Is it safe to bend down and pick up light objects when you're pregnant?

Question

I'm about 5 months and this is my 2nd child, I was told not to pick up my 2 year old or to do a lot of things that require bending down. Is there anything wrong with picking her up or lifting light loads of laundry or cleaning out the tub?

Answer 1

yes.... my doctor also told me that if your body is used to picking up your other child then that it fine too... I carried my 2 year old around when i was pregnant with my son.... just dont pick up anything that is strenious and you will be fine,

Answer 2

It depends: who told you that you should not pick her up? If it was someone just...sharing her "wisdom"... about what you should and should not do when pregnant, ignore it. HOWEVER, if your doctor told you not to pick up your two year old daughter, there is a reason for it.

ASSUMING that this isn't a case of medical instruction, but a general question about the general adviseability of bending over and/or picking up light objects and/or picking up a toddler...there's no reason why a pregnant woman, who is healthy and who is experiencing a healthy uncomplication, non-high-risk pregnancy, could or should not do those things at five months pregnant. As someone else said, in that situation, just listen to your body -- if you're uncomfortable, stop. If you feel fine, don't worry about it. Remember, there are women who run miles a day during pregnancy -- I'm not suggesting you do this, but pointing out that pregnancy is not considered the fragile state it used to be....thank goodness. It's not an illness! If yours is a high risk pregnancy, if you've experienced bleeding, contractions, etc....in other words, if there's a medical reason for you to take it easy, then do so. (And certainly if you've been ordered to be on bedrest of any kind, then lifting would be out of the question!)

Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy. Congratulations, the best of luck to you.

Answer 3

I suggest that you try your Best Not to pick up your 2 year old.Make sure the laundry is very light when picking it up and you can still bend over and clean the tub.Grocery's is another thing,try and always have someone help you put them in the car and into the house.I say Do Not lift anything over 10 pounds!

Answer 4

Depends on your body.. My book says that I can lift up to fifty pounds, but any pain would let you know right away not a good idea. I wouldnt walk around holding the two year old all day, and dont use harsh chemicals while cleaning the tub, but laundry I still lift and im 37 weeks..

Answer 5

My OBGYN advised that I avoid lifting anything over 30-35 pounds. I don't believe there is any harm in bending down to clean your tub, just be cautious of the cleaning chemicals you're using. I would advise a mixture of vinegar and water, safe and non-toxic.

Answer 6

I always here you're not suppose to pick up anything more than 20lbs when you're that far along but I see a lot of parents do it. Sometimes they're ok, sometimes they're in pain after. Depends on the person. I do light loads of laundry. I just finished my 5th month. Light cleaning is fine. I do it and if I get tired I rest.

Answer 7

Unless you are high risk, the biggest issue is hurting yourself. Not much can hurt your LO. Your ligaments and joints are all loose so it's easier to injure yourself and will be harder for you to heal. Not only that but you won't be able to take much for the pain. I would judge for yourself and just don't do it if you think it's too much. Personally Dh has taken over cleaning out the tub because being bent over for too long hurts my back but I still do light loads of laundry.

Answer 8

Very good question! I am also pregnant, but with my third. There is certainly nothing wrong with picking up light weight items just nothing over 15 lbs usually. However, I know many moms who picked up their four year olds all the time during pregnancy. But your doctor tells you this to be safe! So I would advise just taking it easy and only carrying light weight items...Good luck!

Answer 9

you might hurt your back, I would get on your hands and kneesand do the toys that way, and don't use any harsh chemicals for cleaning the bath but if you canphysically bend over the bath, I would ask someone else to cleanthe bath if you have to climb in too slippery. I just used the chemicals as an excuse to not clean bathrooms at all.

Answer 10

let your body tell you its not a good idea. Yeah theres that 20lbs "rule" but when you have other kids that kinda throws it out the window.. is it truly possible with other kids!?
With my 2nd pregnancy I was still picking up both my girls (they were 2 1/2 yrs old) and each weighing in at about 25lbs.
My son was just fine. he was born at 39wks 1day and was 9lbs2oz.
just let your body tell you if you need to slow it down or something is too much