Pregnancy and bee care

[bberry]

Hi everyone! I was wondering if anyone out there has had experience tending their hives while very pregnant? Right now it's not such a worry as they are all laid in for winter and such but my thoughts are roaming to spring and early summer duties. I'll be very preggers then beyond the lifting and maneuvering issues (AND FITTING MY GEAR) are stings a worry? Anything i should be thinking about? I think i'm more excited about getting back into my hives then the baby coming so i hope i can manage.

[BjornBee]

Hi everyone! I was wondering if anyone out there has had experience tending their hives while very pregnant?

I've never had any problems. And although I have always said I would try anything once (with a few exceptions) this is one I don't think is possible.   

I do hear some say that the "birds and the bees" do have something with pregnancy....

[JP]

I haven't heard anything on this subject but here's my .02. If you aren't generally speaking, highly allergic to stings, I think you will be fine and my opinion is the baby would be unaffected as well. But, what if you did have a severe allergic response and went into anaphylatic shock? This could in my opinion affect your baby. My advice, talk to your doctor and suit up head to toe.


...JP

[Natalie]

If you don't normally have any type of bad reaction, other than the typical short term swelling and itching I wouldn't think it would be a problem.
I got stung when I was pregnant and it was fine. It was only one sting though.I had the same typical reaction that I normally do.
Jp is right, suit up head to toe and you should be fine. Just no heavy lifting.
It might make you feel better to talk to your doctor though, it will put your mind at ease.

[Koala John]

Congratulations Bberry!
My wife has just given birth a few days ago, and has been told not to lift anything much heavier than the baby for several weeks (natural birth, not Cesarean). So bear in mind that after the birth there is a good chance that you shouldn't/can't be lifting a deep for some time after the birth. Also, the last couple of months, my better half was exhausted. So I suggest if possible you plan your hive management so that you don't need to do any heavy lifting or laborious work for the month or two before and after the birth.

It's unlikely you'll fit into a bee jacket, I've never seen a pregnancy jacket - there's a niche market!! I guess a veil might be the only option.

Best of luck, let us know how you go, and when your little beekeeper arrives     

[bberry]

Thanks all!
I am not generally allergic to stings so i hope it won't be a problem, suiting up is the more daunting challenge for sure. hmmmm, i like that niche market for the maternity bee gear-like maternity wear isn't hideous enough

[annette]

Wow how exciting, a pregnant beekeeper. Good luck with handling the bees and the baby.

[DaveKow]

We will want pictures.  I have never seen a pregnant beek.

Good luck!