Safe Lifting Practices During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

There many old myths that go along with pregnancy, one of which involves the lifting of objects by pregnant women. So what exactly are the restrictions when it comes to lifting during pregnancy?

Instructions

Restrictions During Pregnancy

• 1

  Contrary to popular belief, the caution against lifting heavy objects during pregnancy is not to avoid injury to the baby, but to the mom. During pregnancy a woman's ligaments and tendons begin softening and joints begin loosening up. This is part of the body rearranging its alignment to carry a baby near the hip area. It is unadvisable for pregnant women to partake in any activity that can affect balance. Losing one's balance can cause a fall that can ultimately harm the fetus.

• 2

  Another reason to avoid lifting heavy items during pregnancy is the health of the back. Pregnancy already places added strain on back muscles. Lifting heavy objects magnifies this strain and can lead to muscle damage.

• 3

  As a precaution, many doctors suggest that women not lift more than 30 pounds during pregnancy to avoid injury to the mom. If a mother-to-be has any history of miscarriage or complicated pregnancies, this number may be significantly decreased, or the doctor may recommend no lifting at all.