Toxoplasmosis risk

[Tempusfudgeit]

I have had cats and I have had babies, but never the two together. I now find myself in the happy position of having two kittens and being 5 weeks pregnant.

How dangerous is the risk of toxoplasmosis really? I've read conflicting things of 'wear full PPE and have a hot bath every time you even look at the litter tray, better yet, have husband do all the catty stuff' to 'if you've had cats previously you've probably already had it and are therefore immune'. Also that indoor cats (these two are kittens so won't be going out until after neutering at 5-6 months) don't have toxoplasmosis anyway.

Anyone have any thoughts?

PS. Picture included because who doesn't love a look at kittens?

I took precautions but was generally sensible about it - I wasn’t going to leave a litter tray uncleared if a cat did its business 5 minutes after DH headed out for the day. I also didn’t find out I was pregnant until well into the first trimester so had changed the litter and dug the garden several times without being aware, just taking normal hygiene precautions. (I did stop digging the garden though)

Wear gloves and wash hands well, and let someone else do the duty wherever possible.

Beautiful kittens

Also, congratulations!

I didn't realise there is a higher chance of catching it from unwashed fruit and veg then cat litter trays...so wash hand after litter and remember to wash all raw fruit and salads really well!

My other half started off doing it for me then... Didn't
So I did it myself
Honestly I just washed my hands after
Although you can wear those gloves to be safer

@Melontits Thank you, I feel really lucky atm (naturally conceived at 45!)

@PrettyPlatapus - that's really interesting about the fruit/veg, thank you.

@purpleme12 Selfish git of a partner!

As a vet my risk of exposure is higher than average I am also responsible for all the pregnancy risk assessments in our practice.
Our policy is wear gloves when handling cat faeces and wash hands according to WHO after handling cars rather than sanitise.

There's a good section on this in the book 'expecting better'. Kittens do put you at higher risk, but having had cats means you may already have had it. Worth a read.

I'd lived with cats all my life and had a toxoplasmosis immunity blood test when I felt pregnant. I wasn't immune! DP did the cat litter for the duration of the pregnancy.

Omg they are so cute!

I got tested during my pregnancies and had never come into contact with it - which, considering the filth I grew up in, makes me think it's not as prevalent as some might think.

Didn't stop me accepting the ex valiantly doing the litter tray like he was some kind of cat shit superhero, though.

@NeverDropYourMooncup

So long as you wash your hands after cleaning out a litter tray, you'll be ok doing it.

Had cats for the past 41 years (had sons and grandchildren too, never had a problem)

@Toddlerteaplease

They are