Working in retail when pregnant

[SophieJosie95]

Hi!

I am just over 5 weeks pregnant with my first and I work in retail. I have to lift heavy boxes, do a lot of bending/lifting/reaching and as our stock room is up flights of stairs, whenever I'm serving I obviously have to go up and down with the boxes.

I'm so used to being hands on with stock that I'm very wary at the moment about my situation, but I haven't told my managers. I wanted to wait until after the 8 week appointment at least.

I have a history of anxiety and due to my height/metabolism I struggle with my weight, I've always been slightly underweight so I'm worrying about everything.

I know no one can tell me what to do but I'm wondering when you told your managers?

Thank you x

I did stock delivery. I found out a 5+ something or other and told work at 6. No one else but he and my manager knew until 13 weeks; I was officially on light duties for a bad back. If you're doing heavy lifting, I'd say asap, but to be kept quiet.

I was so worried with my first, that lifting anything would cause a problem. Then when pregnant with my second I was constantly lifting and carrying my giant 2 year old and was absolutely fine. I think you know your limits, but you can probably carry on as usual , just be mindful

I really think that lifting boxes etc will help keep you fit and healthy during pregnancy. No reason to stop if it’s what you already do, just take it easy and don’t lift anything too too heavy or strain yourself

I told work at 13 weeks but have a desk job

Thank you for replying.

I keep telling myself people carry their older children when pregnant so lifting isn't too different.

I'm definitely not rushing around as much as I used to when not pregnant & knowing my limits.

This is all incredibly new - we're excited but I'm just a little apprehensive about things.

Oh god with my first I wasn't even allowed to carry my books to the car to mark at home accordingly to my risk assessment...

Of course I did! Ridiculous!

However it is true that ligaments become looser and therefore you do have to be careful.

Confide in your manager so they can carry out a risk assessment.

If you are suffering from anxiety from doing it I would suggest you make your manager aware and put you on light duties. You will have to do a risk assessment. He shouldn't tell anyone else.

Personally I suffer from anxiety and I'd hate for you to blame yourself if anything was to happen.

I think the general rule is it's okay to continue lifting weights that you lifted pre pregnancy unless it's something ridiculously heavy. It's you that is at risk rather than the baby so it's important that you lift correctly so as not to put your back out due to the loosening of the ligaments.

Honestly I think until my first scan I'm going to worry anyway! I think I'm going to tell him and just hope he can keep it a secret until I'm ready to tell everyone in my own time.

My anxiety is triggered over little things & I already have cramping/back pains so I definitely don't want to over-do it x