Put Your Partner On Cat Box Cleaning Duty You may have heard of people who give their cats to foster parents during pregnancy to avoid toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by parasites that feline feces may contain. It’s not necessary to rehome the cat temporarily. “Have someone else dispose of the feces,” said Dr. Fujita. If you must clean the box yourself, wear gloves and do so daily so that the parasite does not become infectious. You should also wear gloves while gardening, as outdoor soil can harbor the parasite as well. Create A Support System “It takes a village to raise a child,” said Dr. Fujita. “Make sure that you have adequate support for your pregnancy and beyond.” Having support during pregnancy can give you the time and energy to prepare yourself and your home for the baby. Your support system—parents, siblings, friends—doesn’t go away once you’re holding your newborn. It becomes even more important. Take advantage of people’s offers to bring you meals or clean your house. Let your older kids spend time with a trusted family member or friend while you recover from childbirth. And what if you’re already pregnant and haven’t followed these tips? Better late than never. Start taking a supplement, stop eating high-mercury fish, ensure deli meats are steaming hot, and assess your current caloric intake based on your trimester to make sure you’re meeting your nutritional needs. Work with your OB-GYN to create a plan so that you can have a great pregnancy and a healthy baby. 136 Hawaii Parent NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026
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