Contact with Animals

Some animals, particularly cats and sheep, may carry harmful micro-organisms, including listeria, chlamydia psittaci or toxoplasma. These can cause infection in pregnant women and harm to the unborn child.

• Always wash your hands after stroking your pet, especially before eating or preparing food.
• Try to keep pets out of the kitchen.
• Use separate dishes and utensils for preparing pet food and clean them separately from your family's.
• Always wear gloves when gardening in case cats have fouled in the garden. Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

For current information please visit the National Instuite of Clinical Excellence (NICE) at www.nice.org.uk and search 'antenatal care'.