Heavy lifting while pregnant

[BlueberryPoppy123]

So really early days for me based on ovulation dates I'm not even 4 weeks yet. So I guess still chance of a CP and baby not sticking.

It's a bit early to tell work but my job involves heavy lifting. Like 20kg boxes of frozen food. Is it ok to keep doing because I always do it. It's not like it's new exercise (and I count it as that because when I first started I lost about 2 stone lol) it's not constant lifting. A lot of it is lifting it from one pile of wheels to another.

When they're high usually 2 of us lift but generally it's 1 person. I know I should tell management but I have family in management and they don't know and I don't want them to know. Makes it harder. Not sure what to do

Any advice?

No need to avoid heavy lifting at this stage in pregnancy as long as you follow usual advice re keeping your back safe, keep the load close to you etc.

Can you not tell them you’re having a really sore back at the moment? Or maybe wear a wrist brace thing and say you sprained it? If it is something you have always done heavy lifting then maybe you will be okay but I wouldn’t risk it. I told my work from 7 weeks as I also involve boxes, deliveries and ladder work, from then I wasn’t allowed to anymore! Work was really understanding. Before the 7 weeks I did lift a bit but always made sure they wasn’t so heavy, but I do think the heavy lifting is for later on in pregnancy so maybe don’t over worry yourself x

The issue with lifting things is that pregnancy loosens your joints and tendons and you can hurt your back if you lift with poor technique. It's not a threat to your pregnancy. It can't make you miscarry.

Most women on a second or subsequent pregnancy are hucking heavy toddlers all over the shop and many women now weightlift heavy throughout with good technique.

Thanks for all your replies. I've worked in the company for my last 2 pregnancy's too and as soon as they know they stop all heavy lifting, even pushing heavy equipment on wheels, no using the machinery, wasn't even allowed to stretch up to do things 😂 they do go over the top there but I suppose it's to cover themselves.

I was worried it could cause miscarriage I didn't realise that wasn't the reason for it not to be allowed.

I think I'm not stupid I know my capabilities and as you say many women are lifting older children during pregnancy. I had a 4 year old who still loves a pick up cuddle and carry.

Definitely don't want to tell them yet. Hoping I can get to 12 week scan before letting them know due to past mmc. If it wasn't for family being in management I may have told them sooner but meh thanks ladies

If its an activity you normally do and you lift correctly its not a problem. I was deadlifting 80kg at 38 weeks pregnant and lifted throughout my entire pregnancy x

I work in a nursery and as soon as my employer new I was pregnant all lifting and stretching for me was stopped x

I think employers have to do it to cover themselves but until they know I think I'll keep going being cautious. Thanks :)