Patient's question:
Hello doctor!!I would like to ask, can I keep a small dog while preparing for pregnancy, as long as I don't touch it?
Also, can pregnant women come into contact with small animals?
Doctor's answer:
Hello! Many small animals, such as cats, dogs, and pigeons, are prone to parasitizing Toxoplasma gondii. After infection, they excrete Toxoplasma oocysts. When these oocysts contaminate food and are accidentally ingested by humans, they can lead to human infection. Humans may also become infected by playing with small animals or through contact with their saliva on hands or faces. Once the parasite enters the human body, it spreads through the bloodstream to the entire body, causing toxoplasmosis. If a pregnant woman becomes infected with Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite can infect the fetus through the placenta, as well as through the blood, uterus, and amniotic fluid. This can easily lead to miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, and fetal malformations. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid contact with small animals.