effect of urine pregnancy testing on timing of accessing antenatal care and abortion services in Western Nigeria

Objective: Effective confirmation of pregnancy is a basic component of reproductive health services. It is a determinant for accessing antenatal care (ANC) if the pregnancy is wanted and abortion services if the pregnancy is unwanted. This study examined the effect of urine pregnancy testing in the timing of presentation for pregnancy care. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 320 women presenting for antenatal care and 300 women presenting for abortion at private sector clinics in Western Nigeria. Results: The median age at first presentation was 20 weeks for ANC clients and 8 weeks for abortion clients. Obtaining urine pregnancy test of one’s accord was associated with a decrease in the gestational age at presentation of 3.7 weeks and 1.5 weeks for antenatal and abortion clients, respectively, independent of all other factors. Conclusion: Bearing in mind that the clinical benefit and public health impact of early presentation for antenatal and abortion services are unequivocal, strategies aimed at decreasing gestational age at presentation for pregnancy care should be given priority. “Fast-track” urine pregnancy testing services should be promoted in the private and public clinics in Nigeria.

Change of hs-CRP,sVCAM-1,NT-proBNP levels in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension after therapy with magnesium sulfate and nifudipine

Objective:To investigate the change of the hs-CRP,sVC AM-1,NT-proBNP levels of the patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension(PIH) syndrome.Methods:A total of 200 patients with PIH were divided into mild,moderate and severe group,and 50 healthy pregnancy patients served as the control group.The serum sVCAM-1 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,hs-CRP were detected by immunity transmission turbidity,and NT-proBNP levels were determined by the colloidal gold method.Patients were treated with magnesium sulfate and nifudipine and the contrastive analysis was performed before and after treatment.And the pathological changes in placental of PIH patients were delected by hematoxylin-eosin staining at the same time.Results:The hs-CRP,sVCAM-l,NT-proBNP levels of patients in the mild, moderate and severe PHI group were significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05). The hs-CKP,sVCAM-l,NT-proBNP levels in the severe group were significantly higher than the mild group and the moderate group,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The hsCRP,sVCAM-l,NT-proBNP of the moderate group were significantly higher than the mild group(P<0.05).There was a positive correlation between hs-CRP,sVCAM-1,NT-proBNP expression levels and the degree of the PIH.The expression of hs-CRP,sVCAM-1,NT-proBNP levels of the moderate and the severe group were significantly decreased(P<0.05).The number of placental villi and interstitial blood vessel in the moderate and severe PIH group were significantly less than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions:The increased levels of serum hs-CRP,sVCAM-1, NT-proBNP may be involved in the process of vascular endothelial cell injury of the PIH,and the hs-CRP,sVCAM-1,NT-proBNP can be used as the auxiliary index for diagnosis of PIH and determination of PIH severity.

Synthesis and Pregnancy Terminating Activity of 2-Aryl imidazo [2,1-a] isoquinolines

Two 2-aryl imidazo [2,1-a] isoquinolines were synthesized and tested for pregnancy terminating activities. Both of them are new compounds and their structures were confirmed by IR, (HNMR)-H-1, MS and elemental analysis. They both showed high activities in NIH mice.

Effect of Low Dose of Mifeprostone in Capsules combined with Misoprostol on Termination of Early Pregnancy

ve In this double-blind randomized trial, we compare the effect of 75 mg mifeprostone in capsules on termination of early pregnancy was compared with that of 150 mg in tablets combined with misoprostol.

Effect of Contragestazolin(L14105) on Pregnancy Termination in Rodents

Contragestazolin (L14105) belongs to the class of 2 phenyl triazole isoquinolines. When given subcutaneously, intramuscularly or orally showed potential pregnancy terminating activity in mice, rats, hamsters and guinea pigs, but the dialy doses of oral administration needed were 7.1, 6.3 and 47.6 times (for mouse, rat and hamster) greater than those needed parenterally. L14105 had low affinity to rat uterine progesterone receptor. When cultured human decidual cells were exposed to L14105 0.077～0.155 mmol/L for 24～48 h, the cells' viability markedly dropped and structural changes occurred in comparison with controls. Histological examination of conceptuses of rats showed edema, degeneration, necrosis and atrophy or disappearance of decidual cells nuclei and absorption of embryos after the sc administration of L14105 5 mg/kg for 24～48 h. L14105 stimulated the contractile force of uterine smooth muscle in vivo or in vitro. Conclusion: L14105 shows a very high pregnancy terminating activity. Multiple oral administration is also effective. The mode of action of contragestation is related to damage of decidual cells and stimulation of uterine contractility.

Prenatal congenital heart defects in southern China:detection rate and termination of preqnancy,2006-2016

Objective Congenital heart defect (CHD) is one of the most common birth anomalies with high morbidity and mortality. Previous studies of CHD mostly focus on the postnatal prevalence, mortality and successful rate of operation, etc. This study aimed to explore the detection rate of prenatal CHD and CHD factors that attribute to termination of pregnancy (TOP).

Clinical Pharmacodynamics of Mifepristone（RU486） for Termination of Early－Pregnancy

Twenty-four healthy female volunteers with amenorrhea for seven weeks or less.asking for legal termination of pregnancy were recruited and divided into 4 groups (6 each). The subjects were orally administered with RU486 of 50mg (Group Ⅰ). 50mg Q12hx 6 (GrouP Ⅱ),200mg(GrouP Ⅲ)or 600mg(Group Ⅳ).Vacuum aspiration(GrouP Ⅰ)or Methyl Carprost Suppository(PGOS 1.0mg)(GrouP Ⅱ-Ⅳ)was given 72h after the firsl dose followed by a 6--hour medl'cal survel'llance.Blood samples were collected on day 1-6,8,15,43 to measure the serum levels of β-hCG,E2,P,PRL,ACTH, Cortisol,T3,T4 and TSH in each subject.The results showed that no significant dose-effect relationship was observed in terms of clinical efficacy,vaginal bleeding or side effects.All four groups shared the same tendency of changes in serum levels of β-hCG,E2 and P.β-hCG levels increased by 50-100% (P<0.01)24h prior to treatment,and continued ic ipcrease following lreatment until the sac expulsion.EZ levels l'n each group reinal'ned higher than pre-treatment values with the gradual decline in P levels.β-hCG,E2 and P decreased drastically after abortion,levels of β-hCG,E2,P on day 5 were only 35-60% (P<0.01),32-46%(P<0.01)and 30-56%(P<0.01)of those on day 4 respectively.The mean PRL levels on day 2-4 in each group increased obviously but declined gradually following the sac ex.pulsion.During treatment,the respective cortisol levels increased dramatically,the average levels ofcortisol on day 2-4 were 30-40%(P<0.05) l'n GrouP Ⅰ-Ⅲ and 60%(P< 0.01) in Group Ⅳ higher as compared with day 1 values, while decreased rapidly af ter termination of pregnancy as indicated that cortisol levels on day 5 were only 67-81%(P<0.05) of those on day 4.The changes in ACTH,T3,T4,TSH levels were of no statistic sigulAance(P>0.05).This study indicated that RU486 has no dose-effect relationship when used for interruption of early pregnancy and its main action site seems neither in ovary nor in villi.It has some effects on pituitary-adrenal axis,especially in large dosage,however,it has no obvious impact on pituilary-thyroid axis.It seems that the changes in PRL serum levels were directly due to the drug itsed ifs clinical significance should be further studied.

Prenatal testing and termination of future pregnancies in Arab mothers of children with severe defects: impact of Moslem cleric or physician on the decision making

The authors investigated: 1) How many of 250 Israeli Arab mothers (50% in consanguineous marriages) of babies with severe congenital anomalies had undergone prenatal testing during pregnancy, and how many had refused termination of pregnancy (TOP) when recommended;2) Why TOP had been refused;3) Attitudes regarding prenatal testing and TOP in future pregnancies;and 4) Whether the women would have changed their decision had they been able to talk to a Moslem cleric or Moslem doctor in addition to the regular personnel. Eighty seven (35%) refused to even consider TOP, 55 (22%) agreed to undergo TOP, and 87 (35%) agreed provided the procedure would be performed before 120 days gestation. The remainder were undecided. Of 195 women, the addition of a Moslem religious cleric or physician to the Committee would influence 89 (46%) and 55 (28%), respectively, to change their opinion and agree to TOP, and 26 (13%) and 10 (5%), respectively, to change their opinion and agree to TOP prior to 120 days of gestation. The remainder either continued to refuse TOP or were undecided.

Pregnancy Rate of Bunaji Cows in a Fixed Time AI Synchronization Protocol Using Ovatide

This study accessed the reproductive performance of Bunaji cows in an Ovsynch protocol involving ovatide.Bunaji cows(n=16)aged 4-6 years and weighing between 250-350 kg with body condition scores(BCS)of 2.5-3.5 were used.There were two treatment groups for synchronization of ovulation.Treatment group 1 comprising Bunaji(n=8)received 50μg of gonadotropin releasing hormone(GnRH)(Cystorelin)and 25 mg of PGF2α.While,treatment group 2 comprising Bunaji(n=8)received 50μg of ovatide and 25 mg of PGF2α.All cows from both treatment groups were inseminated at 16 h after each second GnRH or ovatide injections.Cows that showed mucus discharge from the vagina on the day of artificial insemination(AI)were recorded as well as those that had patent cervix.Cervical dilation was measured by taking note of the cows that had mid cervix insemination due to non-passage of the AI gun through the cervix.Transrectal palpation was conducted twice at a month interval to select cycling cows within 5-12 d of the estrous cycle before initiating Ovsynch protocol.It was repeated on day 45 post AI to confirm pregnancies in animals.Results showed that the rate of mucus discharge from the vagina was 37.5%and 87.5%for ovatide and Cystorelin,respectively;while the rate of cervical dilation were 75%and 87.5%for ovatide and Cystorelin,respectively(p>0.05),and pregnancy rates were 0%and 12.5%for ovatide and Cystorelin,respectively.There were no significant differences between the two groups.It was concluded that treatment of Bunaji cows with 50μg ovatide in Ovsynh protocol has heat and ovulation synchronization potentials and zero pregnancy rate.It was recommended that further studies be carried out using graded doses of 50,100 and 150μg of ovatide in a fixed time AI synchronization protocol in Bunaji cows,to tap the potentials of the hormone in manipulation of bovine reproduction.

Medical Interruption of Pregnancy in the Second Trimester at the Principal Clinic of the Togolese Association of Family Well-Being Planning Center (ATBEF): About 25 Cases

Introduction: Medical termination of pregnancy is a therapy that considerably reduces the number of obstetrical complications that can lead to maternal death and the number of births of children with diseases or malformations that are incompatible with life. Objective: To study the practice of medical termination of pregnancy at the Principal Clinic of the Togolese Association of Family Well-Being Planning Center (ATBEF). Methodology: This was a retrospective and descriptive study conducted at the Principal Clinic of the Togolese Association of Family Well-Being Planning Center (ATBEF) covering the period from May 1st, 2012 to April 30th, 2021, i.e. a period of 9 years. All patients who underwent a medical termination of pregnancy during the study period and whose term of pregnancy was <28 weeks of amenorrhea were included in this study. Information was collected on a survey sheet from the patients’ clinical records, admission and hospitalisation registers, referral forms and operative report registers. Data were entered and analyzed using Excel, World and epi-info 7.2.2. The main variables studied were hospital frequency, diagnostic means, main indications, means of evacuation and maternal prognosis. Result: 25 patients were identified and represented 0.5% of deliveries. Fetal, maternal and obstetric causes were the main indications for medical termination of pregnancy in respectively 28%, 20% and 52%. Obstetrical ultrasound was performed in 100% of patients. These ultrasounds allowed us to determine fetal vitality and to find some fetal malformations (28%) and some anomalies in the fetal appendages (48%). Clinical examination alone was used to diagnose 24% of indications. In 68% of cases, the clinical examination and ultrasound were used to establish the indication. The most commonly used evacuation technique was medication in 88% of cases. Caesarean section was chosen for urgent cases in 12%. Uterine haemorrhage and post-abortion endometritis were the main complications. Conclusion: Medical termination of pregnancy is a delicate subject requiring multidisciplinary management. This series has allowed us to highlight our singularities, and will allow us to improve the management of our patients, in the prevention of haemorrhage and other complications.

Evaluation on the Influence of the Timing of Twin Pregnancy Termi­nation on the Outcome of Mother and Infants

Objective:Objective:To observe the maternal and infant outcomes of pregnant women with twins terminating their pregnancy at different timings.Methods:Among the twin pregnant women admitted to our hospital from August 2019 to August 2020,50 primiparous women who opted to terminate their pregnancies at 5 different timings of“34--34^(+6) weeks”,“35--35^(+6) weeks”,“36--36^(+6) weeks”,“37--37^(+6) weeks”,“38--38^(+6) weeks”were selected as the research subjects.According to the timing of pregnancy termination,they were divided into 5 groups,each with 10 cases of pregnant women,and the impact of the timing of pregnancy termination on the outcome of the mothers and infants were compared.Results:The“37--37^(+6) weeks”group had the largest amount of postpartum hemorrhage,and the difference in Hb level before and after delivery was the largest.With the increase in gestational week,the weight of both large and small fetuses increased.In terms of neonatal diseases,the comparison between“34--34^(+6) weeks”,“35--35^(+6) weeks”,“36--36^(+6) weeks”and“37--37^(+6) weeks”,“38--38^(+6) weeks”,P<0.05,the comparison between“37--37^(+6) weeks”and“38--38^(+6) weeks”,P>0.05.Conclusions:The extension of the gestational week of twin pregnancies has no effect on postpartum hemorrhage,but it can improve the outcome of infants.

Advances in the Identification of Genetically Modified Rice with Real-time PCR and Multiplex PCR

In recent years, food security and safety have attracted increasing attention due to the worldwide research and development of genetically modified （GM） rice, and the controversy over the commercialization of GM rice. And the identification of GM rice is of great significance. Therefore, in the present study, the po- tential problems in the identification of GM rice with PCR were analyzed both at a technical level and from a theoretical perspective. In addition, PCR detection on the transgenic elements： promoter, terminator, internal reference gene and target gene was discussed, respectively. The possible solutions were proposed based on the principles of plant virology and genetic engineering.

Effect of individualized nutrition interventions on clinical outcomes of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)can lead to excessive pregnancy weight gain(PWG),abnormal glucolipid metabolism,and delayed lactation.Therefore,it is necessary to provide appropriate and effective interventions for pregnant women with GDM.AIM To clarify the effects of individualized nutrition interventions on PWG,glucolipid metabolism,and lactation in pregnant women with GDM.METHODS The study population consisted of 410 pregnant women with GDM who received treatment at the Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital of Jiangsu Provinceand Yangzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital between December 2020 and December 2022,including 200 who received routine in-terventions[control(Con)group]and 210 who received individualized nutrition interventions[research(Res)group].Data on PWG,glucolipid metabolism[total cholesterol,(TC);triglycerides(TGs);fasting blood glucose(FPG);glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)],lactation time,perinatal complications(cesarean section,premature rupture of membranes,postpartum hemorrhage,and pregnancy-induced hypertension),and neonatal adverse events(premature infants,fetal macrosomia,hypo-glycemia,and respiratory distress syndrome)were collected for comparative analysis.RESULTS The data revealed markedly lower PWG in the Res group vs the Con group,as well as markedly reduced TG,TC,FPG and HbA1c levels after the intervention that were lower than those in the Con group.In addition,obviously earlier lactation and statistically lower incidences of perinatal complications and neonatal adverse events were observed in the Res group.CONCLUSION Individualized nutrition interventions can reduce PWG in pregnant women with GDM,improve their glucolipid metabolism,and promote early lactation,which deserves clinical promotion.

Diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women using automated chemiluminescence and quantitative real time PCR

Objective: To identify serodiagnosis and quantification of Toxoplasma gondii(T. gondii) infection among pregnant women in Salmas, northwest of Iran. Methods: In this crosssectional study, 276 blood samples were collected from pregnant women referred to the health care centers in Salmas city. The demographic variables were also recorded. Titers of antiToxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies(Ab) were determined using the chemiluminescence immunoassay. Quantitative real-time PCR targeting the T. gondii repeated element gene was also performed on the blood sample. Results: Out of all, 19.92%(55/276) and 2.17%(6/276) patients were seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM Ab, respectively. Moreover, the presence of T. gondii DNA was observed in 12.31%(34/276) blood samples. A significant relationship was observed between the IgG Ab seropositivity and contact with the cat as a risk factor(P=0.022). Conclusions: The seroprevalence rate of T. gondii infection in pregnant women is relatively low. Consequently, the seronegative pregnant women are at risk, and a considerable rate of positive blood samples for the presence of parasite's DNA should not be ignored. Besides, quantitative real-time PCR could be considered as an accurate method for diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis especially when the precise results are of the most importance in pregnancy. Limiting contact with cats is also suggested for pregnant women.