What precaution should pregnant women take to avoid contracting toxoplasmosis?

Avoiding cleaning cat litter boxes is crucial for pregnant women to prevent contracting toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii organism. This organism is commonly found in cat feces, and if a pregnant woman comes into contact with contaminated litter, there is a risk of transmission to the fetus, which can lead to serious complications such as congenital disabilities, neurological issues, or miscarriage.

The other options present practices that could increase the risk of toxoplasmosis. Eating undercooked meat can expose individuals to the Toxoplasma cysts that are often present in raw or undercooked pork, lamb, or venison. Handling raw food without gloves may also introduce the parasite if the food is contaminated. Engaging in petting cats does not inherently pose a risk, but it is important to maintain good hygiene practices around any pets to reduce exposure to potential sources of infection. Therefore, minimizing direct contact with cat litter is the most effective precaution for pregnant women to take.