Cats damage on pregnant women (Toxoplasmosis):

• Rabab Ahmed
• 09/19/2019
• 1154
• 3,353

Cats are pets that can be raised at home, because of their beauty and cleanliness, as well as intelligence, and are characterized by intimacy and sincerity, as they are harmless, and the average age of cats ranges between thirteen years and fifteen years, and in some cases may be up to nine Ten years, despite the familiarity and beauty of cats, there are those who question the health of breeding at home, and its impact on pregnant women in particular.

Cat disease is a disease that affects humans and animals in general, but has a stronger and more serious impact on women of childbearing and reproductive age. The risk is that the injury of a pregnant woman and its detection in the first pregnancy may lead to miscarriage of the fetus, and sometimes if the pregnancy continues to produce a deformed child, causing This disease is a parasite named Toxoplasmosis and has a complex life in the breeding of stray cats that feed on rodents and birds and therefore we called it cats disease. 

Cats damage on pregnancy

Cats directly affect the pregnant woman because her immunity is weak, threatening the continuity of pregnancy, increasing the risk of miscarriage, or premature birth. It can also lead to health problems in the baby and increase the likelihood of death inside the uterus, all because of the transmission Toxoplasmosis is a baby- borne microorganism that is present in most cats, even if cleaned and cared for properly. When infected with this microbe, the body produces antibodies to it, thus giving immunity to infection. Again, this is the risk of the disease when it is first infected.

When a pregnant woman first develops the disease, especially during the first stage of pregnancy , it leads to an abortion, while in the second stage of pregnancy, it leads to fetal abnormalities in the eye or liver, but if a woman previously infected, it will not affect them when infected Using during pregnancy, the pregnant woman can find out whether she has immunity or not through a blood test, and look for the presence of antibodies to toxoplasmosis. 

Toxoplasmosis

Cats are considered to be carriers of many diseases. Toxoplasma is a risk to pregnant women, as a result of breeding at home and mixing pregnant women with cats. Until you make sure she has immunity to this parasite. 

Transmission of the cat parasite to the pregnant body

 The toxoplasma parasite is very precise that can be transmitted by eating or in contact. Through the placenta and transmitting it directly to the fetus, by sitting next to it and fondling the cat

And the only way cats can parasite on a pregnant woman is through direct contact between the pregnant woman and the cat. It should be noted that the toxoplasma parasite is stuck between the cat's fingers or in their hair. When pregnant women embrace the cat or allow her to sit next to her, Or move and come into contact with the place where you sleep, this parasite is transferred directly to the body of the pregnant, and harm them and cause birth defects or fetal birth. 

Is it true that a pregnant woman should not be in a place with cats? 

Both. You don't need to stay away from cats while you are pregnant. However, it is better not to change the cat litter container. 

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Cat feces may transmit the parasite that causes an infection called toxoplasma. The parasite can also be transmitted by certain species of birds and other animals, as well as raw, under cooked or processed meat. 

- Toxoplasma is not a serious disease, but if you develop it for the first time during early pregnancy, it may cause an abortion. 

- Fortunately, the risk of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy is considered low. If you get toxoplasma once, you can't get it again. If you live with cats, you probably got sick and built immunity. 

- If you have a cat, ask someone else to empty the litter container while you are pregnant. Also ask him to empty the waste container daily. If you have to empty the waste container yourself, use gloves for this task and wash your hands afterwards. 

- It is enough to follow these precautions to prevent your infection with Toxoplasma, even if you have a cat. If you remain worried, ask your veterinarian to examine your cat to see if he has toxoplasma. 

- If your cat is found to have toxoplasma, you may decide to place it in cat breeding areas for six weeks until it is not contagious. 

- You will not be routinely screened for toxoplasma during pregnancy. If you are concerned that you have been infected, ask your doctor for a blood test. The test will show if you are immune to the disease by looking for antibodies. 

Protection of pregnant women from toxoplasmosis:

The pregnant woman should avoid petting cats outside the house. Also, she should avoid carrying and petting the domestic cat during pregnancy, keeping it as clean as possible, wearing gloves when carrying and cleaning them, giving the cat the necessary vaccinations on time, and not taking them out of the house so as not to Pick up any external microbes, until pregnancy ends. 

Avoid exposure to the toxoplasmosis parasite in the following ways:

1 - Eat frozen meat well frozen and then cooked because this parasite kills high temperature and high cold.

2 - Avoid eating dried meat.

3 - Avoid contact with cats or feces in cats in homes and gardens.

4 - Wash hands thoroughly after cutting meat or wearing gloves when cutting sheep meat or beef.

5 - Wash hands thoroughly after washing fruits and vegetables or wear gloves when washing because these fruits and vegetables may be contaminated with the eggs of these parasites.

6 - Cooking meat well (meat should be cooked to 160 degrees - 180 degrees Fahrenheit).

7 - Wash fruits and vegetables well before eating or peeling before eating. 

8 - Not to eat eggs is raw and do not drink unpasteurized milk.

9 - Do not touch your face (nose, mouth, and eye) during the preparation of food.

10- Wash your hands thoroughly after preparing the meat.

11 - Wash the counter and chopping meat well with hot water and soap after the completion of cutting meat.

12 - Keep away flying insects from food.

13 - Beware of contaminated water when you go on a picnic or camp.

14 - When you work in the garden simple gloves and wash your hands after completion.