pregnant on the farm

[Team Chaos]

So, I haven't told anyone but my husband, but it appears that I am pregnant (pretty early on, about 5 weeks, hence why I'm not saying anything to anyone in real life). My life is quite a bit different since the last time I was expecting- namely, we're actively farming now and my chores are both labor intensive and provide exposure to different agents and chemicals than before. I've had passing worries about whether or not I'll have to take precautions as the pregnancy progresses- I'm divided: my brain tells me that women, pregnant or not, have been working on the farm for decades so short of sticking the poop in my mouth :/ or using chemicals recklessly, I should be fine... on the other hand, I don't know if there is anything that traditionally became off limits on the farm when expecting. I keep chickens, we have goats and sheep, a horse, and ducks and geese too so I have all the chores associated with them. In addition, I'm about to start making soil blocks and getting the gardens ready to plant. If anyone has advice on the matter, it would certainly be appreciated. I don't even want to try and google it for fear that I'll never leave the house again.
Thanks!

 

[the funny farm6]

CONGRADULATIONS!!!!!!!

i would maybe suggest wearing those plastic gloves you get to do dishes whenever you do something you question.

 

[Emerald]

Happy happy news!!! conga rats!!!
just do me a favor-when they break out the round up hide inside with a gas mask on.. class one cell disruptors are nothing to fool around with. I wish they would outlaw them like they did DDT. They can brow beat and sue and threaten and even spread lies about how safe it is but it isn't gonna change my mind.

 

[Marianne]

Lots of effective, homemade safe/green products you can use in the garden.

If anyone is spraying nasty stuff or anything, hang out in the house. Cleaning coop/pens, wear a good paper respirator (not just cheapo dust mask). Lots of women had healthy babies while living on the farm.

Congrats! Now you'll have someone new to spoil.

 

[Rebbetzin]

Mazel Tov!!

I'd stay away from any kind of chemicals. Especially in these early months. Staying active, is helpful for easy labor but do not put undue stress on your body . Try not to be lifting lots of heavy things, get help from others. When your tummy gets big your center of gravity changes, so stay off ladders, step stools etc.

That is my

 

[hqueen13]

Congrats!!
I agree with others that there are lots of green things you can do that don't involve chemicals and will achieve the same, or sometimes better, results as chemicals. Lots of great info already on this site, and lots of knowledgeable people that can help!
Warm wishes for a fast and easy 9 months!

 

[Team Chaos]

Aw, thanks for all the well wishes and advice! I don't remember being this tired and winded early on last time, that has me a little nervous as to how my chores will be going in, say, six months from now but it'll all be part of the adventure.

 

[baymule]

I was pregnant with my DD and worked on a 20 acre farm. I drove the tractor and did whatever I wanted to do. When my feet/legs swelled, I laid on my back and propped my feet up. I did what I felt I could get away with and was OK.

On the chemicals, personally I am sensitive to anything with a smell. That pretty much covers everything. i am organic in my garden and animals. No chemicals or commercial fertlizers. I use vinegar and ammonia to clean the house with. No air fresheners, no scented laundry products, no smelly anything. I use baking soda instead of shampoo. I am a lot healthier now because of it.

The best of everything to you, your husband and your baby. God has given you a precious gift.

 

[TheMartianChick]

Congratulations! You may find that you are sensitive to smells while pregnant. Use that as a guide as to what to avoid. Listen to your body and nap when you need to. Avoid lifting heavy things. In fact, the heaviest thing that you should be lifting is your finger when you point to something that your hubby needs to do. Enjoy this wonderful and special time!

 

[Team Chaos]

I had to crawl under the chicken coop tonite to get a wayward hen and a surprise clutch of eggs- it definitely did not help my "fatigue and nausea". Ha ha ha- so it goes. I wish all I had to do was lift my finger, but my husband works a 50+ hr a week job off the farm and he's on night shift, so it's a rare day that he's got any chore time avail. on the farm. That's why I am building my confidence that just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean I won't be capable of getting us through this spring, summer and fall!