15
If you don't have a cat, but
neighbours' moggies
regard your
garden/children's sand pit
as a toilet, wear gloves
when you're gardening
and handling soil or sand.
Other risky activities
during pregnancy
Mumsnetter Zebra has a
pretty definitive list:
"Heatstroke in the
mother is lethal to the
foetus, so be careful
when sunbathing.
Aerobic exercise is OK
if you were doing it
pre-pregnancy, you just
have to watch for: joint
strain, dehydration,
sunburn and fatigue.
Don't go near ewes
about to drop their
lambs. Avoid any
reptile or bird that
might carry salmonella.
Joy feelings magazine
No to most insect
repellents (they contain
DEET=diethyl
toulamide, which
causes birth defects).
"No to many over-thecounter drugs. No to
dental x-rays. No to
working with lots of
specific chemicals
found in certain work
places. No to painting
with paints with high
VOC (volatile organic
compound) levels.
Also remember that
pregnant women
should avoid other
people with shingles,
chickenpox or rubella,
unless you know you're
immune."
But she adds:
"Having said all that,
when I was pregnant,
sometimes because I