Heavy lifting causes preterm birth?

momming247

I guess this is for second third and so on moms...but is this true in your experience? Quite scary...I lift maybe once a week or so at work about 20lbs.

LiveNLove44

Where did you hear this? 

ETA: I hate when people misinform pregnant women. Whether it's with half-truths or whole lies (dated and unsupported), I find it incredibly frustrating. My frustration, FTR, is not directed at you, OP.

bbiutmcph

As long as you have no other complications with your pregnancy what you were lifting prior to your pregnancy, is ok to do so while pregnant.  I lift my almost 3 year old who is 24 lbs daily and I have lifted my 5 year old 45 lbs at least once.  Listen to your body and know what your limits are.  When pregnant with my first I lifted for my job daily and was induced at 40 weeks, again it's about listening to your body and knowing your personal limits.  

LiveNLove44

FTR, a lifting "weight limit" for pregnant women is like saying that one-size-fits-all maternity clothes would be a thing. They aren't. We can all lift different weights prior to pregnancy and in pregnancy, so it frustrates me when people get the wrong information. I'm sorry if you were misinformed by someone! Definitely check with your doctor for what is best for you.

I comfortably deadlift 125 for 15 reps and 4 sets on my leg days, and I have had no issues. I did the same when I was pregnant with my daughter and had no complications. I also do squats and lunges of all kinds with the barbell and weights and have had no issue. The biggest point my doctor makes is that we should not be doing the valsalva maneuver while lifting. Beyond that, it's important to know your body and your limit.

eat111315

I move cases of shoes at work, have two kids both 25+ lbs and have no concerns.
For all my pregnancies my midwife told me if you couldn't move it before being pregnant- dont move it now. And that being active (while following your body's cues) is actually GOOD for you.

If you're really concerned you should check with your health care provider.

cgummie

My doctor said any lifting should match what was done prepregnancy. In my case, lifting 25-30 lbs at work was normal and no big deal to keep doing. She has warned me to be very careful and not to twist while lifting because I've had lower back pain and don't want to make it worse.

momming247

Americanpregnancy.com I believe. And I dislike it as well. So many places say myth and others confirm. Seems like no matter what you decide to look up...they'll be a problem with it for pregnant women. Annoying.

MamaOwl15

Shortly before I lost my angel baby back in September, I was regularly lifting 100 lbs or so at work. I worked at a group home, and we're talking 100-ish lb men; we were supposed to always have two people doing lifts and transfers but that never happened.
Anyway, I asked my doctor if this had perhaps caused my miscarriage and he said no.

I currently lift my 35-lb toddler and carry him short distances with ease. I can lift 20-30 lbs at the gym (weight machines). I wouldn't worry if your not talking huge amounts of weight.

LiveNLove44

@Mariangie7, I guess it's most perplexing to me now is that you asked if it's true. Well yes, it can be. As you mentioned, you've seen it in the following article (or related source), so my thoughts remain the same. Talk to your doctor about what you should be doing. I worry that by posing a question like this with so little context about the source of the claim, it will only serve to spread false information (partial-truths) leading to more worry in already-worried pregnant women.

According to Americanpregnancy.com:

Lifting While Pregnant: Is It Safe?

As your growing baby develops, your body will go through changes to make room for the baby. Your uterus is expanding as the baby grows, and this can lead to cramping or a feeling of pulling muscles in your abdomen. This is normal, but it does lead to questions about lifting during pregnancy.

In addition, your hip joints are loosening to help prepare for the delivery of your baby. It is important to realize your body is changing and you may not be able to do the same activities you were able to do before becoming pregnant, including lifting heavy objects. 

Whether you should be lifting during pregnancy or not is a question for your healthcare provider, but the general rule of thumb is let someone else do it for you.

Women who are at risk for premature labor may need to stop lifting objects after the first trimester. This is something to discuss with your doctor.

Risks of Heavy Lifting During Your Pregnancy

Women should avoid lifting heavy objects while pregnant. However, if you are going to lift any object, it is important to exercise caution. For some women, lifting heavy objects can lead to an increased risk of premature labor and low birth weight.

Lifting an object incorrectly, whether heavy or not, can also result in a pulled muscle. A potentially severe complication of heavy lifting is a hernia.

Techniques for Lifting During Pregnancy

Safe lifting techniques dictate you should bend at your knees, not your waist, to pick up an object. It is important to keep your back as straight as possible while bending at your knees and pushing up with your legs. Also, do not make any jerking or sudden movements while lifting during pregnancy.

These are healthy lifting practices whether you are pregnant or not. It becomes even more important to lift things correctly while pregnant, because your skeletal and support system are changing and you are more susceptible to strains or problems.

If you are worried about having to lift heavy objects at work or at home, it is best to talk to your doctor about these concerns to make sure it is safe. Remember, you can always ask for help from others, if you need help lifting something while you are pregnant.

momming247

Yea the "some women" part was the part that got me wondering. Seems best not to do it at all, but the only warning I had was early on (9 weeks) due to a tiny sch and that was given by my fertility clinic. My OB has never mentioned the restrictions though at times I assume he expects me to have common sense. I plan to ask at my next appt which is about 4 weeks from now so I have quite a bit of time.

We are moving so I've lifting just a little as well. Likely Bo more than 20lbs. I never did weight lifting so it could be more likely that I shouldnt. As with any question on this forum, it will all come down to asking the OB. But at times I like to hear different experiences and opinions as well, since the information I would get from my OB would honestly vary between any doctor I had chosen. If I'd picked another he may say it's fine jjst be careful, whereas another may say 15 lbs max. So I guess that is at times why we may get opinions on this forum from mom.

Hopefully all of us who post know to use common sense with the "every pregnancy is different" and recognizing that each persons habits also make a difference. I think a little discretion is certainly advised when reading questions on this forum.

Either way I am just going to stay away from it. After having undergone ivf nothing is really worth any risk...even if it's a bit over the top.

mrsbird1721

My doc advised me to keep lifting (I do CrossFit) and there was no need to scale back on the weight. This, despite having had my first baby very prematurely and being considered somewhat higher risk because of that this time around. Using proper lifting technique and avoiding anything that feels even remotely uncomfortable or unsafe is a good rule of thumb. I think do whatever that means for you - if it feels awkward lifting 20 lbs, don't. If it feels fine to deadlift 150 lbs, go for it. I've been lifting heavy weights, but find that my sense of balance is off, my belly is getting in the way, and I get dizzy easily. So those things are limiting me more than any discomfort from the weight I'm lifting.

Think about it... Women have been having babies while working on farms and carrying water to villages and lifting animals and other children all day. Our bodies are meant to function.

Chippercjm

This. Exactly. I wouldn't go out and lift more than you typically did before pregnant, but I too have lifted heavy in the gym for years and know my body (including HIIT training, crunches, etc). Everyone will have a different weight lifting approach based on what they were doing prior to pregnancy IMO. Do what you do just be smart and safe... Listening to your own body, not the rules or experiences of anyone else!