Heavy Lifting

potterybygrace

Just what exactly are the dangers of heavy lifting while pregnant? Does this only need to be considered later in the pregnancy?
I work alone and often need to lift some pretty heavy buckets. Will definitely ask my Dr. next week.

tbmadeamistake

I know late in pregnancy as your ligaments loosen up it can dangerous because you can hurt yourself. However, I think the general rule of thumb is if you were lifting it before pregnancy, you can continue while pregnant, at least until your body tells you it can't.

Mztwilson

With my back problems so early this pregnancy my dr says no lifting over 20lbs.

lscal20

I'm an emergency vet tech and regularly lift 50 pound dogs...or bigger with the help of another person. From my 8 week appointment, my Dr said nothing over 25 pounds and even gave me a work note about it. My first pregnancy that ended in a miscarriage, I saw my old gyno and he told me no more than 20-25 pounds as well. I'd just check with your OB to be sure!

nunzchucks

Heavy lifting is really bad if you have placenta previa. Your OB should be able to rule that out.

babygabe614

Ditto @skamber. My husband and mom are also hypervigilant about me not lifting hardly anything even though I was doing bootcamp classes and deadlifting 150 lbs before getting KU. That said, I know there are a lot of situations where you just can't avoid it, like work and if you're chasing around another kiddo (or two, or three...) at home. I think you should use your best judgment and if you need help - ask for it.

Gbseder

I would say that your are just as prone to back injuries any time along the way! At about 16 weeks near New Years, I simply coughed too hard from a cold and threw my back out for days!' Worst pain of my life (until childbirth to come, I assume)!!! Pleeease be careful! Your ligaments and bones are more fragile now!!!

potterybygrace

Thanks ladies!

hubbs173

I'm a dog groomer and regularly lifted about 50-60 lbs before I was pregnant. Now I try to ask for help lifting a dog that big and most of the girls I work with are really good about stepping in and lifting for me so I don't have to lift at all! I just try to make sure I don't over do it! And at home DH is good about doing any heavy lifting.

MrsRahl

hubbs173 said:

I'm a dog groomer and regularly lifted about 50-60 lbs before I was pregnant. Now I try to ask for help lifting a dog that big and most of the girls I work with are really good about stepping in and lifting for me so I don't have to lift at all! I just try to make sure I don't over do it! And at home DH is good about doing any heavy lifting.

I have a disabled dog with weak back legs. I have to lift him to go outside and is 45lbs. So I feel ya on the dog lifting lol. DH has taken over a lot more but I still lift him when I need to. Poor dog has to pee! But doc said is fine if I was doing it before.

Mrs_D_in_KY

My doctor said nothing more than 25 lbs for me. My ultrasound showed placenta previa plus I've been dealing with bedrest due to what they are calling round ligament pain. But I also dealt with preterm labor with my son 4 years ago, so they're a little cautious with me.

MrsP419

I kind of giggle at the not over 25 lb thing.  My DD is 32 lbs and my DS is 27, and I have to lift them regularly.  I kind of don't have a choice as a SAHM.  What is hard and freaks me out is if I try to lift DD to put her in time out and she is upset.  Then I need to watch is because she resists me and it makes her feel heavier.

flerlgirl

Just use your noggin. Like PP said, if it seems like too much, it's too much. Stuff you were doing before is fine. Plenty of parents have older kids that are upwards of 30 or 40 pounds that might need to be picked up and they usually can.