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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Visiting a farm in early pregnancy..I have vague warning bells in my head..is this right?

16 replies

hattyyellow · 30/04/2008 09:27

We've been invited to a party by a family who owns a farm.

I'm 6-7 weeks pregnant and have some vague memory that there's certain risks attached to farms if you're pregnant - but my tired pregnant brain can't remember what they are..

Am I going mad or is there some logic behind this? Toxoplasmosis?

I don't want to tell the family having the party or really many people until I get to 12 weeks, so I'd rather not have to get myself into a position where I have to say "sorry i can't do this, bring my toddlers out to do this or that because I'm actually pregnant"...

Any advice gratefully recieved.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

justjules · 30/04/2008 09:30

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

bran · 30/04/2008 09:31

There is a sheep thing that is harmful to pregnant women. There is a notice in our local city farm that pregnant women should stay away from them. I think you have to be in direct contact with the sheep to catch it, but it may be that if your dcs are playing with the lambs it might put you in danger.

no1putsbabyinthecorner · 30/04/2008 09:31

There is something about lambs that can cause misscarriage.

Mercy · 30/04/2008 09:34

Yes, it's do with the lambing season.

I haven't linked the article I found as it may be a bit graphic for you but there is a very faint chance of picking up infections which could harm you and your baby.

kys · 30/04/2008 09:40

I cant help you with all the facts but i do know that at our local farm your advised not to feed the sheep or goats during pregnancy.

Original poster

hattyyellow · 30/04/2008 09:46

Mercy please do link the article if possible- I can get out of the party if I need to and I'd rather be extra cautious!

OP posts:

Mercy · 30/04/2008 09:51

Ok, I've found some less graphic advice from NHS Direct

Original poster

hattyyellow · 30/04/2008 09:56

Thanks so much Mercy - so if the party is on the 3rd May and the lambing season ends end of April - I wonder if the risk has finished!

I'm hoping a toddlers birthday party wouldn't involve disposing of lamb afterbirth or cleaning the farmers boots!!

I wonder what subtle way there is to ring them up and ask if they've finished lambing without them wondering why!

So the main risk I guess is if they suggest taking the kids out to see the lambs and I have to think of an excuse to get out of that without the whole party guessing I'm pregnant...

OP posts:

bran · 30/04/2008 09:59

Do you know any other mothers going who are pregnant and showing? If so you could mention the lambing risk to her and get her to double check with the farmer.

Original poster

hattyyellow · 30/04/2008 10:13

Good idea but no I'm the only one (that I know of!).

OP posts:

foxythesnowfox · 30/04/2008 10:17

I think its to do with the amniotic fluid which can mean a slight risk of miscarriage. There are signs up at the farm we go to, which says don't come into contact and wash your hands.

I'd give the farm a ring and just check, but I don't think it would pose a problem.

TheHedgeWitch · 30/04/2008 11:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

toratora · 30/04/2008 11:25

As long as you don't come into contact with the sheep it will be OK. If your dc's do go out make sure that they have a change of clothes and get someone else to wash them for you. I am married to a farmer and have lots of friends who are married to sheep farmers - they make their dh's and dc's take all their farm kit and boots off at the door and wash it themselves. Some farms can still be lambing in May, I completely understand as I have had to make up loads of excuses to avoid lambing this time!

Original poster

hattyyellow · 30/04/2008 11:40

Thanks Totatora that's really helpful to hear from a farming perspective!

I think it might be safer just not to go - the girls aren't best friends with the boy whose birthday it is and I think I would be fretting!

Dh said he's pretty sure a lot of farms round us are still lambing so I guess there is a risk...

OP posts:

TheSlightestTeuch · 30/04/2008 11:56

Hi, also farmers here and we are still lambing - I am 5wks. I just take care not to touch new born lambs, lambing sheep and any equipment or clothing that does come into contact.

Precautions like above, although I would be surprised at any farmers attracting a party-full of toddllers near very new lambs .

More likely to be older lambs, and usual hygiene rules apply.

curleyshirley · 02/05/2008 14:03

Oh dear, I've got myself in a bit of a panic reading this - I am 9 weeks pg and took my DD to a city farm a week ago, with a friend. I didnt touch any animals, and dd is only 10 months, so didnt touch or wander round anywhere (though did wheel her along in the pram and didnt wash wheels or anything afterwards). Have I been stupid by going, or am I worrying over nothing?

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