Lifting/carrying in pregnancy

[suwoo]

I am only 4 wks pg, but wanted to check the deal with lifting/carrying in pregnancy. I am re-assuring myself with the thoughts of all the mums carrying toddlers and babies around whilst pg. My job involves a lot of carrying fairly heavy items. I have to lift them off floor/table and move them somewhere else. I never have to lift above my head, so its really more carrying than lifting. Is this risky? I was thinking of making each box smaller and just making more trips instead of 'lazy lifting'! What do you think? Any advice?

you will be fine atm - later in pg your ligaments get stretchier and more easily damaged and as your bump gets bigger your spine curves more and doesn't have the same support from your abdominal muscles.

I would get a H&S assessment once you've announced the pg to your boss though - they should be able to give you the right advice (or maybe change your duties?)

Hi Carolina, thanks for the advice. The only problem is I am self empl! I have got helpers, but I didn't really want to tell them yet. Later on in the pregnancy, I will get the staff to help me. Thanks for the re-assurance though.

Oh no! In that case I would just be careful and listen to your body - don't try and be a hero about it.

I think you're right to think about doing more trips with lighter loads. I bet your staff will be more than happy to help out once they know you're pg though.

Exercise is much better for you than e.g. sitting at a desk all day when you are pg though, so there are def some benefits to all that carrying if you don't overdo it .

The physiotherapist at my ante-natal classes said that you shouldn't be lifting anything heavier than a full kettle But this is actually heavier than you think. Don't overdo it!

I know Lockets - this advice isn't practical if you have older LOs to carry around! I think it's basically to avoid putting your stomach muscles under too much strain while they are vulnerable.

I think some sound advice is not to lift anything that will make you sweat, adn not to lift anything unusual. So for mums of small children, their child's weight is a 'normal' load for them to move, but for a first time mum who never lifts anything heavier than a plate, she shouldn't be lifting at all.

If you are worried could you not tell a "white lie" to your employees if you don't want to tell them about being pregnant yet? Say you've got a problem with your back/shoulder and would appreciate help lifting.

My staff no me too well for white lies, plus they know we've been trying!! As Colditz pointed out, its probably new situations that cause more strain. My body is very used to this lifestyle, and I have a 4yr old DD too, not that she requires much carrying! So thankyou all for your advice, for now, I'll just stick with smaller loads and more backwards and forwards!

That should be KNOW obviously