Women who are underweight may have babies with low birthweight. Take control of any current or preexisting medical problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Avoid exposure to alcohol and drugs during pregnancy. Exposure to high levels of some types of radiation and some chemical and toxic substances may adversely affect the developing fetus. In addition, pregnant women should avoid all contact and exposure to cat feces and cat litter, which may contain a parasite toxoplasma gondii that causes toxoplasmosis.
Toxoplasmosis can cause a serious illness in, or death of, the fetus.
A pregnant woman can reduce her risk of infection by avoiding all potential sources of the infection. A blood test before or during pregnancy can determine if a woman has been exposed to the toxoplasma gondii parasite. Begin taking a prenatal vitamin daily, prescribed by your physician, to make certain that your body gets all the necessary nutrients and vitamins needed to nourish a healthy baby. Click here to view the Online Resources page of this Web.