Weight Restrictions for Pregnant Women?

Question

I just newly found out Im pregnant and am currently about 5 wks into my pregnancy. Right now I work wal-mart overnight shift for grocery side. I told them about 2 weeks ago that I was pregnant and that until I was able to see my doctor (December 6th) I did not want to lift off of the juice pallots, becuase juice is very heavy and for fear of a miscarriage (8-96 oz, 4-1 gallons, 4-Capri Sun cases, etc) Each weighing Im sure well over 30 lbs. Well the person who works the juice aisle is the one to lift off of the pallots each pallot 50-100 cases of juice and water about 2 pallots a night, I used to not mind lifting off of juice pallots would do it all the time. Tonight they tried to put me in the juice aisle and I told them that I didnt want to becuase I was pregnant, and she said that if I was doing it all a long I should be fine...So well I started crying and decided to leave becuase I was "emotionally Ill". Was I wrong for tucking my tail? Isnt there usually weight restrictions?

Answer 1

My doctor told me as long as you were doing your job before you became pregnant, you should be fine when it comes to lifting and working... I was a server, and I had to lift heavy rice buckets, and 2 ice bins that got heavy, and also some other things like glasses.... and I would ask every time I went almost just to make sure...and every time he said I am okay since I had been doing it before my pregnancy. So I lifted all of that stuff alllll throughout my pregnancy- worked the day before my due date, and was one week overdue, so that gave me a free week. But my doctor really kept saying how good it was for me to be working as I did.

I'm honestly not sure what your doctor will say- if he has told you what you should do yet... if you do have to do this for your job and your doctor says not to, then don't get upset about it, you are just doing what you can to keep your baby safe, and there's nothing wrong with that. My job was nice about what side-work they put me on here and there-even though they were all heavy, everyone was kind enough to help me out.... but I had the mindset to doing my job... I personally didn't want them to think less of me or that I was a "weak" team member. And I only did all of this because my doctor said it was healthy for me.... all doctors are different, so I'd see what yours has to say.

Goodluck!

Answer 2

You were not wrong to try to protect your body and the life of your baby.

Personally, I've heard that pregnant women can continue lifting heavy things, and that it is an old wives' tale that they shouldn't. HOWEVER, you should put in writing that you are not comfortable lifting the pallots and keep a copy for yourself. That way if (heaven forbid!) anything happens, you have a case. Try to get your boss or supervisor to put their response in writing.

You definitely need medical and possibly legal guidance.

Answer 3

Talk to your primary care physician. Even if you are not scheduled to see an OB for a few weeks which is normal, you can get an appointment with an MD to discuss this. Lifting is debatable, but most MDs will tell you not to lift anything over 5-7 lbs in the first 12 weeks to prevent miscarriage.

Answer 4

I don't think it would cause a miscarriage however
excessive lifting and straining may not be good for your Back!!!
This is my suggestion.
Do you have a supervisor, leading hand, Boss, Manager?
You need to go and speak to them one on one(without anyone else knowing!).
Tell them that you are pregnant and would it be possible(for your peace of mind) if they could put you on some lighter duties?
I don't think there is anything wrong with asking and I understand you are probably emmotional right now(because your pregnant) .
I am sure if your Manager is understanding(they should be obliged to by law) he or she will place you on lighter duties.
Do you belong to a union at all? See what the union says.
I don't think any straining will cause miscarriage but it may not be good for your back.
If you wanted to strengthen some of your muscles, now is a good time to do some gentle exercises(it will probably help with childbirth as well)
Have you registered with your local hospital to begin some pregnancy exercises, etc?
Miscarriages are caused by hormonal and genetic defects and not normally as a result of heavy lifting, pushing, exercise etc.
If in doubt, speak to your dr.

Answer 5

I was told you could do anything you normally do. BUT I would not lift anything like that either. I would make sure you get a note from you doctor when you see him/her. Then make sure you keep that note with you any time you work. I know when I was pregnant with my first (8 years ago) walmart kept losing my note. (It was for water at my check stand) SO I finally just got it laminated and kept it in my apron pocket. Good luck and Congrats

Answer 6

I dont know about the laws to protect your job, neither do I know what is the medically estimated safe weight for lifting when pregnant.
A lot of people are just NICE and happy for you and make allowances! Too sad for you.
Being pregnant is really special and really brief. Do it your way and dont let anyone make you feel bad or do things you dont think are right.
Personally, I LOVE the old fashioned way! Honey, in your condition you deserve to put your feet up and be taken care of!!

Answer 7

pregnant women are not supposed to lift over 40 lbs. There are labor laws that will protect you, and walmart has to follow them (they will try not to, but stick to your guns!)

Answer 8

Walmart is notorious for mistreating employees. Stick to your guns. Make them work with you.... and if they don't.... get a good lawyer. After all.... it's a big corporation with deep pockets!

Best Wishes,

Sue

Answer 9

No heavy lifting or pushing in your first trimester!

Answer 10

i don't know about weight restrictions, but pg women shouldn't lift, but check out this article..;.
http://www.medpagetoday.com/OBGYN/Pregnancy/dh/2296

good luck