How much is too much?

Question

Hello all, I work in a mail room often alone at night. I'm just 8 weeks along and I haven't told anyone at work that I'm pregnant yet. My question is how many pounds can I lift without harming the baby. Oh yeah, I have a history of preterm labor.

Answer 1

ask your doctor. i was told nothing heavier than 5 pounds. please tell your boss today

Answer 2

Not sure about the lbs...I agree with the other answerers: Ask the OB. I would guess that the amount of weight you can safely lift will change as you progress in your pregnancy. Whatever it ends up being remember to squat down and lift with your legs not bend over and lift with your back. I know that this is a basic lifting rule, but it is extra important for pregnant women to not bend over whether they are lifting or not. Besides squatting will help open up and widen your pelvis making it easier for you to deliver. Congratulations!

Answer 3

I was told 20 pounds at the most, but as far as excercise, other than weights, basically whatever you could do before you were pregnant, you're okay to do during. Lifting is really out of the question though, it strains the abdominal muscles and can cause the lining to tear away from the uterus. Not trying to scare you, but you need to be aware that its dangerous.

Answer 4

usually at 8 weeks your body isnt under the physical stress of changing ligaments and muscles, so as long as you dont lift more than usual you should be okay.

They say after 12 weeks you shouldnt lift anything over 25 pounds, but thats for normal healthy pregnancies.

You should check with your doctor about your personal situation, i would think that you wouldnt want to lift mor than 20-25 pounds clear though, but iam not a doctor.

Just call your OB's office and ask, explain your situation.

Answer 5

I think that you should tell your job that your pregnant . They might understand and tell you not to lift at all. I mean where I work if I was pregnant I would tell my boss and she would understand. I think that in the first three months you want to be a careful as possible to prevent a miscarriage. So the best thing is to tell your work, and see what you can do instead of lifting

Answer 6

I'd say no more than 10-15. It all depends. When I got pregnant I was a waitress and my doctor told me I could lift everything I did before just not more and not to overdo it. So I think as long as you are careful you should be fine. But I would definitely check with your doctor cause he knows you best in this situation and will be able to tell you better.

Answer 7

My doctor told me not to lift more that 10 pounds..

I am a bartender and had to carry ice bags and cases of beer.. I didn't actually stop lifting things until my 7Th month..but that was when I could tell I shouldn't be lifting.. If it hurts or is uncomfortable you absolutely should not lift.

Best thing is to tell you doc at your next apt and if he/she thinks you shouldn't lift have them write a note for work stating you are unable to lift or carry item weighing more that 10 lbs.

Careful and good luck

Answer 8

I think it's about twenty - but be very careful HOW you lift it up, don't just bent down, you have to squat so when lifting the box you use your legs and not yoour lower back. It takes little practice, but once you get used to it you'll be much safer to lift anything even in the future (and it will come handy with a toddler, belive me). :-))

Answer 9

I was told 20, but with a history of pre-term labor, you need to check with your doctor.

Answer 10

i don't think u need to be doing any lifting especially if u have a history of preterm labor....so it might be best to tell your employers....good luck....

Answer 11

You shouldn't be lifting anything too heavy thoughout your whole pregnancy, but specially the first 12 weeks. If I were you I would talk to my supervisor right away to see how they could accomodate me, also, they can't fire your cause you can't lift boxes cause you're pregnant.