Rules for lifing heavy things when pregnant

[kazza76]

Hi all,:):wave:

Just a quick question, what's the general rule with lifting heavy things when your pregnant? My partner and I both own a kayak each and I would still love to get out on the water (obviously not when I am 9 months!) but my kayak weighs about 25kilos and it has to be lifted up on the car roof. At what stage of being pregnant does lifting that sort of weight (remembering that it would actually only be about 13 kilo's because two of us lift it) become dangerous?

Cheers
Kaz

[plumptobump]

I dont think there are set rules...its kinda what you are used to and comfortable with. If you feel fine lifting 25kg, then it should be ok. Your body will tell you if it is straining, esp after the fact when your tummy gets sore, haha. Ive had a couple of "oops" times when I lifted something too heavy...but I think its different for everyone. Not sure that helps, hah :)

[Tam-I-Am]

I wouldn't think that that would be a problem ever. If you can lift it without too many hassles, do so. I was still lugging my 14kg toddler around at the end of my pregnancy. It wasn't the most pleasant of experiences - but it wasn't harmful either.

Just take it slow and listen to your body.

[flick82]

As long as your not in a "high risk" catagory and your doc hasnt told you otherwise its fine to lift fo as long as you feel comfortable.

[kazza76]

Thats great news, Though I am sure when I am as big as a beached whale, the chances of me getting anywhere NEAR the kayak are slim to none! Thanks for the info!

[NonnyMouse]

You can't shake a good apple from the tree. Heavy lifting is generally fine, and I guess you follow your instincts and go with what your body is used to and comfortable with. Obviously you wouldn't want to go from being a couch potato to lifting cars!

:-)

[InSaneOne]

i lifted cartons of beer right up until my 39th week at work. as long as i lifted it close to my body and not stretched i was fine. i was also carrying my 14kg toddler around too.

if you are used to lifting it and take it slowly you should be fine. if it hurts stop.

[NonnyMouse]

Actually I just remembered.... you also need to take a little more care then usual because of ligaments softening or stretching or something because of the preggy hormones. Apparently you are a bit more prone to injury.

[Tam-I-Am]

You're right ANonnyMouse - You do release a hormone called relaxin whilst you're pregnant. This is to help the ligaments in your pelvis be able to move and stretch both with the growth of your uterus, but also to birth your baby. This is normal, but it does leave you prone to hyperextension of the ligaments, so you do have to be careful not to over-extend your joints or ligaments.

If you take it slowly and carefully and listen to your body - and stop if you have any pain - you should be fine, unless you have another medical condition that would prohibit you from lifting heavy things :)