Contents
Pregnant, can I garden?
Sure. It is a pleasant activity and let us not forget that our ancestors worked in the fields until the end of the pregnancy… So why deprive ourselves of this hobby?
What advice before starting?
To avoid the mask of pregnancy (pigmentation of the face), we avoid the sun. Everything is good: SPF 50 sunscreen, hat… Gloves are recommended especially if you are not immune to toxoplasmosis, even if the risk is almost zero (see question 5). Any use of phytosanitary products (to remove weeds and insects in the garden) is avoided. And we wash our hands thoroughly after gardening.
What postures to adopt? How to carry the necessary equipment?
Pregnant or not, work ergonomics are essential. So we take advantage of the pregnancy to keep (or resume) good postures: we squat to bend down, we kneel on the ground (on a cardboard box…) in front of the flower beds. To protect your back, you can opt for planters on feet. Heavy loads are pulled (instead of carrying), always bending the knees. These reflexes avoid weakening the perineum (which can cause problems with urinary leakage after birth)!
Are gardening products dangerous for my baby and me?
To avoid using chemicals, we dive into the many books: organic gardening, permaculture, use of plant associations, natural predators … If we have any doubts, we use gloves and a mask or ask someone. another to manipulate them. We prefer manual or organic weeding (boiling water, for example!). We favor natural additives (liquid manure, manure, algae, etc.).
What is the risk of transmitting toxoplasmosis?
Today, the risk is minimal. To catch it, the droppings of a contaminated cat must be present in the soil and ingested via poorly washed vegetables … However, cats eat more dry kibble than live animals. In Great Britain, toxoplasmosis is no longer a public health problem and its follow-up is reduced!