Well okay, that might be a wee bit dramatic. But the truth is, cats can carry a nasty parasitic infection called toxoplasmosis that can cause extremely serious complications for infants born to infected mothers.
The infection is passed on through their feces so anyone coming into contact with kitty poop is at risk. In order to keep yourself (and your baby) out of harms way, make sure someone else cleans the litter box and that they do it daily.
If you absolutely must do the chore yourself, be sure to wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. The CDC also recommends that during your pregnancy you keep Little Whiskers indoors in order to reduce the chance that he will pick up the infection and pass it on to you. And stay away from any stray cats that come your way.
The information provided by MamasOnCall is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, but is for information purposes only. You assume full responsibility for the health and well-being of your family. Talk with your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical or psychiatric condition.
If the pregnancy rate is taken at 68 per 1000 females age 15-44, then about 15% or 10 of these women already have been exposed to toxoplasmosis and are already immune to the disease. They need not worry about cats and cat litter during pregnancy. The other women, if exposed to toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, will need to be tested. If positive, the fetus may be at risk of infection too and will also require testing.
Disclaimer: i am not a physician, Always check with your doctor for the latest advice.