Patient's question:
I am currently 3 months pregnant. Before getting pregnant, we already had a pet cat at home. After discovering my pregnancy, we had it stay with relatives. However, since the cat has been living with us for over four years, my family has grown quite attached to it. Especially, the relatives treat it less affectionately than we do. Therefore, I really want to bring the cat back home. But considering the baby in my womb, my family is in a lot of conflict.Could you please advise if keeping the cat at home without direct contact with me would affect me or my child? Additionally, if I cannot bring it home now, will it be possible to care for it once the baby is born?
Please help me with this matter.
Doctor's answer:
??????It is not advisable to keep small pets with fur in a household where there is a pregnant woman. Small fur pets are prone to parasitic Toxoplasma gondii. While they do not cause obvious harm to animals or adults, they pose a definite risk of teratogenicity to fetuses. Regular prenatal check-ups and close monitoring of fetal development are essential. Generally, doctors recommend that women with signs of genetic risk for healthy reproduction maintain a balanced diet, avoid spicy and stimulating as well as cold foods. Additionally, patients should create an environment conducive to emotional stability and stress relief. Wishing the patient a healthy delivery.