What is the condition that you can get if you are pregnant and change a cats litter box?

Question

I know pg ladies aren't supposed to change a cats litter box cause of it but i can't remember what it is and can non-pg people get it too? I know it is extremely dangerous to the fetus but don't remember how.... What is the name, and signs and symptoms. NO i do not think i have it i am just curious:)

pg=pregnant, sorry

Answer 1

What about pregnancy and your cat?
The transmission of an infection called toxoplasmosis is the primary concern related to cats. Transmission occurs from contact with feline feces. Outdoor cats are more likely to have toxoplasmosis than cats that remain strictly indoors.

If a woman is immune to toxoplasmosis before pregnancy, then the baby is safe. Approximately 15% of women in the United States are immune to the infection, and the likelihood of immunity is higher for women who have owned cats for a long time.

According to the Organization of Teratology Information Services (OTIS), when the mother gets infected between weeks 10-24, the risk for severe problems in the newborn is about 5-6%. Effects on the baby include: premature birth, low birth weight, fever, jaundice, abnormalities of the retina, mental retardation, abnormal head size, convulsions, and brain calcification.

During the 3rd trimester, a fetus has an increased risk of becoming infected, but the risk of damage to the fetus is decreased since most of the important development has already occurred.

Exposure to a cat's feces will most commonly occur in the garden where cats bury their bowel movements or when you change the litter box. It is best to avoid changing the litter box because even the dust can create exposure.

Here are a few helpful hints to help create a safer environment during your pregnancy:

If you are a cat owner and you are considering getting pregnant, it would be beneficial to test for immunity to toxoplasmosis before you get pregnant (Immunity is determined by a simple blood test from your physician.)
If you must do some gardening, wear gloves at all times
Avoid changing the litter box; have someone else do it
Do not leave your cat with your new baby unsupervised
Toxoplasmosis poses serious risks for your baby which include: mental retardation, blindness, learning disabilities, stillbirth or pre-term birth. Inform your health care provider that you are a cat owner. If you are infected while you are pregnant there is an antibiotic to reduce the likelihood that the baby will be infected.

Answer 2

The BabyCentre Editorial Team answers:

Cat faeces can carry a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, an infection that isn't serious for you but can pose a danger to your developing baby. Some birds and other animals, as well as some raw or undercooked meats, can also carry the parasite. Toxoplasmosis causes most severe damage to the fetus if a woman comes down with it in her first trimester.

Happily, the odds of contracting toxoplasmosis during pregnancy are low, and if you've had it once, you can't catch it again. Wha's more, it's rare for a woman to be infected for the first time during pregnancy. If you live with cats, the likelihood is even higher that you've already contracted the disease and developed an immunity to it. Read our article on toxoplasmosis for more information.

Experts recommend that pregnant women should avoid emptying the cat litter tray, but that it should be cleared every day by someone else. If you have to do it yourself, always wear gloves. Wear gloves when you're gardening, too, to cut down the risk of infection.

There is a blood test which can show whether you have had toxoplasmosis. If you are worried, speak to your GP about it.


Added:
In adults, the symptoms are usually fairly mild and may include swollen lymph glands in the neck, headaches, muscular aches, fatigue, and general flu-like symptoms. They usually appear about two to three weeks after you've been exposed to the infection. However, some infected adults have no symptoms at all.

For a baby in the womb, the effects of toxoplasmosis vary according to when in pregnancy the infection is caught. The earlier in pregnancy a baby is infected, the worse the damage may be. An infection can lead to the baby being miscarried or stillborn, or born with hydrocephalus (water on the brain), damage to the eyes or other organs. Most babies born with toxoplasmosis have no obvious damage at birth, but develop symptoms, usually eye damage, during childhood or even adulthood. It's important to remember that each year only 2,000 women in the UK will catch toxoplasmosis during their pregnancy.

Answer 3

Cat Scratch Fever

Answer 4

It's toxoplasmosis. The CDC website gives a detailed description of how it is spread and the symptoms.

Answer 5

Always have vegetables on hands. Saute a big bag connected with frozen mixed vegetables in extra virgin olive oil and garlic. Add some red pepper or maybe turmeric for additional flavor and also separate into portion-sized containers for your fridge.

Answer 6

Toxoplasmosis, I think it affects only the fetus, that's why it really doesn't matter to non-pg people....

Answer 7

Looking for the advantages of salmon but you don't really feel cooking fish? Try canned salmon to be a simple and affordable alternative.

Answer 8

I believe you are thinking of H.Pylori. It's symptoms are burning stomach,loss of appetite, cramps,diarrhea and more.A bacteria forms in your intestines and lining of your stomach.It can also cause an ulcer.I had it several months ago. Thank goodness I'm not prego.It was awful!

Answer 9

toxoplasmosis it is very common and chances are you already have it-your OB or midwife can test you, but it's still nice to get out of changing the litter for nine months, so if you already have it keep it to yourself!

Answer 10

Toxoplasmosis. Most women who have cats before pregnancy are immuned to this disease.