My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

Get updates on how your baby develops, your body changes, and what you can expect during each week of your pregnancy by signing up to the Mumsnet Pregnancy Newsletters.

Pregnancy

Lifting things

12 replies

whatlifestylechoice · 18/07/2015 20:31

I'm newly pregnant forand for various reasons, a lot of our friends know. And are being great about it, I should add.
However, they seem to have wholeheartedly embraced the idea that I should not be lifting things. I got given out to the other day for going to lift a kitchen chair. Grin
Is this all right and proper or are they overreacting slightly.
I'm a fine strapping young girl, as my Irish mammy would say, and being treated like a delicate little flower is a bit bemusing.

OP posts:
Report
scatterbrainedlass · 18/07/2015 20:51

Irritating isn't it? I've been farming for the past 6 years, and have always been strong and active, so I just ignore people who tell me I shouldn't be doing stuff or insist on trying to help me. My body will tell me if I'm doing too much. I am more careful now, and will be more likely to back off or ask for help as I'm 6 months now and am starting to find some things more difficult. However, as long as you don't twist or strain yourself, a kitchen chair is not likely to harm you. Think about all the mums with existing children. Surely they have to pick them up and carry them around while pregnant, so unless you have some kind of back or other issues, anything the weight of a toddler should be acceptable.

Report
LongDayAlready · 18/07/2015 20:55

I think as long as you're not lifting anything you're not used to, it's fine. And, as a midwife told me, you're unlikely to harm the baby lifting, just yourself. Am pg with DC4 and the existing offspring have absolutely no qualms about leaving me lifting all sorts of stuff - although I feel I'm
somewhat beyond damaging after the 3 of them.

Only thing I would say is to be steady as you go as I always suffer from ligament pains and they really hurt! No lasting damage but they always stop me in my tracks. Not due to the weight of objects, more ways of doing them and often nothing more strenuous than getting off the sofa.

Enjoy your pregnancy!

Report
RockerMummy184 · 19/07/2015 08:54

I took the kettle down the corridor to the kitchen the other day to refill it and my boss came sprinting after me as I 'shouldn't be lifting anything that heavy!' Hmm I asked what he thinks I do at home about having to carry my toddler but he didn't seem to have an answer.
He's also started insisting I use the lift instead of the stairs. (I work on the 1st floor!!) I have SPD, so the lift is useful, but I have to use the stairs at home so if I think I can manage it then surely I'm okay!
I think people lose sight of the fact that although we're pregnant we are still aware of our own bodies and wouldn't do anything that would hurt us!

Report
PiercedMrsL · 19/07/2015 09:38

I am 38 weeks pregnant and still lifting stuff that other people would probably tell me off for. You know what you're capable of, as pp have said, listen to your body.

Congratulations on your pregnancy Flowers

Report
ARV1981 · 19/07/2015 10:56

Lol about the kettle! My colleagues do similar things to me. Makes me smile... I held the door open the other day for someone, who said I shouldn't be doing it!!! I said that just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean that I can't be polite and hold a door open! It's a bit weird to be honest.

Congratulations on your pregnancy op!

Report
crazypuglady · 19/07/2015 13:05

I'd sooner take unsolicited bump rubs than "you shouldn't be lifting that". It drives me crackers. I've worked in an industry that involves heavy lifting and carrying for 10 years. OK I'm not moving tables and crates any more but I think I can manage the odd chair! Like scatter says, your body will soon tell you if something's too much for you.

Report
UrethraFranklin1 · 19/07/2015 13:09

Its patronising and daft. You can lift anything you could lift before.

Report
IfYouWereARiverIdLearnToFloat · 19/07/2015 17:36

I'm 18 weeks & work in healthcare - I'm still moving & handling/lifting etc and will continue to do so... my pregnant colleague on the other hand had the cheek to let me lift equipment out of her car while she stood back & watched "because she's pregnant".

Report
MissMartin10 · 19/07/2015 18:28

my mum wouldnt let me carry a shopping bag with icepops..crisp and pegs in Hmm .. also she Wouldn't let me carry a plant pot yesterday.. she's gone insanly protective of me....we work together and i was putting a sign up on the wall at work when i would have been 7weeks and she told me off for reaching too far up Confused

Report
whatlifestylechoice · 19/07/2015 18:47

Thanks for the congrats.

I'm glad it's not just me that finds it rather odd. I lifted 3 chairs today when no one was looking! Grin

OP posts:
Report
Rosieliveson · 19/07/2015 18:54

Congratulations! I think people like to 'stop' you lifting so they feel helpful.
I'm 25w with baby2 and there is no option but to carry my 14kg toddler around Smile

Report
May09Bump · 19/07/2015 18:57

It is odd, but I think people are showing they care in their own way :)

Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.