Life is a journey, and in many people’s journeys, it is accompanied by pets through sorrows and joys. Pets give us the greatest tolerance and kindness, teach us to understand and care for the little ones, and make us more responsible and compassionate. This is why many people often treat them as “sons” or “daughters”. But here’s the problem: many families preparing for pregnancy worry that pets will affect the health of the mother and baby, and even believe that having a pet will definitely cause the baby to be deformed and miscarried due to Toxoplasma gondii infection. As a result, “cat daughters” and “dog sons” are often sent away or even abandoned. I. What is Toxoplasma gondii? Full name: Toxoplasma gondii, a zoonotic single-celled parasite (only visible under a microscope). It is found in almost all mammals and birds worldwide. In general, normal people infected with Toxoplasma gondii have no obvious symptoms. However, in the case of prepared and pregnant mothers, there is a risk of transmission to the fetal baby or even serious consequences. Second, the relationship between Toxoplasma gondii and cats and dogs 1, dogs: the intermediate host of Toxoplasma gondii If infected by Toxoplasma gondii, it will only exist in the dog’s muscle and blood, I believe no mother will eat her “dog son” stew, so there is no effect at all. 2. Cats: Toxoplasma gondii is the only final host in the world. Toxoplasma gondii can only reproduce in cats and kittens, and cat feces contains infectious envelopes, so it is possible to be infected if you come into contact with cat feces. However, only cats infected with Toxoplasma gondii for the first time will transmit the eggs within 2 weeks after infection! III. What are the ways of transmission of Toxoplasma gondii? 1. Sources of Toxoplasma gondii infection: (1) Raw meat with encysts; (2) Half-cooked meat (with encysts); (3) Eggs (with encysts); (4) Unwashed fruits and vegetables (with encysts); (5) Unpasteurized milk (with encysts); (6) Cat poop with eggs; (7) Infected human. 2. Summary: The main problem is that the disease comes from the mouth – eating out! The proportion of Toxoplasma gondii-infected population: up to 90% in some Western countries that often eat raw meat (e.g. France). But in China, it is <10%. 4. How to prevent Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant mothers? 1. Food hygiene: Choose safe and hygienic food. Do not eat raw eggs or undercooked meat. Separate raw and cooked food plates and knives. Wash melons and fruits well. 2, pre-conception examination: Be sure to give yourself and your cat a medical examination about toxoplasmosis. 3. Pet house keeping: Feed cooked food or cat food, etc.; do not let them hunt for food outside; prepare the mother to avoid direct contact with cat feces. Other family members should do a good job of cleaning the pets in a timely manner; do timely internal and external deworming and related immunization of the pets. 4. Develop good hygiene habits and wash hands before and after meals. V. What should a pregnant mother do if she is infected with Toxoplasma gondii? Consult an obstetrician and gynecologist, or a prenatal diagnosis center doctor if available. Review and further examination if necessary. If needed, treat under doctor's guidance. If there is no Toxoplasma gondii infection in the pre-pregnancy test, it is best to review the test once in the third month of pregnancy to ensure the health of the mother and baby. In addition to Toxoplasma gondii, which is a common concern, keeping pets may also lead to allergies, scratches or bites. Specific precautionary measures are as follows: 1. The bed sheets and bedding at home should be changed frequently, and carpets should be cleaned once every 2 to 3 weeks to reduce the residue of allergens. 2, usually do a good job of cleaning and sanitation of cats and dogs, avoiding their contact with stray animals. 3, regular visits to the veterinary hospital to do vaccinations. 4, many dogs like to jump on the owner, if pregnant, the pregnant mother's stomach is a potential threat. So before you get pregnant, you should let your dog know that this is not okay, and a smart dog will know the owner's intentions. Pets are good friends to us humans, and as long as you do a good job of protection and pay attention to pre-pregnancy and pregnancy check-ups, you can have a good balance between having a baby and having a pet. If a pregnant mother can't continue to have a pet for whatever reason, please at least find a place for it instead of abandoning it.