can i lift 45lbs...?

[Parent19876]

I'm eighteen weeks and to finalize this job offer i just got, i'm supposed to have a physical medical check.
one of the requirements is being able to lift 45lbs.
i know it's quite a heavy weight, but is it safe to lift? I know during the job I won't be lifting anything that heavy, but it is a requirement for the prerequisites.

I don't think there is a straight answer to this. Some people could while pregnant depending on their size/strength/fitness levels whilst others it might not be advisable. How do you feel about it? Have you spoken to your health practitioner?

Would they allow you to lift it while pregnant? Many employers place restrictions on lifting during pregnancy. For a 45kg weight, the employer should have a manual handling risk assessment in place.

As for if you could lift it, only you know the answer to that. I know that I couldn't and I'm not pregnant.

I forgot to ask my midwife at my 16 week appointment, and I just got a call from the job this morning saying I still had to lift it. If I can't/shouldn't I would need a Doctor's note (which if they would have mentioned this a week ago, I would have done).
The physical for the job is at noon, and I don't have my midwife's own number (it goes through the trust and it usually takes her a few days to get back to me).
I feel like since it's a one off it might be okay as I'm not high risk, but I'm not the fittest...

I lift this twice a week in Body Pump, and I am 18 weeks pregnant.

As to whether its safe for you to do, that is completely dependant on your individual size and strength.

If you are going to lift it, please read up on how to do so correctly - you lift with your legs, not your back.

I could, but as pp said it could depend on your particular physique.

I'm 17+5 and I lift my bags of horse feed that weigh roughly 45lbs (20kg) regularly. But I am being really careful and don't have to carry far.
How high do you have to lift it? I only have to lift to waist height, not over head

It depends how fit you are usually too.

45lb is a touch over 20kg. Imo it's not too bad a weight to lift.

I find it helps if you break it down into familiar things and think if you can lift that. Like 20kg to me is around 33 boxes of my cereal. Or just under 9 bottles of 4 pint milk. Or 13 and a bit bags of flour. Or at work, 1 full box and a partly empty box of 1000ml saline. Do you think you could lift and carry that in a box or half of that in a bag in one hand as part of your shopping trip?

Id contact your doctor get advice from them just to be safe.i wouldnt do it but thats me ive had prem babies . I think if u were lifting heavy things before u were pregnant then your body is used to it then it would be fine. But i would go by medical advice as they know best.

If you normally lift that amount you should be fine, if you don't you could easily hurt yourself. Until I got too sick/exhausted I was still doing deadlifts and squats of around 30kg but had been doing 35 and 32.5 beforehand.

Im 20 weeks pregnant and lifted a 25kg bag of play sand yesterday and really felt I shouldn't have afterwards.

It totally depends on you, you're own strength etc. but I wouldn't recommend it.

I'd imagine you'll be fine as a one off. My nearly 5 Yr old son is always wanting me to lift him up and I don't have the heart to say no so I end up doing so, it's getting more tricky with bump in the way but I've never hurt myself and I'm 28 weeks. He is surely over 45lbs, he's very slim but tall. Xx

Thanks for all the advice, ladies! I super appreciate it.
I don't usually lift anything heavy, but as i really need this job I'm going to do it. I just need to lift properly (ie with my legs not back), and hope everything is okay!
I went to my GP earlier, but she didn't give me any advice at all...

I'm running a marathon at 22 weeks. My midwife said as I'm low risk (not low placenta etc) there is no risk to the baby and only to me because with the relaxin you're much more likely to strain something. I have a 25lb toddler that I carry around all day. Listen to your body.