What counts as overdoing it when pregnant?

[sizeofalentil]

I'm 10 weeks pregnant have a bit of an odd job - most days I am desk-bound, but on others, I work on photoshoots, so lots of running around, up and downstairs, carrying things (nothing too heavy), and working from very early until quite late. A 6am-11pm day isn't too unusual (and I can claim the extra time back in lieu).

I feel fine and have had no problems doing this. If I get tired, I rest, and other crew members do the heavy lifting etc.

But… Should I be doing this? Is this overdoing it? It's not going to be harmful to the baby, is it?

Running around and up / down stairs won't harm your baby, you are just likely to get tired quicker than normal, same with the long days. I definitely couldn't stay awake that long while pregnant, especially without the caffeine. As long as you avoid carrying anything heavier than a small toddler, I don't think you are doing anything dangerous.

It's up to you and how you feel but just make sure you have a clear risk assessment and have it reviewed regularly. If you start feeling the strain your employer has to make adjustments.

I don't think that sounds excessive. During the first trimester I was absolutely exhausted and that would have killed me (not eating due to nausea didn't help) but if you feel ok then your body is obviously dealing with it well enough.

Well done! I am 11 weeks and struggling with the 9-5

I think if you feel fine you probably are fine, and in general being active is good for your health and won't harm your baby. But do pay attention to what you're feeling on the day rather than going by what you're used to being able to do. It's also worth reading up on relaxin, which is a hormone that is produced in pregnancy to help your ligaments (I think) stretch so you need to be cautious about that.

Thank you all.

I have days where I am sick and exhausted, but luckily touches wood they haven't coincided with an active day yet.

I've warned my bosses that this is probably going to be the last photoshoot I'm going to be so active on, and will have to just manage from now on.

btw. I am not a super-fit, active person or anything ordinarily. Not sure where I get the energy from. Think it's basically the 'curse of competence'. See cartoon for details…

What's too much for one pregnant person will be fine for another so just pay close attention to how you're feeling. Bear in mind with lifting it's you that gets injured more easily so you'll know fairly quickly if you're doing too much. DH and I renovated a derelict house when I was pregnant with DS. Pregnant with DC2 and although I'm more tired from running after a relentless toddler, I'm feeling so much better in this pregnancy! Think I perhaps overdid things last time!

Think the running about finally caught up with me - went for a massage with a trained therapist that does pregnancy massages just in case I'd done my muscles any mischief - then had an hour's sleep in her front room on her sofa afterward (she is literally the best person ever!).

Slept a lot today too.

You all made a really good point - if I already had a DC, I'd be doing a lot more running and carrying than I am now. So going to think of it as long as I'm not lifting more than a toddler or running about more than if I was trying to corral one, I'm probably going to be ok.

Have a scan tomorrow so will know for certain if everything is ok. Thank you again!

I remember when I was pregnant with my first and a friend of a friend was aghast that I commuted in to London. She was "sure I'd have to give them up soon".
She didn't need to work, in fact she had t work for years, so I think her perception of what pregnant women were able to actually do was distorted.

Some would not be able to do what you do, some will do far more.

Both work for the baby.

What doesn't work is to do bugger all for 9 months but sit on your ass and eat cake. Nor does doing 85kg deadlifts.