Gardening When Pregnant – Is It Safe?
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Priyanka Kalra
(Gynecologist/Obstetrician)
This health content has been medically reviewed by qualified experts and follows the FirstCry Parenting editorial policy to ensure accuracy and reliability.
For many of us, tending to plants is a stress buster; after all, they are like our children. But when things are delicate inside the womb, and there’s use of pesticides and other things, gardening while pregnant may need some thought. The good news is that you can follow your hobby of gardening even during your pregnancy. Yayy! But with everything, there are some risks and precautions that should be considered when getting out in the garden while pregnant, including chemical exposure. In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about gardening and pregnancy. And while you are out there tending to your lovely plants, let someone else do the chemical work in the garden.
Can You Do Gardening When Pregnant?
Hobbies can help you keep your mind calm and even lift your spirit, which will certainly benefit you during pregnancy. According to the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG), Gardening, which includes general raking, weeding, and digging, is a moderate-instensity aerobic exercise that keep maintains health during pregnancy (1). You should be aware that it does involve certain risks, like exposure to deadly chemicals. While you indulge in gardening, you must take appropriate measures to safeguard yourself and your baby during pregnancy.
Are There Any Benefits of Gardening During Pregnancy?
Here are some benefits of gardening in pregnancy:
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Engaging in regular activities like gardening significantly lowers the likelihood of experiencing typical pregnancy discomforts. For instance, the initial trimester exhaustion can be mitigated or even avoided through consistent gardening.
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Additionally, maintaining a gardening routine can substantially diminish the instances of experiencing restless nights during pregnancy. This issue is prevalent across all trimesters, making this a valuable benefit to attain.
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The more one exercises during pregnancy, the less weight they are likely to gain. The individuals who engaged in exercise once a week exhibited notably greater weight gain compared to those who did not. This underscores the importance of continuing with gardening activities.
- It is a good way of getting an added boost of vitamin D by spending some time under the sun, which also promotes positive mood (2).
Risks of Gardening While Pregnant
Before you pull up your sleeves and get busy with your gardening, it is essential that you learn what risks it may involve. The soil used for planting might often have parasites and some potent chemical pesticides. Consider these hazards and take the necessary precautions while gardening:
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The major thing you should be aware of is a condition called toxoplasmosis, which occurs due to the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. According to the Tommy’s, you are at high risk of contracting it when you touch the soil, contaminated by the faeces of an infected cat. It can cause flu-like symptoms in mothers and contributes to blindness or mental disabilities in the unborn baby (3).
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Chemicals like herbicides and insecticides are also considered unsafe for pregnant women. Exposure to these may impact the baby’s development concerning the brain and nervous system.
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Pregnancy can already lead to increased fatigue. Gardening for extended periods without breaks can lead to overexertion. Listen to your body and take regular rests.
Specific Gardening Things to Avoid Handling in Pregnancy
While gardening is a fun and calming activity, there are some things that should be avoided to keep your baby safe when pregnant.
1. Handling Pesticides and Other Chemicals
Gardening often involves the use of pesticides and insecticides to keep the blooms safe and healthy. But they might not be safe when you are expecting. So, when gardening, stay away from the chemicals. Either delay it or ask someone else to do the pesticide work. Also, you can try safer alternatives like a homemade soapy water mix or neem oil to get rid of pesky insects.
2. Going Bare-handed in the Garden
Going out in the garden without sun protection and gloves is a no-no. Why hurry? Take your rubber gloves that are for heavy-duty outdoor work when you are planning to work with soil, put on a hat, a light long-sleeved shirt, and sun protection before starting garden work.
3. Lifting Heavy Objects
Avoid lifting heavy objects like big compost bags or large plant pots when pregnant. Ask someone else to do this work for you. Your joints are loose and vulnerable to injury, so it is best to avoid anything that could jeopardise the safety of your baby and yours.
Things to Keep in Mind While Gardening During Pregnancy
You need to take utmost care of your routine activities and hobbies during your pregnancy, and take precautionary measures if it involves anything that may be harmful to you and your baby. According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are possibilities of the Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) parasite entering your body through contaminated soil. It is unsafe for you and your foetus, and is known to cause stillbirth and miscarriage (4). You are vulnerable to injecting the infection unknowingly when you touch your face or mouth after handling the contaminated soil. To avoid such instances and ensure a safe pregnancy, remember these tips while gardening:
1. Stay Away From Chemicals
Let your family or friends help you in chemical treatment of your garden. Stay indoors for when the chemicals are being sprayed as well as a minimum of 48 hours after the spray or longer. Sprays often stay afloat in the breeze for a while, so to avoid inhaling them, and wait for the chemicals to dry, before you return to the garden.
2. Integrated Pest Management
It is best to opt for an integrated pest management system with organic chemicals during your pregnancy. It encourages the use of harmless chemicals and treatment methods to protect your garden from insects and pests.
3. Dress Appropriately
Refrain from gardening at noon, and if you cannot avoid, apply good sunscreen and wear a hat to be protected from the heat. Wear loose clothing to optimise your comfort. Plus, opt for long sleeves and long pants to avoid contact with the contaminated soil and chemicals.
4. Be Hydrated
When you are working under the direct sun, it often causes dehydration. Hence, it’s important that you keep yourself hydrated throughout the day by drinking water at frequent intervals.
5. Use Gardening Tools
Avoid exerting pressure on your wrists as you are more prone to tennis elbow or carpal tunnel during your pregnancy. You should use appropriate gardening tools for specific tasks.
6. Maintain Proper Posture
Always work in a kneeling position instead of bending for long hours. This will prevent you from putting a lot of pressure on your back and spine. You should avoid lifting or moving heavy objects during pregnancy and leave it to someone else.
7. Frequent Breaks
Instead of sitting for long periods, you must stand up once a while or walk around the plants to prevent exhaustion. Also, while you pull out weeds, take some support of a bench or short stool to be seated.
8. Maintain Distance From Outdoor Cats
The CDC says that not all cats will give you toxoplasmosis. Only cats that consume contaminated raw meat, birds, mice or soil become infected. In the case of the feline population, this mainly applies to outdoor cats that hunt and consume rodents, as well as those whose owners provide them with raw meat (5). Thus, staying careful is essential.
9. Use Gloves
Wear gloves so that you don’t come in direct contact with the soil. Besides, you shouldn’t touch your eyes, mouth or face with your soiled hands or gloves unless you have washed your hands thoroughly with soap and water and finished your gardening for the day. There is a high chance of contracting toxoplasmosis while working in the garden during pregnancy, and wearing gloves can help avoid exposure (6).
10. Wash Before Eating
Don’t be tempted to pick the fruit or vegetable from your garden and eat it raw. Ensure that it is thoroughly washed before you eat it.
FAQs
1. Is gardening safe during pregnancy?
Yes, gardening is generally safe during pregnancy as long as you take certain precautions. Avoid heavy lifting, prolonged bending, overheating, and exposure to harmful chemicals. Wear gloves when handling soil and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
2. Can gardening soil harm my baby during pregnancy?
Garden soil may potentially contain the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, which can be harmful to an unborn baby if contracted during pregnancy. Wearing gloves, avoiding touching your face while gardening, and washing your hands after handling soil can help reduce the risk.
3. Is it safe to use pesticides while pregnant?
It is best to avoid using pesticides and other garden chemicals during pregnancy. If they must be used, have someone else apply them and stay away from the treated area until it is safe to return.
6. When should I stop gardening during pregnancy?
You don’t necessarily have to stop gardening, but you should take breaks and stay hydrated. However, if you feel dizzy, short of breath, have contractions, or experience vaginal bleeding, stop immediately and visit a doctor.
You can keep your love for gardening alive during your pregnancy, but with extra care and precautions. Ensure that you steer clear of any toxins or soil-borne infections in gardening. These, if ingested by you, can prove hazardous and impact the development of your growing baby. So, be responsible and make use of appropriate gloves and gardening tools while out in the garden. Also, maintain proper posture as you work to avoid undue physical strain on your body.
Also Read:
Jumping in Pregnancy
Boating during Pregnant
Should You Play Sports when Pregnant?
Household Work to Do and Avoid during Pregnancy
Was This Article Helpful?
1. American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists – Exercise During Pregnancy
2. Tommy’s – 10 tips for staying active in pregnancy
3. Tommy’s – Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy
4. Cleveland Clinic – Toxoplasmosis
5. Humane World for Animals – Pregnancy and toxoplasmosis
6. March of Dimes – Toxoplasmosis
- Author
- Expert Reviewer
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