Pregnancy and Farm Safety: What You Need to Know During Lambing & Kidding Season

If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy and spend time on a farm, you may be wondering whether it’s safe to be around sheep and goats—especially during lambing and kidding season. While farms are wonderful places to connect with nature, there are some important health risks to be aware of. Here, we’ll cover key concerns, precautions to take, and answer common questions about keeping you and your baby safe.

The primary risk comes from direct contact with birthing materials, such as afterbirth, placenta, and fluids from lambing or kidding. These can carry infections like chlamydia, toxoplasmosis, and Q fever, which pose risks during pregnancy.

You can visit safely if:

• You stay away from lambing/kidding areas.

• You practice good hygiene (washing hands, changing clothes after visits).

• You and your family avoid direct contact with farm animals, particularly sheep and goats.

If you're unsure, it’s best to consult your midwife or GP for personalised advice.

You can also find more information at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pregnancy-advice-on-contact-with-animals-that-are-giving-birth

FAQs: Pregnancy and Farm Safety

• Can I visit the farm while pregnant?

  Yes, but you should avoid areas where animals are giving birth or have recently given birth. It’s best to stay away from enclosed lambing/kidding areas and ensure good hygiene (handwashing, clean clothing) after your visit.

• What precautions should I take?

  ✅ Avoid all contact with lambing/kidding animals, newborns, and afterbirth.
  ✅ Stay away from lambing pens and enclosed areas where births have taken place.
  ✅ Wash hands thoroughly after visiting the farm.
  ✅ Do not eat or drink in animal areas.
  ✅ Change and wash clothes after farm visits.
  ✅ If handling farm materials is unavoidable, wear gloves and a mask.
  ✅ Seek medical advice if you feel unwell after farm exposure.

• Why Should Pregnant Women Take Extra Care on Farms?

  During lambing and kidding season, sheep and goats can carry infections that may pose serious risks to pregnancy. These include:

  • Chlamydia (Chlamydophila abortus) – Can cause miscarriage and pregnancy complications.

  • Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii) – Can lead to birth defects or stillbirth.

  • Listeriosis (Listeria monocytogenes) – May result in severe illness for both mother and baby.

  • Q Fever (Coxiella burnetii) – Can cause flu-like symptoms and pregnancy complications.

  These infections are mainly transmitted through direct contact with infected animals, particularly during birthing. However, some can also spread via contaminated surfaces, dust, or animal faeces.

• How Long Does the Risk Last?

  The highest risk is during and immediately after birth, but infectious agents can remain in the environment for weeks.

  • Placenta, fluids, and newborns pose the highest risk at birth.

  • Contaminated bedding, wool, and faeces can carry infections for several weeks.

  • Q Fever and Toxoplasmosis can survive in dust and soil for months.

  For this reason, extra precautions should be taken for at least 4 to 6 weeks after the last birth in a lambing or kidding season.

Final Thoughts

Farms can be a fantastic environment to enjoy nature, but if you’re pregnant, it’s important to take extra care—especially during lambing and kidding season. By following these precautions, you can protect yourself and your baby while still enjoying the farm safely.

If you have any concerns, speak to a healthcare professional or consult official guidance from the UK Government: Pregnancy advice on contact with animals that are giving birth.