Lifting heavy objects

[charley39]

Hi everyone, just wondering if anyone knows the advice on lifting heavy objects? I have just found out I’m pregnant, very early stages but my job requires me to carry a heavy backpack around 5kgs I think it is. Just wondering if it’s something I need to be mindful of at the moment? I know as I get further along it’s probably not going to be possible to carry but trying to keep it quiet atm so don’t want to draw unnecessary attention! TIA :)

Your employer will need to do a risk assessment but really, until you feel like you can't do it, it's likely to be fine. I was a nurse during my first pregnancy, I was moving beds, patients, equipment, running around, dealing with emergencies etc right up until 35 weeks. This time I have a 16kg toddler who still likes a lift now and again, I'm 36 weeks and all fine. Have been lifting her since day 1.

As above, I'm 36 weeks too and also have a 16kg toddler to battle with. We're doing just fine

If you are in good shape and are continuing with an activity you did frequently before you got pregnant, you should be fine. I lifted all sorts of very heavy things throughout both of my pregnancies.

So long as you are lifting with good form it is fine. Not lifting anything heavy is very outdated advise.

I was still lifting heavy weights in the gym at 35wk, only stopped because baby got very low down in my pelvis.

As above but do check the weight of the thing you're lifting, 5kg wouldn't register with most people as being particularly heavy so I suspect what you're lifting weights more than that.

I stopped lifting 20kg sacks of feed and bales (and sheep 🙄) probably during my second trimester but I just knew when it was time to stop, your body is great at telling you when you've done too much!

As others said, I wouldn’t say 5kg is particularly heavy, but work risk assessment definitely needs completing

28 weeks here, have a 4 year old DS who I pick up occasionally and I do kettlebell class with 8kg weight

Thank you for all your responses! Will double check the weight of the bag. My mum made me panic saying I couldn’t possibly be lifting it now I did think it was probably okay if you were used to it. Also have a toddler who is still going to need lifting! Will probably continue until I feel I can’t lift it anymore.