QuoteReplyTopic: Gardening and Pregnant? Posted: 12 March 2009 at 10:05am
Hi, obviously I know not to use weed killer or chemicals like that while pregnant, and to wear gloves when gardening - but my friend told me to avoid potting mix and fertilizer. Is this true? She said there may be bugs I'd pick up from the soil (she is a mother of three... so not sure if it's true or a wives tale?)
Hi newlywed, I am currently 32 weeks pregnant and have not avoided either potting mix or fertilizer. I have just made sure that when I have been using it the area is well ventilated (outside on a non windy day) and I dampen the soil first so none of the toxic particles can become airbourne. If you want to be super careful you can where a face mask.
Yep there is a bacteria in potting mix that can be harmful if inhaled. Just avoid inhaling or wear a mask & wash your hands or wear gloves if using. Dampening it also helps
Is it throughout pregnancy you need to be careful or particularly the first 12 weeks? I'm very nervous about even dampening and wearing a mask but sad to miss out on gardening!
Like you I was not 100% sure and just made sure I wore gloves, worked in a well ventilated area and dampened down the potting mix. When you search on google nothing really factual turns up, just trust your instincts and be cautious.
Potting mix can contain Legionalla (sp??) spores - from what i understand they are dangerous when airborne but dampening them down gets rid of that risk
Is it throughout pregnancy you need to be careful or particularly the first 12 weeks? I'm very nervous about even dampening and wearing a mask but sad to miss out on gardening!
Goodness, sad to miss out? You can come do mine, I HATE gardening!
It's hard when you just don't know 100% whether or not it's safe. It's like me drinking one cup of coffee each day. I love my coffee and one cup is probably fine, but ideal would be no cup of coffee!!!! So I guess I'll at least pass the 12 weeks stage and then see.. maybe wear a mask and have mum help me and dampen the garden down as you say.
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Gardening and Pregnant?
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