Are you a pregnant woman who still wants to get fit by lifting?
Or are you a nesting mom itching to lift that heavy item that’s keeping you from cleaning or decorating your home?
Most people think that carrying something heavy while pregnant can put the baby and the mother at risk, but this may not be the same for everyone
Fit Pregnancy – Weightlifting
Of course, women with other medical conditions that limit weight lifting should stick to their original guidelines when not expecting and should ask their doctor if they should make any changes when it comes to lifting during pregnancy
As a general rule, exercising by lifting an object weighing less than 25-30 kg will not harm an otherwise healthy mother-to-be
As pregnancy progresses, a hormone called Relaxin is produced that can make lifting weights an uncomfortable but harmless task
Whatever physical activity you did before you got pregnant is normally safe during pregnancy (except activities that might cause you to trip or fall)
In general, you should never lift anything more than 20 kilograms when you are pregnant
If you were used to lifting heavy objects before you became pregnant, your doctor may be okay with this restriction
Exercising with caution helps when lifting heavy objects, especially as your pregnancy progresses
Lifting heavy objects during pregnancy
As your breasts grow, it also changes your center of gravity, putting extra pressure on your lower back and making it more susceptible to strain, especially when lifting something heavy
Some studies show that lifting heavy objects repeatedly, such as a job that involves physical labor, may slightly increase the risk of having a low birth weight baby or worse, miscarriage
Another study found that lifting objects weighing 22-44 kg during the first trimester may be associated with a greater risk of preeclampsia
Talk to your doctor about how much weight you can lift during pregnancy
Also, always practice the following lifting tips when you are pregnant:
Keep your back straight Bend from your knees Use your legs instead of your back muscles If the object you’re lifting is straining you, don’t carry it Be careful not to bend over and bring the object close to your body
Lifting heavy objects during pregnancy
There is no exact limit to how much weight pregnant women can lift or carry
If you have a 20-pound baby at home, he may need to be carried and lifted from time to time
Did you know that nesting in your pregnancy can make you want to rearrange the furniture yourself, even the heavy ones?
If you’re still in doubt, ask your doctor, midwife, or other experienced moms before trying to lift something you shouldn’t