How should a pregnant woman best manage potential risks from her cat?

The most appropriate management for a pregnant woman to mitigate potential risks from her cat involves having someone else change the litter pan and avoiding uncooked meat. This is due to the risk of Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can be transmitted through cat feces. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to this infection, which can lead to serious complications, including congenital disabilities in the fetus.

Having someone else manage the litter box is crucial because it minimizes the pregnant woman’s direct exposure to cat feces, where the Toxoplasma parasite can be present. Additionally, avoiding uncooked meat is important because Toxoplasma can also be found in undercooked or raw meat. Together, these precautions reduce the risk of contracting Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, thereby protecting both the mother and the developing fetus.

While having someone else change the litter pan is beneficial, it does not address the risk posed by consuming raw or undercooked meat, making the combination of these two actions necessary for comprehensive risk management during pregnancy.