Pregnancy and birth = germaphobe?

Question

How come it seems that once a woman gets pregnant (and then gives birth) they become this major germaphobe? It seems, since I've been on here, I have seen pregnant women afraid of there own shadows, because it might hurt the baby. One of my best friends was a major tom boy and now that she's a mom she lysols the tables at restaurants! I'm 38 weeks and I still have a hard time not riding my horse, cleaning the cat box, etc. which are my normal tasks. Heck the other day I lifted a 50 lb bag of dog food and my mom about pooped a brick! I'm just wondering if I'm the only one who isn't afraid to breathe still or plan on raising my child to be a child (ie getting DIRTY)?

Answer 1

I am 14 weeks pregnant and have a 3 year old who weighs about 33 lbs... I pick him up all the time, I take out the garbage (that sometimes is heavy) and I run around with my little guy... I haven't changed from before I had him to now.  If he gets dirty, he gets dirty... that's what baths are for.  Kids should be kids... and enjoy life.    

Answer 2

Oh I'm with you 100%, you just have to do what you think is right. My 2 1/2 year old daughter loves jumping in muddy puddles, so sometimes I put her in old clothes (usually ones that are almost ruined anyway), take her to the park, and just let her. It's only mud! It comes out in the wash anyway, what are washing machines for?!?! But honestly, some of the looks I get from other parents. Gee!  

Answer 3

You should take the necessary precautions.  I know a lot of woman are going to say this but you really shouldn't be lifting anything that heavy.  You could have really hurt yourself!  You have a life inside of you that you need to take care of and once you see that helpless newborn all you want to do is make sure nothing ever hurts him or her.  

I do agree there are some things that women go overboard with that can be baseless but you really must take care of yourself and your baby!  And I do let my child get dirty.  It's inevitable with a toddler!  

Answer 4

stay cool. germophobes are the worst kind of parents. just be cool wit ur kid and they'll b happy

Answer 5

HAHAHAHA! (Pooped a brick!)

I still change the cat box, sometimes; I just have hubby do it, mostly, because I can get out of it. ;) I still get out there with our 5 dogs, and feed them, clean up after them, etc. (We had ten dogs, with my last pregnancy! Puppies that grew up!)

I do like people to have clean hands, when they're going to hold my kids, and will hand certain folks some Purell, but, that's when it's called for, trust me... I am somewhat of a germ-freak, but, more so when it's flu season. I know some women who will not take their babies out, period, and don't want anyone holding them... I find that sad, and even a bit unhealthy. As long as the babies are healthy, they're not restricted from regular outings, as needed, or even just to visit family, who are no doubt, dying to see them!  

Answer 6

I was always very careful w my son when he was a baby.  I didn't put on the floor w/o a blanket, new bib after ea feeding. clean blankets/sheets all the time, very cautious when sterilizing bottles, and never left bottles around for the nipple to get dirty.  I wasnt too extreme tho, just cautious.  After he was out of that infant stage, I loosened up alot. Now he's 7, I'm a single mom and very encouraging of him to go out and be a boy and get dirty. I have had to teach him to play football, fish, play w worms, ect.  I understand what you are saying.  Goodluck w your pregnancy!  I'm sure things will go well for you.  

Answer 7

I'm totally with you, and it drove me crazy how everyone acted like I was an invalid.  (However, after giving birth, I quite liked being babied.)  

I have the impulse to be a germaphobe, especially when my son is playing with the dog or other kids, but I remind myself that a little dirt is good, that he NEEDS to build his immune system, and that being sick every now and then is likely to ward off allergies.  Additionally, the anti-bacterial stuff tends to just create stronger viruses and so forth.  It drives me crazy, and there are links between hyper-cleanliness and certain disorders and diseases.

To me, though, there's a big difference between public-bathroom-dirt and playing-in-the-woods dirt.  I tend to be a laid-back mom, though, and all my fanatical friends tell me they envy me.  Plus-side of growing up in a big family, I guess -- you realize that everything just can't go your way, so you stop trying to make it happen.

Good luck!  (Don't believe everything the doctors say ;-)