Can I clean the chicken coop while pregnant?

[Ninjasquirrel]

This is my first time with child so I'm trying to do everything right. I've kinda just been avoiding doing my chicken chores and letting DH handle them but I forgot to ask my midwife this question at my most recent appointment. We've been DLMing all winter and it's been above freezing so we want to get some of it out of there but I'm concerned about helping clean because I'm pregnant. I feel bad having DH do it all but I just want to be sure it's safe before I help. I figure if I wear a respirator it'll be fine but thought I'd ask the community.

 

[wrathsfarm]

This is my first time with child so I'm trying to do everything right. I've kinda just been avoiding doing my chicken chores and letting DH handle them but I forgot to ask my midwife this question at my most recent appointment. We've been DLMing all winter and it's been above freezing so we want to get some of it out of there but I'm concerned about helping clean because I'm pregnant. I feel bad having DH do it all but I just want to be sure it's safe before I help. I figure if I wear a respirator it'll be fine but thought I'd ask the community.

My answer....No. Absolutely Not.

Respirators don't stop it all in my experience.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

My answer....No. Absolutely Not.

Respirators don't stop it all in my experience.

I've seen conflicting opinions so idk. There's no risk of toxoplasmosis like cleaning a litter box. I checked some baby forums and they all said the only risk is salmonella and dust which as long as you were a dust mask and gloves it's ok. It'd be nice if there was an actual doctor on here or something

 

[Kiki]

I was push mowing the lawn while 9 months pregnant.
Pregnancy didn't change how I did anything.

 

[Kiki]

Also, congrats on the baby!
When is the baby due?

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Also, congrats on the baby!
When is the baby due?

August!

 

[Loving my girls]

Ive never been pregnant but
…if in doubt (ie you need to ask this question) then NO

 

[Ridgerunner]

It'd be nice if there was an actual doctor on here or something

Text your midwife or doctor. Ask for their opinion. I suspect different midwives or doctors will tell you different things.

I am not a medical doctor but I'll give my opinion. The risk is never zero for any man, woman, or child cleaning out a coop. Wearing a respirator and cleaning up afterwards (including changing clothes) reduces the risks a lot more but it is never zero. Some people have medical conditions that increase the risk, some are healthy as horses with very little risk.

A standard risk analysis looks at two things. How likely is it that something will happen? If something does happen how catastrophic is it? You may want to avoid even a low risk if the results may be tragic.

Your midwife or doctor may know of certain conditions that you have that increases your risks. Check with them. They may consider pregnancy to be a significant risk factor. But if you are going to worry yourself sick and your husband is willing to do it then let him.