Pregnancy question

[amazon819]

I just found out I'm pregnant and I was wondering if there are any exposure risks for me/the baby involving guinea pigs? I found a few things online, but I know what a wonderful resource this group is, so I thought I would get your input.

[Percy's Mom]

Congratulations! Based on the smiley face, I'm going to guess that your pregnancy is a happy event. I don't think there is anything about guinea pigs that could be detrimental to your pregnancy or the baby. Of course getting someone else to clean the cage because you can't "possibly" do it in your fragile state is never a bad thing.

[Ziggy&Herald]

I would just make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning or holding the pigs. Just as a precaution. Other then that, I don't think there's any risks such as there are with cats.

[gooberific]

I read a LOT about pets and pregnancy when I was preggers, and the only animal I remember being an issue was cats. Congrats!

[Ly&Pigs]

We've had several slaves on this forum go through pregnancy and birth who have piggers. None have ever reported any problems.

[paperlady]

Congrats!

I've a pregnancy question too--should I wear gloves when I treat my pigs with ivermectin? I'm sort of assuming it's a good idea, but if I don't have to, I'd rather not.

[fourboys4now]

Congratulations! I'm very happy for you. I've also never heard of any guinea pig related ailments while being pregnant.

[ittybitty98577]

Congrats on the baby!

Ok heres a question for anyone.. why are cats an issue when having a baby? Cause arnt they naturaly clean animals? My mom and I are going to foster a baby here soon and we have kittens.

[gooberific]

It's something to do with the litter/excrements more specifically, because of toxoplasmosis which is a parasite infection that can be transmitted through infected cat poop (or outdoor soil where cats have been). If you've never had toxoplasmosis before, you could possibly become infected while pregnant and pass the illness on to your baby. There are dangers of birth defects. I'd suggest doing a search on toxoplasmosis and reading up on it.

As far as kitties and babies are concerned, just make sure they don't eat the litter or in the case of very very young babies, don't let pets lick their faces/eyes/mouths/noses because it could transfer possibly infectious materials like poop (my dog used to eat the cat poop outside, so you never know what's in your dog's mouth, either).

[ittybitty98577]

Ive never heard of toxoplasmosis... Thats really scary though. Well the cats will be indoor only. And no one is or will be allowed to eat out of the litter box. I'll have to read up on that now. Thanks gooberific!

[Ziggy&Herald]

The cats have to be infested themselves with the disease to pass it on in the feces. Only feces left in the box over 24 hrs can become contagious also.

While working in the vets office and having to clean kennels, it was an issue when I was pregnant. That is the information my vet told me. If you do have to clean the box, where gloves and wash your hands after and you should be fine.

[gooberific]

Thanks, Z&H, that's something my doctor didn't tell me. So, isn't it great we have a place where we can combine all our knowledge?!