pregnant wife and reptiles

Question
we just found out the we are having another baby!  my 5 & 3  
year olds love reptiles and i was planning on getting my 5
year old a bearded dragon or gecko or ? but my wife was just
telling me that she remembers reading somewhere that
reptiles shouldn't be around pregnant women and/or infants
until the kids are at least 2 years old.  can you elaborate
on this?  should we wait?
thank you in advance...bob

Answer
Hello Bob,

Well, of course, that is always a concern because babies & pregnant women are at higher risk of infection.  Infants do not have fully developed immune systems.  
The major risk involved is salmonella.  However, that is only a risk if things are not kept clean, & or feces is handled directly without washing your hands afterwards.  Especially children & babies who put their hands into their mouths so often before washing their hands.

Other than that, they are perfectly safe & would be a great family pet for you.

Tracie