Safe Lifting in Pregnancy

November 08, 2009

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Safe Lifting in Pregnancy

by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.
reviewed by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.

It may surprise you to know that the risk of heavy lifting in pregnancy is not injury to the baby but injury to the mother. Pregnancy hormones cause your ligaments to soften, which helps your pelvis widen to make room for childbirth. As a result of having softer ligaments, your joints may be less stable than usual and injury may be more likely.

Heavy lifting also can put stress on your back, leading to intermittent or ongoing back pain. Here are several ways to minimize the chances of hurting yourself while lifting something heavy.

Lift from your legs. Squat down and use your legs to bear much of the weight as you stand up.

Don't lean over. Bending over as you lift puts all the stress of the weight on your back.

Ask someone to help. Back pain in pregnancy is common enough without bringing it on yourself. This is no time to be proud; ask for help whenever possible--particularly if you already have been experiencing back pain.

Let your children climb up onto you. It may be impossible, especially if you have a toddler, to avoid lifting and carrying him periodically. No doubt there will be times when you need to immediately rescue him from an unsafe situation or when he just needs you to hold him. As much as possible, have your children climb up onto your lap for a snuggle instead of picking them up from the floor. Your back will thank you.

How much is too much?
Different physicians have different recommendations for how much you can safely lift. Again, these guidelines have to do with safeguarding you against back injury; the baby is protected in your uterus and won't get hurt if you lift heavy objects. If you are concerned about your back or have to do heavy lifting at your job, discuss weight limits with your practitioner.


RELATED INFORMATION

			Low Back Pain in Pregnancy
			Principles of Healthy Eating During Pregnancy
			Sports and Exercise during Pregnancy
			Back and Body Symptoms in Pregnancy

Created December 15, 2000
Reviewed August 21, 2004

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