Pregnancy (me, not them) and Cats

goosehazel

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My husband and I are trying to have a baby and I was just wondering what I should be aware of. I know I shouldn't clean the litterbox, but I was just wondering if there is anything else I should do or other precautions I should take.
 

lottomagicz4941

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My parents had to get rid of a cat because it would want to sleep on my sister's head. But most of the time concerns about this are overblown.

And I think the last resesearch is that kids growing up with animals actually have lower incidence of respitory problems. But they (news media as I'm sure there are researchers arguing both sides) could change their minds again.

I've been changing the litter box for quite a while now.

Cat was very unhappy with me when I switched brands one time due to a sale on the cat litter.
 

diane8704

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Originally Posted by goosehazel

My husband and I are trying to have a baby and I was just wondering what I should be aware of. I know I shouldn't clean the litterbox, but I was just wondering if there is anything else I should do or other precautions I should take.
I was told that before you start trying to get pregnant that you should have a blood test done for the disease you can get from scooping the litter box...toxio-somethingorother. Your OBGYN should be able to direct you on that. I just went through all of this. Also, they told me that when I do get pregnant, that I should set up things the baby will use, like a swing, or a crib or the basinet or whatever, to start training the cats to stay off of it before the baby gets there. Also, because I have a dog, they told me to do the above, in addition to adding like a crying baby doll, and showing it lots of attention to see his reaction in addition to cats. You could probably ask your doctor about it as well. I would advise going on ahead and having someone else clean out the litter box, even though you arent, just to be extra safe! Good luck. I hope it works for you!!!
 

fwan

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Ohhh good luck with your pregnancy,
I think its TCS PREGNANCY TIMEEEEE whohoo
appart from the litter box, its smoking and alcohol you should keep away from.
Also types of medication... well of course i just told you the basics! but i will let a woman who is going/has gone through these things!
 

coolcat

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Originally Posted by goosehazel

My husband and I are trying to have a baby and I was just wondering what I should be aware of. I know I shouldn't clean the litterbox, but I was just wondering if there is anything else I should do or other precautions I should take.
My best wishes from the bottom of my heart
 

pat

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Originally Posted by diane8704

I was told that before you start trying to get pregnant that you should have a blood test done for the disease you can get from scooping the litter box...toxio-somethingorother. Your OBGYN should be able to direct you on that.
Toxoplasmosis...checking this is one of the routine tests done, (other routine tests include rubella)
 

catherine

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You should start taking vitamins now too.
I'm 11 weeks along now, and just coming out of the zombie stage where you sleep all day and can't stand the thought of food!

I think that the vitamins help you keep your energy up as well as get nutrients to the baby.

Good Luck!
 

esrgirl

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Your vet should be able to test for toxo. I don't think it's terribly expensive and I know it isn't invasive for the cat.
 
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goosehazel

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Originally Posted by catherine

You should start taking vitamins now too.
I'm 11 weeks along now, and just coming out of the zombie stage where you sleep all day and can't stand the thought of food!

I think that the vitamins help you keep your energy up as well as get nutrients to the baby.

Good Luck!
Congratulations!
Did you know right away? I'm soooo nervous. I have a consultation appt. with my OB on the 4th and my husband made it a point to tell me that he is going to take off work to go with me. Sometimes I think he's more excited than I am.
 

catherine

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Originally Posted by goosehazel

Congratulations!
Did you know right away? I'm soooo nervous. I have a consultation appt. with my OB on the 4th and my husband made it a point to tell me that he is going to take off work to go with me. Sometimes I think he's more excited than I am.
Well this is our second child. My son will be 5 1/2 when this one is born. During my pregnancy with him, I had no problems and I think I found out about 5 or 6 weeks along.

With this one, I'm a high risk pregnancy, I developed a blood disorder since I had my son. So, I had to find out asap in order to start on a medication to keep me from having a miscarraige. I found out at 3 weeks. That's way early for anyone to find out!

I hope that you receive good news at your appt! I also wish you smooth sailing during your pregnancy!
 

fwan

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my friend in australia found out in her second week because she went all weird as she says so she did a test right away. She said that her body felt so different that she knew there was a baby growing
 

februa

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I think the advice about setting up the baby furniture/playthings and establishing rules for it before the baby arrives is an EXCELLENT point of advice. Good luck with everything!
 
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