Pregnant women who have a pet in the home should know that there are certain cares to take into account to reduce any risk in pregnancy. On this occasion, we will offer a series of recommendations to ensure a safe pregnancy and a pleasant coexistence with your pets.

Risk factors when having a pet during pregnancy

Toxoplasmosis transmitted by cats and dangerous infections caused by certain types of rodents, we often hear about the risks faced by a pregnant woman when in contact with animals and we do not know how to act in this regard.

Many families consider their pets as another member of the clan and find it difficult to take certain measures to safeguard the health of the unborn baby. The truth is that it is convenient to implement some hygiene and cleaning measures when living with a pet, especially if there is a pregnant woman in the home.

The first measures

In principle, having a pet at home when there is a pregnant woman should not be a cause for concern. It is advisable to tell the gynecologist the situation, the specialist will order the necessary tests to rule out the presence of certain pathologies, especially toxoplasmosis that can be serious if contracted during pregnancy.

The specialist doctor will also offer some recommendations about the care to be taken to ensure a good pregnancy.

In parallel, it is necessary to take the pet to a veterinary consultation to review the state of health of the animal and ensure that it has the necessary vaccines that allow to avoid any type of pathology.

Prevention and care actions

The most latent risk that can be taken during a pregnancy with respect to pets is to come into contact with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Although our body is usually prepared to deal with this parasite, pregnant women must take special care for their vulnerable status.

Toxoplasmosis is a serious disease that can be contracted by being in contact with the feces of infected cats. This pathology can cause serious health problems for the unborn baby, such as blindness or hydrocephalus.

In order to avoid any complications related to this disease, the domestic cat should be checked by the veterinarian in order to rule out the presence of the parasite. In addition, it is advisable that the pregnant woman does not come into contact with the earth and that she thoroughly wash the food before eating it.

The obstetrician will perform the necessary examinations to rule out the presence of this disease and will indicate the medication to be taken if necessary.

In case of having a dog as a pet, it is also convenient to take it to the veterinarian to check that it has all its vaccines.

Whatever animal you have as a pet, it is necessary to maintain scrupulous care regarding cleaning habits: bathing frequently, cutting your nails and keeping your breeding space clean, they will prevent the transmission of pathogenic elements that can be harmful both for the mother as for the fetus.