Women health


 How common is toxoplasmosis in pregnancy

True or False: Cats Should Be Avoided by Pregnant Women

If you've ever wondered if it's true those cats' feces might cause birth abnormalities, here's the startling answer: yes and no.

Cats, it turns out, discharge a parasite in their feces that can harm a fetus. However, this parasite can be acquired in a variety of ways other than through cats. There are many ways to prevent this parasite from hurting a fetus, so expectant mothers don't have to worry about their babies' health if they come into contact with cats.

Proof of the Health Claim

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection caused by a specific parasite that causes only minor symptoms or remains unnoticed in the majority of humans and animals. After consuming affected small animals such as birds or rodents, cats spread the parasite through their excrement. While the virus has no effect on the cats, the parasites they release can be harmful to pregnant women.

When a pregnant woman cleans the litter box of an infected cat, she is exposed to the parasite. If the mother touches her lips after coming into contact with the parasite, she risks becoming infected, putting her fetus at risk of major difficulties at birth or later in life.

The parasite can cause serious eye infections or even blindness before or during birth.

Any cat that is allowed outside or is fed raw or undercooked meat may be infected with the parasite. Any contaminated excrement from infected cats can endanger a woman's pregnancy.

Objections to the Health Claim

Toxoplasmosis can be transferred by tainted meat as well as cat feces. By consuming infected raw or undercooked meat, a person is just as likely, if not more, to get the infection. Even handling the meat and then forgetting to wash your hands might spread the virus.

Surprisingly, if a woman develops the infection before becoming pregnant, she becomes immune and will not pass it on to her fetus. If a woman has been exposed to the parasite, a blood test can prove it.

Most women have a low probability of catching the disease through their cat. Indoor cats eating professionally prepared cat food, for example, have a very minimal risk of contracting the disease.

If a woman owns a cat, she does not need to avoid it or give up her beloved pet. A few easy precautions, including as extra caution when cleaning the litter box or avoiding it altogether, can help to prevent the parasite's spread. If you're expecting a child, enlist the help of another person to clean the litter box. If you must do it yourself, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

Conclusion

While some cat excrement might cause serious or even fatal difficulties in a growing fetus, pregnant women do not need to stay away from cats entirely. Toxoplasmosis risk is much reduced if you avoid using the litter box.

Additionally, expecting mothers should exercise caution while handling raw meat as well as cat feces. If pregnant women eat raw or undercooked meat or handle raw meat without washing their hands right away, they are more likely to contract toxoplasmosis.

Fluffy doesn't have to pack her bags when the happy news of impending arrival is announced. Keep her inside, feed her only premade cat food, and do your best to look after her.

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