no immunity to toxomoplasis (spelling?)

[puppies]

I just got my Blood test results back and I am pleased to say that it confirms my pregnancy. My progesterone level is 74 (I am 4 weeks). He said that was a little high, so I think that is better than too low, isn't it? Anyhow seems that I have no immunity to that toxmoplasis thing that you get from cats. Strange as I had a cat for years until about December last year (I found her a new home). But question is my mum has a cat, Dr says I shouldn't let it sit on me or rub up against me. Now I am worried that I cant go visit my mums place cause I might touch something that the cat has rubbed on or what if the cat has rubbed on my mum or she didn't wash her hands properly and then touched me or food that she was preparing for me, will I be at risk of this thing? I know that its silly to go over board. But this is my dream having this baby i don't want to risk this disease. I would appreciate your feed back on what exactly I can be around.
Thanks

[christy]

Okay, toxoplasmosis is spread through an infected cat's poo. It has to be 24 hours old and you have to ingest it, or put it in your mouth for you to contract toxoplasmosis.

Its very hard to get, yes its dangerous. I have no immunity to toxoplasmosis, and I work in a vet clinic. While pregnant I had to clean litter trays, the main thing is to use safe precautions. If you pet the cat, wash your hands incase the cat isn't clean. Or you could not pat the cat at all. I doubt if poo somehow gets on your clothes in the 24 hour mark that it can get into your mouth if you don't touch the cat.

The one thing is that a lot of GP's don't understand it and how hard it is to get, if you want more information on toxoplasmosis, I would recommend talking with your local vet.

[mountain mummy]

The other danger with toxoplasmosis is that it is able to cross the placenta. In general, pregnant women are all advised not to touch cat litter trays or cat faeces with their bare hands, and to wash your hands thoroughly after patting or touching cats. Having said that, I have 5 cats and 3 kids, pregnant with #4, and I haven't had any problems at all. Even when not pregnant, I wear gloves when cleaning out their litter trays, and now that my eldest is 7, it's one of his chores to clean them while I am pregnant!

If you are that concerned with your mum's cat, maybe sit and talk with her, express your concerns and let her know that you would appreciate it if she took the time to make sure her hands are clean before preparing any food that you are likely to eat. Personally I don't think this is an unreasonable request, especially if she is aware of how much this baby means to you! And make sure, if you touch her cat, that you wash your hands before putting them near your mouth - I am forever washing my hands ...

One other thing as well, is that toxoplasmosis can also be contracted through handling raw meat so be sure to be careful with handwashing and cross contamination there too. If you google "toxoplasmosis" there are alot of search results, so you can find out other ways to guard against it.

[amberj]

Toxo can be serious in pregnancy and should not be taken lightly. Having said that, it is actually not particularly easy to contract- you must essentially ingest cat poo. We have two cats and my hubby has done the litter all pregnancy (its been great!). Our cats still sit on me, rub up against me and do all the usual cat stuff. After a big cuddle, I might give my hands a wash, but then I've always done that anyhow.

You should be just fine! Enjoy cats & pregnancy, mine have been funny. They love to try to cuddle on my belly, I think because its warm!

[*Efjay*]

cat poo isn't the only way you can get it either. Your more likely to get it from eating offal then you are your cat.