Expecting a child is the most beautiful anticipation. The nine months when your belly keeps growing and plans for your time together keep moving forward are especially exciting for mom and dad. Last but not least, there are a lot of changes coming up for the happy young family, and the expectant mother in particular has to make a lot of changes in her everyday life. Suddenly, otherwise easy tasks appear to be huge hurdles that can’t just be done. The round ball is in the way, the feet are hardly visible and anyway the back hurts. In addition, pregnant women follow wisdoms such as "Thou shalt not lift heavily!". But what is there to these warnings? Should pregnant women really not carry heavy things? We have studied this topic and gathered the most important information for you.
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What does heavy lifting during pregnancy?
Unfortunately, there is no law on how much a pregnant woman is allowed to carry. But that would not be good either. Every woman, and especially every expectant mother, feels differently. The shopping bag may already be too heavy, while others are still carrying their children around. Just pay attention to what your body is telling you. It will give you a sign as soon as a load weighs too much and is no longer good for you. But be careful with weights you are not familiar with. If you can’t estimate how much the bag weighs, it’s better to ask for help. With your own child, on the other hand, you probably know whether carrying him or her will be too strenuous for you or not.
Definition matter
What heavier lifting and carrying means cannot be clearly defined. Nevertheless, there is a general guideline that you can follow. Things that you have to lift regularly should not exceed a weight of 5 kg. From time to time, however, it may also be loads that weigh around 10 kg. Here you should make sure that the load is kept within limits and that you are not strained for too long.
Legally protected
If your job requires you to do a lot of heavy lifting, you should tell your employer immediately if you are pregnant. This is where the occupational health and safety regulations come into play, which prohibit pregnant women from lifting heavy loads. If, for whatever reason, you don’t dare tell your boss about your pregnancy, a clarifying talk with your gynecologist can also help.
- If you are in a more sedate, non-physically demanding job, continue to work in that job.
Read more about the employment ban here& the maternity protection law
What causes heavy lifting during pregnancy?
So far, there are no concrete studies on how heavy lifting affects mom and baby. However, such research is unlikely to be conducted in the future, as it could be too dangerous for the pregnant woman and her baby. However, there is no established link between heavy lifting and premature birth or miscarriage
Keep the ball low
In general, you should be prepared during your pregnancy that immense physical exertion is taboo for you for the time being. Increased stress levels can have a negative impact on your baby, so you should try to stay relaxed.
Tight or flabby?
Pregnancy is a physical test of endurance for any woman. The muscles and ligaments are heavily stressed. Especially in the area around the back and abdomen, everything is not as tight and taut as it used to be. Therefore, heavy carrying during pregnancy can further stretch the already overstrained ligaments, so that back pain can appear and worsen. In addition, also the pelvic floor. Pregnant women who frequently lift heavy things run the risk of pelvic floor weakness, which can manifest itself as incontinence.
- In extreme cases, lifting can cause premature labor, which can sometimes lead to premature birth or miscarriage. But this is very rare. As long as you take care of yourself, such dangers are unlikely to threaten you.
When to stop lifting heavy?
Usually, throughout your pregnancy, you should try to stay off your feet. Of course, the more advanced your pregnancy is, the more you should take care of yourself in order not to provoke any unnecessary dangers for you and the child.
The technique makes it
Pregnant women who are already mothers and have a small child at home know that sometimes it is impossible to avoid picking up the offspring. Completely without it you must also not. Finally, the bond that is created with your offspring by carrying them in your arms is just as important. However, both with your child and with other heavy loads, make sure that you always lift from your knees. Keep your back straight – this will also prevent you from trapping your child. Get on your knees and then slowly push off with your legs upwards. Keep your child or the object close to your body while doing so. This way you will save your back.
No false pride
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from others. You are already carrying something very important in your belly, you don’t have to take on heavy shopping bags and crates of drinks as well. Discuss with your partner that in the future he/she should lift the child out of the crib. If you don’t have a helper to go shopping with, a trolley can make carrying easier for you. Do not be too proud to resort to aids, but always think about the health of your little darling.
- If your belly does start to squeeze or pull more, if there is a persistent pain, bleeding, or if you notice any other unusual symptoms on your body, it is recommended to see a doctor.
You are looking for chic and appealing maternity clothes to meet the growing challenges of pregnancy. Then look with us in the store.
We wish you all the best for your pregnancy!
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