Introduction
Cats can be wonderful companions during pregnancy. However, some precautions should be taken to protect both mother and baby. This article provides an overview of potential concerns related to cat allergies, toxoplasmosis infection from cat feces, and precautions pregnant women can take when living with cats.
Topics covered include common allergy symptoms, effects of allergies on pregnancy, tips for reducing exposure, alternatives to rehoming cats, when to see a doctor, treatment options, and advice for partners. The goal is to provide pregnant women comprehensive information on safely living with cats during pregnancy.
Causes of Cat Allergies
Cat allergies are caused by a protein called Fel d 1 found in cat saliva, skin cells, and urine. When a cat grooms itself, Fel d 1 particles from saliva stick to the fur. As the fur sheds, these particles dry up and become airborne. Cat dander refers to these dried up skin cells and saliva that contain the Fel d 1 protein. Dander can stick to surfaces like furniture and clothing as well. It’s the inhalation of dander that triggers allergic reactions, not cat hair itself. While cat hair may carry dander, it does not directly cause allergies. The misconception arises because dander is invisible to the naked eye, so people assume reactions are from contact with cat hair.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3744168/
https://www.webmd.com/baby/pregnancy-with-cats-what-to-know
Symptoms of Cat Allergies
Some common symptoms of cat allergies include:https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/allergies/pregnancy-allergies/
- Runny nose – Exposure to cats can cause a runny nose due to the body’s histamine response.
- Sneezing – Frequent sneezing is a telltale sign of cat allergies as the body tries to expel irritants.
- Coughing – Postnasal drip from cat allergies can cause coughing.
- Rashes – Some individuals may develop a red, itchy rash on the face or neck after contact with cats.
These symptoms arise when the immune system overreacts to proteins found in cat dander, skin flakes, urine, saliva, and hair. The symptoms can range from mild to severe based on the individual’s sensitivity.
Effects of Allergies on Pregnancy
Allergies during pregnancy can potentially lead to complications if left untreated. According to the Allergy & Asthma Network, uncontrolled allergy symptoms may increase the risk of asthma attacks. Asthma that is poorly controlled can reduce the oxygen supply to the baby.
Another possible complication is preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, most often the liver and kidneys. Research indicates allergies may contribute to preeclampsia risk, possibly due to inflammation. According to a 2008 study, pregnant women exposed to indoor pets had lower rates of preeclampsia.
The bottom line is that managing allergy symptoms is crucial for expectant mothers. Left unchecked, allergies can potentially lead to serious maternal and fetal health issues. Pregnant women should consult their doctor about safe treatment options for their allergy symptoms.
Precautions for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women with cat allergies should take precautions to minimize exposure and reduce allergy symptoms. Some recommendations include:
Keep cats out of the bedroom – Since cat allergens can accumulate in fabrics like bedding and carpets, it’s best to not allow cats in the bedroom. Keep the door closed and use high-efficiency filters in the central air system (WebMD).
Wash hands after contact – Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water after petting or touching cats. This helps remove any cat dander or saliva proteins that could trigger an allergic reaction (Aichbhaumik et al.).
Consider rehoming – For severe cat allergies, rehoming the cat may be necessary to avoid complications. This should be a last resort after trying other methods to reduce exposure.
See an allergist – Get tested to identify the specific cat allergen triggers. Immunotherapy shots can help desensitize and reduce symptoms over time.
Take antihistamines – Oral antihistamines like cetirizine or loratadine can help relieve allergy symptoms when avoiding triggers is difficult.
Alternatives to Rehoming
Many pregnant women who are allergic to cats wonder if they need to find a new home for their cat during pregnancy. However, there are several alternatives to rehoming that can help reduce allergy symptoms.
Frequent cleaning and vacuuming can significantly cut down on airborne allergens. Be sure to wash bedding weekly and vacuum carpets and upholstery regularly. Wearing a face mask while cleaning can also help prevent inhaling allergens.
Using high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters throughout the home can trap allergens and improve indoor air quality. Portable room air purifiers with HEPA filters are ideal for the bedroom and other rooms where the cat spends time.
Some cat breeds produce less of the Fel-D1 protein that triggers allergies in humans. Siberian, Russian Blue, Balinese, and Cornish Rex cats are considered hypoallergenic breeds that may not cause as severe of a reaction.
With proper precautions, most pregnant women can manage living with an indoor cat without needing to rehome them during pregnancy.
When to See a Doctor
Pregnant women who experience difficulty breathing or persistent wheezing due to cat allergies should seek medical care immediately. Difficulty breathing can indicate the airways are constricting or swelling shut, which requires urgent treatment. Persistent wheezing is also a worrisome sign that your respiratory system is struggling from an allergic reaction or asthma flare-up.
According to the Allergy & Asthma Network, pregnant women who have asthma should monitor their condition closely during pregnancy, as flares can be dangerous for both mother and baby. Seek emergency care if you experience severe shortness of breath, cannot speak in full sentences, your chest and neck are pulling in with breaths, your lips or fingernails turn blue, or you have an oxygen level below 92%. Even if your symptoms seem mild, it’s better to seek medical evaluation when pregnant if cat allergies are making it hard to breathe.
Treatment Options
There are several treatment options that can provide relief for pregnant women with allergies. These include:
Antihistamines
Antihistamines like chlorpheniramine (ChlorTrimeton®) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) can help relieve allergy symptoms. They have been used safely during pregnancy for many years according to animal studies. However, some newer antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin®) and cetirizine (Zyrtec®) have less data on safety during pregnancy so should only be used after discussing with a doctor.
Immunotherapy
Allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy drops can often provide long-term relief by gradually desensitizing your immune system. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, immunotherapy is safe to continue during pregnancy though the dose is often lowered. Discuss with your allergist.
Steroids
Intranasal corticosteroid sprays like fluticasone (Flonase®) are considered safe during pregnancy and can reduce inflammation. Oral steroids like prednisone may be used for short periods for severe symptoms after weighing risks and benefits.
It’s important to consult with your doctor to determine the safest treatment options for your individual situation. The benefits of allergy treatment often outweigh any potential risks during pregnancy.
Advice for Partners
If your partner is pregnant and allergic to cats, there are steps you can take to help reduce their exposure to allergens:
- Wash your hands with soap and water after handling the cat. Cat allergens can stick to skin and clothes and get transferred to your partner. Washing hands frequently can help reduce the spread of allergens. https://www.midwestent.com/images/Forms/Cat_Allergies.pdf
- Change clothes after cuddling or playing with the cat. Allergens can collect on clothing, so change into fresh clothes to avoid transferring allergens to your pregnant partner.
- Wear a mask when cleaning litter boxes or vacuuming. Masks can help block allergens from being inhaled while performing tasks that stir up dander. Choose a well-fitting particle filtering mask. https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/cats/health/skin-fur-ears/managing-cat-allergens
- Use allergen reducing methods in the home. Air purifiers, vacuums with HEPA filters, and washing items can all help reduce circulating cat allergens in your shared environment.
Taking steps to control allergen exposure from the cat can help protect your pregnant partner’s health.
Conclusion
In summary, cat allergies during pregnancy can cause uncomfortable symptoms but are unlikely to pose serious risks if properly managed. The keys are identifying allergy triggers, controlling exposure, and treating symptoms. While rehoming a cat is an option, less drastic approaches include keeping cats out of the bedroom, using air filters, washing hands after contact, vacuuming frequently, and using medications as needed. Partners can also help by taking on litter box duties. If symptoms persist, see an allergist about immunotherapy. With some adjustments, most pregnant women can manage living with cats despite allergies. The bottom line is to minimize exposure and irritation while closely monitoring for any complications.