References

This article has been written using the following references:



NICE. 2008. Antenatal care: Routine care for the healthy pregnant woman. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. www.nice.org.uk [Accessed September 2011]



Tommy's. n.d. Toxoplasmosis . Tommy's, the baby charity. www.tommys-campaign.org [Accessed September 2011]



No. You do not need to stay away from cats while you're pregnant. However, it's best that you don't change cat litter Cat poo can carry a parasite that causes an infection called toxoplasmosis . Some birds and other animals, as well as some raw, undercooked or cured meats, can also carry the parasite.Toxoplasmosis won't make you seriously ill. However, if you pick it up for the first time during early pregnancy, it can cause miscarriage Fortunately, the odds of contracting toxoplasmosis during pregnancy are low. If you've had toxoplasmosis once, you can't catch it again. And if you live with cats, the likelihood is even higher that you've already contracted the disease and become immune to it.If you have a cat, ask someone else to deal with the litter tray while you're pregnant. Ask them to change the litter every day. If you really have to change the litter yourself, use gloves to do the job and wash your hands afterwards.If you follow these precautions, it should be enough to prevent you from catching toxoplasmosis, even if you have an infected cat. However, if you're still worried, ask your vet to test your cat to see if he has been infected with toxoplasmosis. Just be aware you will have to pay for the test.If your cat proves positive for toxoplasmosis, you may decide to put him into a cattery for six weeks until he is no longer infectious.You won't be routinely screened for toxoplasmosis during your pregnancy. However, if you're concerned that you may have been exposed to the infection, ask your GP to arrange for you to have a blood test. This will tell you whether or not you're immune by looking for antibodies.