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Everything's in Bloom
Gardening during Pregnancy
By Jacqueline Bodnar
For most people, this parasite doesn't pose such a risk because they have been exposed to it early in life and may have immunity or no symptoms at all. Pregnant women are the ones who really have to be careful when it comes to toxoplasmosis.
Taking Necessary Precautions
"There's no need to stop gardening," says Amy Gifford, an education specialist with the National Gardening Association. "I gardened safely during my pregnancy by taking a few simple precautions." Some safety precautions you can take to help avoid problems include the following:
- Wear gloves, preferably the rubber-coated type, when doing any outdoor work.
- Get a nice big hat to shade your head and face, and wear a good sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
- Wash your hands thoroughly when you are done working in the garden. Be sure to not touch your eyes, face or mouth prior to washing your hands.
- Avoid picking and eating anything right from the garden. Everything needs to be washed completely before being consumed.
- Drink a lot of water. Working outdoors in the summer can lead to dehydration, so it's important to drink water before, during and after your gardening session.
- Take frequent breaks. This will help you avoid overworking yourself or waking up the next morning feeling sore.
- Find a position that is comfortable for you, whether it be sitting or kneeling. If something doesn't feel comfortable, don't continue in that position.
- Save the heavy stuff for someone else, especially any big jobs or heavy bags that need to be moved. You don't want to do anything that will place a strain on you.
- When it comes to using chemicals in the garden, always read and follow the safety instructions, and opt for pumps over aerosols, as they create less of a vapor for inhalation.
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