guinea pigs and pregnancy

[mochalily2020]

Hey everyone,

I was just wondering if anyone has any experience with pregnancy and guinea pigs ? I currently do the cage cleaning of the guineas but was advised that they can carry diseases so to avoid doing so ? I could ask my husband but I do enjoy doing it myself so was wondering what the overall opinion is here ?

Thank you !

 

[Tigermoth]

Hey everyone,

I was just wondering if anyone has any experience with pregnancy and guinea pigs ? I currently do the cage cleaning of the guineas but was advised that they can carry diseases so to avoid doing so ? I could ask my husband but I do enjoy doing it myself so was wondering what the overall opinion is here ?

Thank you !

There is nothing of concern with Guinea pigs in terms of pregnancy. Of course good hygiene with any animal is essential but there are no diseases in the same way as cats and reptiles that you need to worry about.

(I work as a midwife so this is what I would say to a women that asked me in a professional capacity at work but of course I also have to refer you to your own care provider to cover myself xx)

 

[poggle]

Hi, I'm six months pregnant with three piggies and I've not been advised to avoid anything other than cat faeces pet-wise (much to my husband's delight). Not even the cat herself!

I'd say if you're concerned use rubber gloves as well as washing your hands thoroughly afterwards, but to the best of my knowledge there's no risk. If you're worried have a chat with your midwife.

 

[Freela]

I've ever only heard to avoid cleaning out cat litter boxes due to toxoplasmosis... I've never heard of anything equivalent for guinea pigs or other pet rodents.

 

[mochalily2020]

There is nothing of concern with Guinea pigs in terms of pregnancy. Of course good hygiene with any animal is essential but there are no diseases in the same way as cats and reptiles that you need to worry about.

(I work as a midwife so this is what I would say to a women that asked me in a professional capacity at work but of course I also have to refer you to your own care provider to cover myself xx)

Awesome thank you very much !

 

[mochalily2020]

Hi, I'm six months pregnant with three piggies and I've not been advised to avoid anything other than cat faeces pet-wise (much to my husband's delight). Not even the cat herself!

I'd say if you're concerned use rubber gloves as well as washing your hands thoroughly afterwards, but to the best of my knowledge there's no risk. If you're worried have a chat with your midwife.

Perfect thank you very much !

 

[mochalily2020]

I've ever only heard to avoid cleaning out cat litter boxes due to toxoplasmosis... I've never heard of anything equivalent for guinea pigs or other pet rodents.

Thank you !

 

[Wiebke]

Hey everyone,

I was just wondering if anyone has any experience with pregnancy and guinea pigs ? I currently do the cage cleaning of the guineas but was advised that they can carry diseases so to avoid doing so ? I could ask my husband but I do enjoy doing it myself so was wondering what the overall opinion is here ?

Thank you !

Hi!

I assume you mean human pregnancy while having pet guinea pigs? We get enquiries about pregnancy in both species.

Here is the link to our practical advice on human pregnancy: Human Pregnancy/Immune Deficiency And Guinea Pigs
We generally recommend to avoid cage cleaning yourself if this is possible. Otherwise, it is down to normal good hand washing hygiene. If cleaning yourself, you may want to use your Covid mask.

It is also part of our general information collection: Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides (see chapter 9 and the sub-chapter on various potential transmission concerns)

 

[poggle]

Another thought that's not specifically about cage cleaning but is related (sorry, was trying to make lunch while posting earlier!) - I have new guinea pigs in the house so we're still in the 'watch' phase to see if mites or ringworm appear. They were quarantined at the rescue so it shouldn't be a problem, but ringworm can spread to humans and as we're immuno-compromised while pregnant we could be more vulnerable; I'm therefore being extra cautious around handling and my pig-related hygiene practices until their new pet vet checks. I believe there are medications available to treat ringworm which won't harm baby, though.

This wasn't advice from my midwife, just my own research coupled with worrying about everything a healthy sense of caution. This might not be relevant to you if your herd is already established and, again, a chat with your midwife is the best call if you're worried.

Thanks @Wiebke for the link to the guides - I'd not spotted that before posting and will give it a read now. Apologies if I've repeated anything in there already

 

[Wiebke]

Another thought that's not specifically about cage cleaning but is related (sorry, was trying to make lunch while posting earlier!) - I have new guinea pigs in the house so we're still in the 'watch' phase to see if mites or ringworm appear. They were quarantined at the rescue so it shouldn't be a problem, but ringworm can spread to humans and as we're immuno-compromised while pregnant we could be more vulnerable; I'm therefore being extra cautious around handling and my pig-related hygiene practices until their new pet vet checks. I believe there are medications available to treat ringworm which won't harm baby, though.

This wasn't advice from my midwife, just my own research coupled with worrying about everything a healthy sense of caution. This might not be relevant to you if your herd is already established and, again, a chat with your midwife is the best call if you're worried.

Hi

We do have an explicit and VERY comprehensive ringworm care guide on the forum, which includes human hygiene. However, unless you are actually dealing with an acute outbreak, normal common sense hygiene measures (i.e. hand washing if in contact) are perfectly adequate.
Ringworm: Hygiene, Care And Pictures

Please also be aware that if your new guinea pigs have been quarantined at the rescue, they will not need another quarantine at home.
Rescue protocols are very strict - from keeping quarantining piggies in a different room with its own cleaning implements and thorough disinfection (both between lots of cage residents and in between piggies); they also have different sets of aprons to avoid carrying anything across.

 

[poggle]

Hi

We do have an explicit and VERY comprehensive ringworm care guide on the forum, which includes human hygiene. However, unless you are actually dealing with an acute outbreak, normal common sense hygiene measures (i.e. hand washing if in contact) are perfectly adequate.
Ringworm: Hygiene, Care And Pictures

Please also be aware that if your new guinea pigs have been quarantined at the rescue, they will not need another quarantine at home.
Rescue protocols are very strict - from keeping quarantining piggies in a different room with its cleaning implements and thorough disinfection (both between lots of cage residents and in between piggies); they also have different sets of aprons to avoid carrying anything across.

Hi, yes - just my own thoughts and sense of caution, having experienced a ringworm outbreak previously which did, unfortunately, spread to a family member. Our pigs aren't quarantined; we're just being extra sensible with our handling and hygiene practices.