But what about the threat of infections or allergies? And the pet himself - how will he react to the fact that a new resident has appeared in the house - restless, screaming, to whom the beloved owner pays much more time than the very four-footed?
Researches of scientists show: contacts of kids with animals not only help to form communication skills, but also teach empathy, caring for the neighbor. It is definitely proved: children, who regularly encounter animals in rural areas, get sick less often. German scientists found that infants with inflammatory bowel diseases, for example, lived more often in cities than children of healthy ones. Statistics show that communicating children with village animals is one of the essential factors for reducing the risk of allergy.
For babies, animals can still pose a certain danger, so that the future mother may think about whether to give the dog or cat to friends or relatives for a while ... As a rule, this is superfluous: dangers can be easily avoided by accustoming the animal to the rules of behavior in the house, where the baby will appear.
Dogs and cats aged 1 to 5 years communicate best with children: they are no longer as excitable as small kittens or puppies, and they are not irritated with senile diseases. The nature of the animal also matters: watch how the pet reacts to noise and sharp sounds, shave the dog or cat behind the ears and tail, move the paws, gaze into the eyes. The normal animal will react calmly to these manipulations.
Labradors, retrievers, spaniels are traditionally considered "family" - they are smart, affectionate, love people. Dogs of "shepherd's" breeds, for example, the collie, feel like masters in the house, so often the child is not considered, but such a dog will successfully perform the role of nurse. No matter how good your pet is, do not forget that dogs of ANY breed can exert aggression - it depends on the quality of care of the dog, and on the measure of its attachment to the owners, and on the level of training.
Cats most often view children as their own kittens and prefer not so much to respond to the aggression of the child, how much to go where the child can not get them. It will be better for the baby if the cat is smooth-haired - fluffy cats can theoretically provoke an allergy, but in dealing with furry cats the baby's organism will produce antibodies to allergies to pets that will strengthen immunity.
With rodents and birds, the effort will be less - it is enough just to lock the cells tightly. An aquarium with fish will even benefit, as it will moisten the air. But reptiles - lizards, turtles - better to give or at least check with a veterinarian, because they often carry the infection.
Panic to those who are afraid of animal infections, it would be advisable to completely exclude communication with people who are able to infect mother and baby with much more diseases. At home, you rarely communicate with more than 3-4 pets, and on the street you come into contact with hundreds of strangers - potential sources of infection. So, in order not to get infected from the pet, it is enough to show it to the veterinarian in time and ensure proper care for it: regularly drop the litter, clean the cage, take care of the hair, claws and ears, clean the furniture and home textiles from the wool.
The only disease that poses a real threat to expectant mothers is toxoplasmosis: it causes various deformities in the fetus. Infected in utero children are threatened with damage to the nervous system, blindness, deafness. All future mothers are recommended to undergo an examination for antibodies to toxoplasmosis in the blood: if they are, everything is in order, if not, you will have to be extra careful during pregnancy.
Toxoplasma toxins carry cats through their feces - in other animals and in humans, toxoplasma accumulates in the muscle tissue. So pregnant women should be excluded from the diet raw and jerky, as well as to avoid earthworks: it is in the garden and vegetable garden that the risk of infection is high. One woman from many hundreds gets infected from her own cat. Cats excrete toxoplasm only at a young age. A cat's toilet should be cleaned with gloves every day, and it is better to entrust this work to other members of the family.
For the same reason, do not allow pets for the duration of your pregnancy to eat raw meat, birds and rodents. The pet should be given timely all the prescribed vaccinations and ensure the absence of worms (anthelmintic drugs are given for prevention usually every 4 months) and bloodsucking parasites. Processing animals with sprays and powders from fleas and ticks is not recommended in this case - it is more appropriate to use anti-flea collars.
Accustom the animal to new smells, sounds, objects so as to reduce the stress of the appearance in the house of a new member of the family. Let the pet get used to not entering without permission into the nursery or approaching a baby crib. Make sure that the cat does not use a baby cot or stroller to sleep.
Before returning from the hospital, pass for your pet a baby diaper, sniffing which, to get acquainted with the smell of a new member of the family. Entering the house, give the baby to your father or grandmother, say hello to the animal, talk to him, pet him, so that the pet understands that you still love and are dear to you. Let him inspect and sniff (but do not lick!) The crumbs. Put the baby in the crib, give the pet a favorite treat and sit with him, demonstrating that you still love him and pay attention.
If the animal does not show aggression near the child, do not be too cautious and do not drive it away so as not to increase jealousy. On the contrary - try to keep the animal's contact with the child as long as possible, letting you observe the bathing, feeding the baby, take the dog with him for a walk, going out with the stroller. At least go out for a short time with the dog on the street and without a child - so she will feel that at this time you "belong" to her unchallenged.
If you doubt whether it is possible for babies to live with a pet, do not give them away from the family, waiting for replenishment: communication between animals and a child will only benefit a small man if you exercise reasonable care and discretion.