Pregnant with pets??? Are you expecting and share your home with a dog, cat, bird etc. Some pets pose no concern while there are precautions you should take with others. Here are some tips to keep you safe while pregnant. Cat friends The main concern for pregnant women that owns a cat is Toxoplasmosis. The infection can lead to birth defects and miscarriage. Cats can get the infection by eating contaminated raw meat, birds, soil, or mice. Cats then pass the infection through their feces. The CDC recommends pregnant women take the following precautions: • Pregnant women should pass on the role of changing litter. (That’s right, time for husband/partners to take over) However, if there is nobody else to do the job, women should wear gloves and a mask and wash hands thoroughly when finished. • Keep cats indoors to avoid them being in contact with contaminated feces. • Avoid handling/adopting stray cats • Never give cats raw meat • Do not bring a cat in the house that has been an outdoor cat or has ingested raw meat. Dog Friends The biggest risk with our canine friends is the possibility of a large dog jumping on the abdomen, while you are lying down or sitting in a chair. It is a good idea that if your dog is a jumper to train them early that this is not allowed. Feathered friends The APA reports that if your bird is in good health then there is likely nothing to worry about during pregnancy. When you find out you are pregnant taking your bird to the vet for an exam is a good idea. Birds can transmit camoylobacter, salmonella, chlamydiosis and other infections. If possible give someone else (that’s your husband/partners) the job of cleaning the birdcage. Again, be sure to wash hands after you touch the bird or cage. Reptiles The APA advises that pets such as lizards, snakes, turtles etc…. can pose a risk to your pregnancy and your child after birth. These pets can carry salmonella bacteria in there feces, and exposure to it can cause complications with a pregnancy. Young children up to the age of 5 should not be around these types of pets because their immune system is still developing, and being exposed to the bacteria can cause health problems. Safety precautions should include: • Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching pet or cage. • Do not allow these pets in the kitchen or near any food preparation areas. • Do not give the pets baths or clean their cages in the kitchen sink. Cage should be cleaned outdoors. If you clean it in the bathtub bleach should be used to disinfect afterwards. • Do not allow the pet to move freely around the house. Rodents The CDC has issued a report that women should not come in contact with any type of rodent. Pet rodents could include hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs. Although these pets do not carry the Lymphocyctic Choriomeningitis Virus they can transmit the disease, especially if obtained from a pet store. Having no physical contact with the pet and having husband/partners clean cages is ideal. On the farm Farm animals can carry listeria, salmonella, campylobacter, and cryptosporidium. Avoid participating in silage feeding and handling of stillborn animals, and remember to always wash your hands after contact with the animals or their living space. If you own any of the pets above and have concerns it is best to contact your physician or veterinarian. Information from babyzone/mom/family-pets/pets-during-pregnancy_70187 babyzone/mom/family-pets/pets-during-pregnancy_70187
Posted on: Thu, 22 Jan 2015 19:59:09 +0000
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