Heavy lifting

[xxxParisexxx]

I'm very newly pregnant (4 weeks) and do heavy lifting regularly as part of my job. It's a big part of my job (I can't do my job without it) but I don't struggle or particularly strain as I'm used to it. Around 30kg chest height (greyhound)
What's the guidelines on lifting in pregnancy? I obviously don't want to tell anyone till 12 weeks at least but would be very difficult if i suddenly couldn't lift as obvious. Thanks guys x

The risks around lifting don’t really relate to the wellbeing of your baby. They’re linked to an increase in progesterone in your body, which can make your muscles more prone to pulls/strains. And you will obviously know about it if you pull a muscle!

I understand why you would rather wait until after your 12 week scan to tell people, but in your shoes I would absolutely make your manager/HR aware of your pregnancy because a) they will need to do a risk assessment and b) you will be covered from a legal perspective from the moment you make it “official”

Congratulations xx

It's difficult as we don't have a HR department, we are not a company, I work with racing greyhounds. I was just worried i could do something to the baby through lifting x

I think the risk to your baby is absolutely minuscule. It’s more about your own body, which if you’re used to lifting will hopefully be ok. Are you technically self employed then?

If you are used to lifting that and lift with the right technique (through your legs, protecting your back) you will probably be fine. As PP said you won't hurt the baby either way - just more at risk of hurting yourself. Lots of women are continuing to huck heavy toddlers and children around throughout pregnancy and I lifted weights until I gave birth in my first pregnancy.

That said, if you are finding it more difficult for any reason don't hesitate to ease off.

I'm not self employed, I have a boss but I don't want to tell them yet. I'm glad the risk to baby is minimal and I think if I start to feel any discomfort I will stop. It's a lot to lift but iv been doing it for years so don't struggle x

If you are already used to lots of lifting you should be fine
as your abs and back are strong

as a comparator : my bodypump instructor taught till she was 8 months preg
she did not increase her weight but did not reduce it

When I was preg I did weights till I was overdue
and when you have your second child you'll have a 10kg weight hanging from your limbs most of the time !!!!

Boring point : keep an eye on your abdominus rectus - if you start to get a black line down your tummy, ease back a bit.
Talk to your midwife - it will be fine.

TalkinPeace, thanks for your advice xx

parise
The main thing is to look after yourself

If you feel fine chucking boxes around, go for it.

THe minute you don't, announce the pregnancy (I waited till 22 weeks in a desk job first time round)
and make them give you leeway

but your midwife is your bastion - they will know the law to the nearest millimetre and also will know whats sane for you

your biggest risk is after about 6 months when the "relaxin" kicks in and its scarily easy to damage the pelvis as the ligaments get ready to stretch

which is why you up your strength but hold the load steady so reduce the chance of damage

If you stay healthy right through, enjoy, as its a life changing time
my little baby just passed his driving test

My DD is 2 this month and she is great. Right little character.
I think my employer will be fine with me taking it more easy once I tell her but I just don't want to till the scan. Useful information, thank u xx