Things Every Pregnant Woman Should Know

The transmission of an infection called toxoplasmosis occurs from contact with cat feces. Women who have owned cats for a long time have a 15% change of immunity to toxoplasmosis. The risk for severe problems in the unborn child are greatest during the 10th and 24th weeks of gestation. The risk of premature birth, low birth weight, fever, jaundice, abnormalities of the retina, mental retardation, abnormal head size, convulsions, and brain calcification is about 5 to 6%. To be safe, wear gloves at all times while gardening and have someone else empty the cat’s litter box.

Sources

American Pregnancy Association: Mercury Levels in Fish

Alaska Seafood: Seafood Safety

BabyMed: Is Smoked Seafood Safe During Pregnancy?

CDC: Listeriosis

Mayo Clinic: Pregnancy Nutrition: Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

KidsHealth: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

American Pregnancy Association: Pregnancy and Pets

Article by Maryann Gromisch