Mrs Hud ~ I found this article for you.
"Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite called toxoplasma gondii. This is found in different forms in raw meat, within cats that eat raw meat and their faeces. Toxoplasmosis infection is common in both men and women outside of pregnancy, however it is infection during pregnancy that is of most concern as it can lead to infection in the unborn infant: congenital toxoplasmosis. Once you have had toxoplasma infection, the bodies immunity will prevent you catching it again. Around 30% of women will have already had a toxoplasma infection before pregnancy. It typically causes a flu-like illness with swollen glands in the neck. Most people are unaware that it was in fact toxoplasmosis. It is not known for sure how many women catch toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, but some research suggests it is of the order 2 in every 1000, which means about 1400 each year in the UK.
In only about 30-40% of women who catch toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, does the infection pass to the unborn baby. The actual risk appears to be related to the gestation at which it is acquired. It is greatest in the third trimester at 70%, whereas in early pregnancy only 15% of infants will become infected. Toxoplasmosis infection may lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or survival with growth problems, blindness, water on the brain (hydrocephalus), brain damage, epilepsy, or deafness. If a woman is found to have acquired toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, she will be offered an ultrasound scan to look for signs of fetal infection. After 20 weeks gestation, she may be offered a definitive test - cordocentesis. This involves a scan and blood sample being taken from the umbilical cord.
Although toxoplasmosis is quite serious when it occurs, as you will see from the figures above, it is relatively rare. Women with cats do not need to get rid of them when they become pregnant; it is just necessary to take a few precautions. Be sure to only eat meat that has been cooked right through. Wash your hands, cooking utensils and food surfaces after preparing raw meat and wash all the soil from fruit and vegetables before eating. Keep raw meat and cooked foods on separate plates. If possible get someone else to clean out the dirty cat litter or use gloves and wash your hands afterwards. Always use gloves when gardening and wash your hands afterwards."
The upshot is that there is no reason for you not to have a cat when you are pregnant provided that you follow sensible hygiene rules & perhaps make litter tray cleaning one of Mr Hud's duties!
Best of luck if you decide to get a cat. If it is to be a house cat you may be better off looking for an older cat that is used to being indoors. If you get a cat that has been used to going out it can be quite difficult for the cat to lose that freedom.
