Can pregnant women keep pets?

Mar 12,2024
11Min

Toxoplasma gondii in pets is dangerous for pregnant women and babies. There is indeed a possibility of infection when raising cats and dogs, and bacteria do exist on cats and dogs. According to investigations by medical experts, some cats, dogs, poultry and other animals are infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasma gondii can cause toxoplasmosis, which is a zoonotic disease. Toxoplasma gondii can be found in pets. Pregnant women must pay attention to this. Pet experts point out that cats can produce Toxoplasma gondii oocysts. Women who raise cats always think that cats are cleaner than dogs. But on the contrary, cats are a major source of infection for Toxoplasma gondii. It is recommended that pregnant women should stay away from pets and it is best not to have contact with pets during pregnancy. There is about a 30%-40% chance that pregnant women will transmit it to their fetus after infection. But as long as the owner ensures that the living environment and diet of the family and pets are hygienic and the diet is healthy, pets will not affect the birth of children at all.

Can pregnant women keep pets during pregnancy?

Toxoplasma gondii in pets is dangerous for pregnant women and babies. There is indeed a possibility of infection when raising cats and dogs, and bacteria do exist in cats and dogs. According to investigations by medical experts, some cats, dogs, poultry and other animals are infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasma gondii can cause toxoplasmosis, which is a zoonotic disease. Toxoplasma gondii can be found in pets. Pregnant women must pay attention to this. Pet experts point out that cats can produce Toxoplasma gondii oocysts. Women who raise cats always think that cats are cleaner than dogs. But on the contrary, cats are a major source of infection for Toxoplasma gondii. It is recommended that pregnant women should stay away from pets and it is best not to have contact with pets during pregnancy. There is about a 30%-40% chance that pregnant women will transmit it to their fetus after infection. But as long as the owner ensures that the living environment and diet of the family and pets are hygienic and the diet is healthy, pets will not affect the birth of children at all.

Can pets stay during pregnancy?

The decision to keep or leave the pet will be made through antibody testing. Women who have experienced miscarriage and have low immunity are more likely to be infected. If a pregnant woman is not sure, it is best to get a checkup first. The way to identify whether you are easily infected with toxoplasmosis is to go to the hospital to do a test for Toxoplasma antibodies in your body. 99 Pregnancy Network also reminds women with pets at home that it is best to go to the hospital for a relevant examination before preparing to become pregnant. Although toxoplasmosis is very harmful to the fetus, not every pregnant woman is likely to be infected. The results of the Toxoplasma gondii antibody test in the body have a guiding role in whether pregnant women can keep pets. If the test is negative, it means that the body has not been infected but has no antibodies and is a susceptible group. Such expectant mothers are not suitable for keeping pets unless they can still have very good self-discipline during pregnancy and maintain good hygiene habits. If the result is positive, it means that you may be infected in the near future, and you should postpone your pregnancy plan until you recover before you can consider having a child.

Pregnant women should not be too close to pets during pregnancy

​"Infections in the first and second trimester of pregnancy have the greatest impact on the fetus, and the possibility of stillbirth or defects in the baby is greatest. Therefore, depending on the results of the antibody test, pregnant women should not be too close to pets during pregnancy. In the first 3 months of pregnancy, Pregnant women should pay special attention to avoid close contact such as kissing and sleeping together and keep a distance from pets. As a pregnant woman, once you find yourself infected with toxoplasmosis, you need to go to the hospital immediately. Pets must be prohibited from licking the hands, face and tableware of pregnant women. Once pets For scratches or bites, you should go to the hospital for diagnosis in time, and do not deal with it yourself. In addition, you should also pay attention to bathing your pet frequently, wearing gloves when handling cat feces, and washing your hands frequently.

Precautions for pregnant women and pets

1. Do not let pets hunt outside to avoid eating infected rats, birds or contaminated food.

2. Food bowls should be cleaned every day and should not be placed together with other items. Do not feed raw food to pets.

3. Be careful not to be scratched or bitten by pets. Remember to wash your hands after petting pets.

4. Deworm pets regularly, bathe pets frequently, maintain hygiene, and vaccinate pets every year.

5. In order to avoid infection with toxoplasmosis, pet feces should be cleaned once a day, and pregnant women should avoid direct contact with pet feces.

Can the pet stay?

The decision to keep or leave the pet will be made through antibody testing. Women who have experienced miscarriage and have low immunity are more likely to be infected. If a pregnant woman is not sure, it is best to get a checkup first. The way to identify whether you are easily infected with toxoplasmosis is to go to the hospital to do a test for Toxoplasma antibodies in your body. 99 Pregnancy Network also reminds women with pets at home that it is best to go to the hospital for a relevant examination before preparing to become pregnant. Although toxoplasmosis is very harmful to the fetus, not every pregnant woman is likely to be infected. The results of the Toxoplasma gondii antibody test in the body have a guiding role in whether pregnant women can keep pets. If the test is negative, it means that the body has not been infected but has no antibodies and is a susceptible group. Such expectant mothers are not suitable for keeping pets unless they can still have very good self-discipline during pregnancy and maintain good hygiene habits. If the result is positive, it means that you may be infected in the near future, and you should postpone your pregnancy plan until you recover before you can consider having a child.

Pregnant women should not be too close to pets during pregnancy

"Infections in the first and second trimester of pregnancy have the greatest impact on the fetus, and the possibility of stillbirth or defects in the baby is greatest. Therefore, depending on the results of the antibody test, pregnant women should not be too close to pets during pregnancy. In the first 3 months of pregnancy, Pregnant women should pay special attention to avoid close contact and petting such as kissing and sleeping together.Keep your distance. As a pregnant woman, once you find that you are infected with toxoplasmosis, you need to go to the hospital immediately. Be sure to prohibit pets from licking pregnant women’s hands, faces, and tableware. Once you are scratched or bitten by a pet, you must go to the hospital for diagnosis in time and do not deal with it yourself. Also make sure to bathe your pet frequently, wear gloves when handling cat feces, and wash your hands frequently.

Precautions for pregnant women and pets

1. Do not let pets hunt outside to avoid eating infected rats, birds or contaminated food.

2. Food bowls should be cleaned every day and should not be placed together with other items. Do not feed raw food to pets.

3. Be careful not to be scratched or bitten by pets. Remember to wash your hands after petting pets.

4. Deworm pets regularly, bathe pets frequently, maintain hygiene, and vaccinate pets every year.

5. In order to avoid infection with toxoplasmosis, pet feces should be cleaned once a day, and pregnant women should avoid direct contact with pet feces.

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