Carrying sofas

[TooImmature2BMum]

Hi, I seem to remember a thread earlier about carrying stuff but I can't recall the advice. DH and I are fetching 2 sofas from my mum's house next Monday (weather permitting) and I want to know if I have to steer clear of helping to carry them into the house. I'll be 6 months pregnant on Friday...is it a bad idea to be helping carry anything that heavy? DH says yes, but I feel like a slacker as would normally be very gung-ho about lifting furniture etc.

[lollipopshoes]

I had this exact convo with my MW last week and she said to steer clear of carrying/attempting to carry anything heavier than a basket of washing.

So I think that's a no on the sofa.

[Ooopsadaisy]

I got a bollocking from everyone when I was preg for always lifting and lugging stuff around.

No-one batted an eyelid when I lifted a kicking screaming 2 year old though.

Do what feels right for you =- any twinges then stop.

You are pregnant - not ill!

[TooImmature2BMum]

Hmm. Think will have to round up some extra help anyway - would probably struggle if it was just DH and me at best of times, so will invite sister and her boyfriend round and get them to help. That way, if I can help, I will, but I don't have to - and if I do it will be less weight for me to carry as 4 people lifting, not 2!

[Sparklies]

Most of the reason is that you're more likely to injure yourself rather than the baby because your ligaments are looser - so bear that in mind.

[Applemuncher]

Err..no. Even if it feels 'right'.

All your ligaments are soft at the moment making it super easy to pull something (not to mention the dreaded SPD on the lift).

You use a lot of stomach muscles on a 'lift' so it's just not worth the risk.

I understand Oopsadaisy's point about lifting a two year old but a sofa is much heavier and you have to crouch a lot lower to begin the lift.

I spent 3 years building my own house (with my bare hands) so am not adverse to a bit of hard work and I consider myself to be a bit of a womens libber (not outwardly) but I go on the bases that if you can avoid an unnecessary lift then you should.

[saffy85]

I worked in the baby section of a shop last pregnancy, lifting heavy boxes, wrestling with prams etc and hurt myself quite a few times. Found I didn't usually feel it til much later on in the day either so carried on, making it worse.

Not taking any chances this time saving my energy for dealing with my 3 year old who is testing my patience 24/7 and doing battle with me daily.

[ckny1]

A number of muscles/ligaments could be pulled and/or you could slip a disc and end up with sciatica which would all cause you slight or major discomfort for the rest of your pregnancy, so perhaps you should ask yourself whether a stupid sofa is worth it.

Use your best judgement and don't worry about guilt, and just take care of yourself and your babes! :)