Is it harmful for pregnant women to have dogs when giving birth?

Patient's question:

No

Doctor's answer:

Mainly, the concern is about getting infected with toxoplasmosis, as it can cause stillbirths and miscarriages and can also be vertically transmitted from mother to child, leading to fetal malformations, developmental disorders of the nervous system, chorioretinitis, and other complications. Pregnant women infected with toxoplasmosis can transmit the infection to their fetus. Congenital infection can have severe consequences for the fetus. Therefore, women who are planning to become mothers and have pets should undergo a TORCH test.