Anyone still vacuuming?

brunette mac · October 2010

Since 4 weeks I've felt really bad ms and haven't been doing any chores. Hubby and I are both busy with work and the house gets messier every day.

I'm kind of nervous to lug around a heavy vacuum. My combination of being a worry wort and lacking the ambition to clean is a bad combo.

Are you still vacuuming and taking care of the house?

sarahcarter@me.com · October 2010

I was told last week that I was not allowed to vacuum because of the strain it places on the abdominals. I hate it, I'm only 6 weeks. I just hired someone to clean because if I can't do it, I will die in a dirty house, plus I work FT. Good luck!!!!

brunette mac · October 2010

LOL I just told dh your response and he says...ugh I guess I have to do it. He is rolling his eyes. Yippy, hubby gets to clean.

Scout05 · October 2010

When I went to the ER for spotting in week 8, they told me no vacuuming or mopping (I think that was more to do with lugging the heavy bucket). My DH has been amazing in taking over those chores. I run the little stick vac if my dog tracks in grass or something, but that's about it.

Lisa102304 · October 2010

I am still cleaning and vacuuming. But our house is only one story and our vacuum is not that large. If I felt like it was hurting me in some way, I would stop.

MaiteRam · October 2010

Unless you've specifically been told not to (b/c of bleeding precautions or what have you) it is totally fine to vacuum and clean. You are not sick, just pregnant.

ManiacMcGee · October 2010

I just vacuumed and mopped our entire house. I didn't lug the vacuum down the stairs though, had the hubby do it.

What kind of vacuum are you using that causes you to strain your abdominal muscles? Mine has wheels and is self-propelled. Its like the easiest chore.

Avoiding mopping, I get. That can be tough work if you really put your all into it. I was exhausted after doing it, but didn't feel like I endangered my baby.

jaydrel · October 2010

I agree with MaiteRam, but some adivce my pregnancy book said is to "follow the 45 second rule" If a chore takes less then 45 seconds, just do it, mostly vacuuming takes longer than 45 seconds, but if you think about chores one at a time, it is easier to handle, especially when you are not feeling well.

Lisa102304 · October 2010

jaydrel:
I agree with MaiteRam, but some adivce my pregnancy book said is to "follow the 45 second rule" If a chore takes less then 45 seconds, just do it, mostly vacuuming takes longer than 45 seconds, but if you think about chores one at a time, it is easier to handle, especially when you are not feeling well.

WTF?? It takes me longer than 45 seconds to do just about EVERYTHING. On that recommendation, I might as well be a lump in my bed all day and make people feed me. That makes zero sense to me.

Cooking dinner? Guess I can't do that anymore.

Pooping? That is out too.

Showering? Guess I will be stinky.

Putting on makeup? Mom-Hag City, here I come.

Laundry? Even more stinky!

Doing the dishes? Oh wait, I can't cook dinner, so no dirty dishes!

Pregnancy doesn't make you broken. You still work the same.

erbear · October 2010

Are you serious? I'm not vacuuming, because I hate it and never do it. You're pregnant, not disabled ffs!

stargzr77 · October 2010

The only reason I could see not doing it was if you had cramping/spotting and were told not to. Yes, the first trimester sucks all the energy out of you, but I have a toddler, dogs and my house is on the market, so yes I vacuum and mop. The steam mop is a great invention. You will get your energy back, it just takes time.

flamingos2010 · October 2010

yep, still vacuuming and taking care of the house.

I always vacuum during pregnancy.. although, sometimes (actually, most times) later near the end of pregnancy (last month or so) when I don't have the energy and get pulled muscles easier, my DH does the cleaning. He is always happy to clean the bathrooms, vacuum etc at any point that I ask though. No biggie. (I'm very particular and he actually does a dang good job by my standards!)

I don't like lugging the vacuum up and down the stairs though.. I feel winded these days just sitting, and by the time I get up to the top of the stairs, I feel like I'm going to pass out! yes, I know I need to exercise more.

Unless your doc puts you on rest, I wouldn't worry about regular house cleaning.

edit: I'd just like to add my thoughts to maybe ease your mind: Just think back when some of our mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers and so on were pregnant (usually constant, bearing 4 or more children) They had to keep on truckin'.. taking care of the house, farm, etc. They also didn't have the modern day luxury of appliances to make the job easier.

LegalLadyBug · October 2010

I haven't specifically been told not to do anything but I don't want to push it either. DH has been really good about helping around the house when it comes to laundry, vacuuming, etc. so I don't have to lift/push/pull etc. anything really heavy. I still lug around my school books though which are heavy.

TriciaChick · October 2010

I like the previous poster just vamued and mopped my whole house then cleaned both the bedrooms and did 4 loads of laundry. I did this through all of my pregnancies and everything is fine. I think DH wold laugh at me if I told him I was not vacuming anymore b/c I am pregnant.

Heather & Nayt · October 2010

I seriously just LOLed. Yes I am vacuuming and mopping AND lugging around a wiggly active 30 lb toddler all day. You are pregnant, not sick. Seriously, unless your doctor tells you not to do it, you are fine.

I cleaned up until the day DS was born and it was fine. I am doing everything exactly like I did before getting KU but cleaning the kitty box. I am not disabled because of making a baby. Enjoy the being able to sit around and be lazy now though, because there is a HUGE difference between 1st and 2nd pregnancies.

IckyThump · October 2010

Heather & Nayt:

I seriously just LOLed. Yes I am vacuuming and mopping AND lugging around a wiggly active 30 lb toddler all day. You are pregnant, not sick. Seriously, unless your doctor tells you not to do it, you are fine.

I cleaned up until the day DS was born and it was fine. I am doing everything exactly like I did before getting KU but cleaning the kitty box. I am not disabled because of making a baby. Enjoy the being able to sit around and be lazy now though, because there is a HUGE difference between 1st and 2nd pregnancies.

Yeah, this. I just vacuumed two of the three floors of my house because it sounded more appealing than eating (ugh, m/s). Unless your ob tells your differently due to a condition like placenta previa, you can pretty much live your life like you always have. If I can lug a tantrumming 33 lb toddler out of a pumpkin patch, I'm pretty sure I can vacuum my house. Just listen to your body. If you start cramping or just feeling crappy, take a break, drink a glass of water and relax for a while.

SweetBaby2004 · October 2010

I do it sometimes, but DH does most of it.

KayteeL82 · October 2010

I had no idea that I wasn't supposed to be doing chores... lets see if I can pull this over on DH! LOL.

I have been a bit lazier in general with the house upkeep, because I don't feel well, but I've still been doing all the same chores. If something is heavy on the chemicals I make DH do it for peace of mind. I'm sure once I'm big and round I won't want to be lugging heavy things, but right now I feel like I'm fine.

flamingos2010 · October 2010

IckyThump:
Heather & Nayt:

I seriously just LOLed. Yes I am vacuuming and mopping AND lugging around a wiggly active 30 lb toddler all day. You are pregnant, not sick. Seriously, unless your doctor tells you not to do it, you are fine.

I cleaned up until the day DS was born and it was fine. I am doing everything exactly like I did before getting KU but cleaning the kitty box. I am not disabled because of making a baby. Enjoy the being able to sit around and be lazy now though, because there is a HUGE difference between 1st and 2nd pregnancies.

Yeah, this. I just vacuumed two of the three floors of my house because it sounded more appealing than eating (ugh, m/s). Unless your ob tells your differently due to a condition like placenta previa, you can pretty much live your life like you always have. If I can lug a tantrumming 33 lb toddler out of a pumpkin patch, I'm pretty sure I can vacuum my house. Just listen to your body. If you start cramping or just feeling crappy, take a break, drink a glass of water and relax for a while.

lol totally this!

Scout05 · October 2010

Not trying to be an ass, I've really been wondering this ever since they put me on lifting restrictions and bed rest (down to partial, woo hoo!). I was expressly asked not to vacuume, mop, lift grocery bags, etc. It was all on my discharge papers from the ER and my OB told me to continue their orders for the next few weeks.

What do moms who have other kids do if they are asked to stay off their feet and not lift anything over 20 lbs? I've been having a hard enough time with just me and the dog, trying to not let the house fall down around me.

I can't imagine having another little one(s) in the mix.

Heather & Nayt · October 2010

ambrandau2:
Not trying to be an ass, I've really been wondering this ever since they put me on lifting restrictions and bed rest (down to partial, woo hoo!). I was expressly asked not to vacuume, mop, lift grocery bags, etc. It was all on my discharge papers from the ER and my OB told me to continue their orders for the next few weeks.
What do moms who have other kids do if they are asked to stay off their feet and not lift anything over 20 lbs? I've been having a hard enough time with just me and the dog, trying to not let the house fall down around me.
I can't imagine having another little one(s) in the mix.

Honestly, I had pre-e with my son and I am fairly certain I will be put on at least partial bed rest towards the end and I have no clue what I am going to do with my son. I am a SAHM right now, my DH works long hours, and our nearest family is 2 hours away. I am terrified of it happening but I have already had friends tell me that they will step in and help if need be. I am wondering what other moms do??

flamingos2010 · October 2010

ambrandau2:
Not trying to be an ass, I've really been wondering this ever since they put me on lifting restrictions and bed rest (down to partial, woo hoo!). I was expressly asked not to vacuume, mop, lift grocery bags, etc. It was all on my discharge papers from the ER and my OB told me to continue their orders for the next few weeks.

What do moms who have other kids do if they are asked to stay off their feet and not lift anything over 20 lbs? I've been having a hard enough time with just me and the dog, trying to not let the house fall down around me.

I can't imagine having another little one(s) in the mix.

Sorry to hear that - that's gotta be tough! Obviously you follow their orders.. ya hear about people breaking Doc's orders and they've gotta be nuts.

To tell you the truth, I have no idea how people would do it (lifting restrictions and bed rest) with another little one in tow. .. I would assume it would be nearly impossible? I suppose you do what you gotta do and somehow get by... Maybe someone here has some insight.

A friend of mine was on modified bed rest and was told not to lift well, really anything.. she has 2 year old (40 pound) twin boys and is a stay at home mom. Needless to say, I saw her lifting them all of the time, even though she was told not to. (she ended up having a very premature baby, all is well .. but I can't help but think that maybe it's because she wasn't listening to doc's orders)

flamingos2010 · October 2010

Heather & Nayt:
ambrandau2:
Not trying to be an ass, I've really been wondering this ever since they put me on lifting restrictions and bed rest (down to partial, woo hoo!). I was expressly asked not to vacuume, mop, lift grocery bags, etc. It was all on my discharge papers from the ER and my OB told me to continue their orders for the next few weeks.
What do moms who have other kids do if they are asked to stay off their feet and not lift anything over 20 lbs? I've been having a hard enough time with just me and the dog, trying to not let the house fall down around me.
I can't imagine having another little one(s) in the mix.

Honestly, I had pre-e with my son and I am fairly certain I will be put on at least partial bed rest towards the end and I have no clue what I am going to do with my son. I am a SAHM right now, my DH works long hours, and our nearest family is 2 hours away. I am terrified of it happening but I have already had friends tell me that they will step in and help if need be. I am wondering what other moms do??

Just wanted to say good luck and hope that you don't have to deal with bed rest during this pregnancy! Wondering if there is a possibility of your DH being able to take some sort of short term disability on your behalf in order to be home from work?

stargzr77 · October 2010

ambrandau2:

Not trying to be an ass, I've really been wondering this ever since they put me on lifting restrictions and bed rest (down to partial, woo hoo!). I was expressly asked not to vacuume, mop, lift grocery bags, etc. It was all on my discharge papers from the ER and my OB told me to continue their orders for the next few weeks.

What do moms who have other kids do if they are asked to stay off their feet and not lift anything over 20 lbs? I've been having a hard enough time with just me and the dog, trying to not let the house fall down around me.

I can't imagine having another little one(s) in the mix.

I think in your case, it is completely necessary and is due to a medical reason. I think what other people are laughing about is when someone is having a normal pregnancy and thinks they will overdo it by vacuuming/mopping.

luvdv8 · October 2010

TriciaChick:
I like the previous poster just vamued and mopped my whole house then cleaned both the bedrooms and did 4 loads of laundry. I did this through all of my pregnancies and everything is fine. I think DH wold laugh at me if I told him I was not vacuming anymore b/c I am pregnant.

I would probably be divorced- seriously, I can understand maybe not carrying the vacuum up and down the stairs, but it's not exactly an Ironman competition to clean the house! I've had cramping and bleeding and you obviously need to listen to your body, and it may take longer, but you can still keep up around the house! I can think of about a trillion things that take more work than running a vacuum over the floors that I know pregnant women are doing- just because it isn't fun doesn't mean you can pull the pregnancy card!

Scout05 · October 2010

Heather & Nayt:
ambrandau2:

Not trying to be an ass, I've really been wondering this ever since they put me on lifting restrictions and bed rest (down to partial, woo hoo!). I was expressly asked not to vacuume, mop, lift grocery bags, etc. It was all on my discharge papers from the ER and my OB told me to continue their orders for the next few weeks.

What do moms who have other kids do if they are asked to stay off their feet and not lift anything over 20 lbs? I've been having a hard enough time with just me and the dog, trying to not let the house fall down around me.

I can't imagine having another little one(s) in the mix.

Honestly, I had pre-e with my son and I am fairly certain I will be put on at least partial bed rest towards the end and I have no clue what I am going to do with my son. I am a SAHM right now, my DH works long hours, and our nearest family is 2 hours away. I am terrified of it happening but I have already had friends tell me that they will step in and help if need be. I am wondering what other moms do??

I hope everything goes well for you and you don't end up on rest. I'm glad to hear you have wonderful friends who are willing to help out.

marriedtoeric · October 2010

No, but we have a housekeeper. I think the last time I vacuumed was about 3 years ago. About all we do between cleanings is clean up the kitchen every night and straighten up most days, and I'm still doing those things with DH.

jc51723 · October 2010

It never crossed my mind to NOT do those things.

ajanes · October 2010

This seriously made me lol. Unless you have been specifically told by your OB to not vacuum, why aren't you? As pp said, you are pregnant not sick or disabled. Now, I will be the first to admit that my house is a total trainwreck right now. I would be mortified if anyone came to my house right now. But, that is mostly because I am sick all night, I have a 2 year old who still isn't STTN, and I'm exhausted. I'm counting on DH help tomorrow to get it under control. Mostly, I just want him to wrangle DS so I can get the house cleaned without a 2 year old hanging on my leg. I can't wait to vacuum.

sweetaug · October 2010

I vacuum and mop floors every tuesday and thursday. Since I help a friend out who has a cleaning biz.

KayteeL82 · October 2010

Heather & Nayt:
ambrandau2:
Not trying to be an ass, I've really been wondering this ever since they put me on lifting restrictions and bed rest (down to partial, woo hoo!). I was expressly asked not to vacuume, mop, lift grocery bags, etc. It was all on my discharge papers from the ER and my OB told me to continue their orders for the next few weeks.
What do moms who have other kids do if they are asked to stay off their feet and not lift anything over 20 lbs? I've been having a hard enough time with just me and the dog, trying to not let the house fall down around me.
I can't imagine having another little one(s) in the mix.

Honestly, I had pre-e with my son and I am fairly certain I will be put on at least partial bed rest towards the end and I have no clue what I am going to do with my son. I am a SAHM right now, my DH works long hours, and our nearest family is 2 hours away. I am terrified of it happening but I have already had friends tell me that they will step in and help if need be. I am wondering what other moms do??

Maybe you could put your son in day care if this happens? Your DH could drop him off and pick him up and then help at night with feeding, bathing, etc. It's not ideal and who wants to pay full time day care rates when they are at home, but if your doctor puts you on bed rest and you don't have family to help, it could be an option.

brunette mac · October 2010

Thank you ladies for all your input!

I've been concerned since my u/s at 7w6days. I had a lot of implantion bleeding that showed on the u/s. At 8w6d I had some dark brown bleeding. Then I started having cramps on and off ever since.

The Dr said all is well, but put me on pelvic rest for a couple weeks. She never mentioned abstaining from vacuuming so I'll let hubby do it until my next u/s Friday. If baby looks good I'll share the vacuuming.

mommy411 · October 2010

umm yes. I also cart around a 28 lbs toddler. Life goes on.If I didn't clean my house would fall apart because DH wouldn't do it (right).

jenerally? · October 2010

I love vacuuming. It's the one chore that I actually don't mind doing.

tashaobrien · October 2010

I thought you could still vacuum if it's something that you did prior to becoming pregnant. Just last weekend, I vacuumed.

mommem · October 2010

I'll be honest, I don't vacuum, but I didn't before I was pregnant either. It's just one of my least favorite chores so DH has taken it as his one inside the house chore. I do use a sweeper vac on our wood floors about three times a day.

In lieu of vacuuming, I lift, carry, dance with, and chase after a toddler all day!

pechal1 · October 2010

every other day

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