TORCH in Pregnancy — What It Means
Informational only. Antenatal results should always be discussed with your obstetrician, who interprets them for your specific pregnancy.
TORCH is a group of blood tests for antibodies to certain infections. These are Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes Simplex Virus. These infections can affect your baby's growth if you catch them in pregnancy. These infections can cross the placenta and affect your baby's growth. The first trimester is a key time. Knowing your immune status helps guide advice on lowering risk and on monitoring.
First trimester
Last reviewed: 2026-08-16
When is it done?
You may be offered this at your first antenatal visit. It is used when you have no record of prior immunity or you have certain risk factors.
Why is it done in pregnancy?
These infections can cross the placenta and affect your baby's growth. The first trimester is a key time. Knowing your immune status helps guide advice on lowering risk and on monitoring.
About the reference range
TORCH results are reported as IgG and IgM antibody levels. These are read as immune, susceptible, or possible recent infection. They are not measured against a numeric trimester range. Reading them needs clinical context and your obstetrician's assessment.
What to discuss with your obstetrician
Ask your obstetrician what your TORCH results mean for your pregnancy. Also ask if any follow-up or precautions are advised. And ask if a vaccine, such as for rubella, should be considered after delivery.
Questions to ask your obstetrician
About this result
- What does my TORCH result mean for me and my baby at this stage of pregnancy?
- Is my TORCH being read against a pregnancy-specific range?
What to do next
- Based on my TORCH, is there anything you would suggest I do or change during this pregnancy?
About retesting
- Will my TORCH be checked again later in the pregnancy, and if so, when?
The bigger picture
- How does my TORCH fit with the rest of my antenatal checks?
Frequently asked questions
- What does IgG positive mean on a TORCH test?
- IgG antibodies point to past exposure or a vaccine. They usually suggest immunity. For rubella, an IgG positive result suggests prior immunity. It means you are unlikely to catch rubella during this pregnancy.
- What does IgM positive mean on a TORCH test?
- IgM antibodies can point to a recent or current infection, but reading them is tricky. IgM can last for months after an infection. It can also give false-positive results. A positive IgM always needs your obstetrician's review, and sometimes a specialist.
- If I have no immunity to rubella, what should I do?
- The rubella vaccine (MMR) cannot be given during pregnancy. If you are not immune, your obstetrician will advise on precautions during pregnancy. They will also suggest the vaccine after delivery. This protects future pregnancies.
- Is CMV the same as the herpes virus?
- CMV (cytomegalovirus) and herpes simplex virus are both in the herpesvirus family. But they are separate viruses with different effects. The TORCH panel checks for antibodies to each one separately.
- How can I reduce my risk of Toxoplasma during pregnancy?
- Some practical steps help. Avoid undercooked or raw meat, and wash your hands after handling raw meat or soil. Wear gloves when gardening, and have someone else change the cat litter. Your obstetrician or midwife can give more detail.
Sources
- RCOG (2020) — RCOG Scientific Impact Paper: Infection and Pregnancy
- FOGSI (2019) — FOGSI Clinical Practice Guidelines: Infections in Pregnancy
Learn more about this test
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