Gardening and Pregnant?
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: Pregnant
Forum Name: Pregnancy
Forum Description: Pregnant! Wanting to chat to other mums-to-be (or dads-to-be)? Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas... This is that place!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=25156
Printed Date: 24 August 2025 at 5:28pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Gardening and Pregnant?
Posted By: anon
Subject: Gardening and Pregnant?
Date 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?) |
Replies:
Posted By: Sixpence
Date Posted: 12 March 2009 at 10:38am
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. 
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Posted By: Glow
Date Posted: 12 March 2009 at 10:43am
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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 ------------- Mummy of Two Boys B: 2004 K: 2007 |
Posted By: anon
Date Posted: 12 March 2009 at 10:57am
| 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! |
Posted By: Sixpence
Date Posted: 12 March 2009 at 11:23am
| 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. |
Posted By: KazS
Date Posted: 12 March 2009 at 1:05pm
| 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 |
Posted By: CuriousG
Date Posted: 12 March 2009 at 2:02pm
Goodness, sad to miss out? You can come do mine, I HATE gardening!  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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newlywed wrote:Posted By: anon
Date Posted: 12 March 2009 at 9:28pm
| 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. |