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My mom freaks out if I lift anything over 10 lbs. or reach up to the top shelf of my kitchen cabinets. She thinks it can cause miscarriages. I have had many people express similar sentiments, but in no preganancy books have I found advice not to reach or lift heavy things. It makes me angry, because I don't think I'm endangering myself in any way. Why shouldn't I lift up to 40 lbs. (which is the limit I can lift comfortably with my leg and arm muscles) or extend my body? By the same token, isn't it okay to bellydance, do yoga, or other exercises?
I don't want to do anything to endanger my embryo, but I also don't want to perpetuate any myths when I am perfectly capable of doing things.
posted
My understanding is that unless you have spotting any activities you did before pregnancy are fine. Undertaking a new sport or exercise not designed to be low impact is probably less ideal. OSHA regulations allow a pregnant woman to lift up to 25 lbs. on the job. I was lifting my chunky toddler regularly throughout, though I complained about it a lot.
Posts: 2010 | Registered: Apr 2003
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My midwife always said up to 50 lbs was OK. The reaching over your head thing is a total myth.
Posts: 2711 | Registered: Mar 2004
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The physiological changes of pregnancy include a loosening of the ligaments holding all your joints in place. This means that it is a LOT easier to hurt yourself if you are straining or doing lifting you aren't used to. That being said, if you are using proper posture and lifting weights that aren't a strain for you then it should be fine. I toted around toddlers while pregnant and it did me no harm.
As with all things related to pregnancy, use common sense and you're usually fine!
Posts: 251 | Registered: Apr 2005
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The only problems I had lifting things was when I had a huge tummy in the way. I think that is when they start to worry about heavy things, because at that point you can't keep the center of gravity close to your own center. It isn't about hurting your baby though, but hurting you.
Posts: 3495 | Registered: Feb 2000
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Some parenting magazine or another that I get had an article on pregnancy myths last year... I'll try to find it and send it to you to give your mother.
Posts: 21182 | Registered: Sep 2004
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Ha ha. Jenny, this reminds me of the stories my friend would tell me about being pregnant in Costa Rica.
There were all kinds of whacky things people would freak out about. I wish I could remember them! One was something about opening the refrigerator.
Posts: 10890 | Registered: May 2003
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Cashew, I'm carrying an embryo right now. I'm using this term because my six-year-old is fixated on fetal development and I want to present the accurate stage of my pregnancy!
I'm feeling pretty good. I'm starting to get into the lusty phase of my pregnancy, so that's fun.
You know, I suppose that might be another thing my mom might get concerned about Posts: 3141 | Registered: Apr 2000
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There's a yoga class for pregnant women that my favorite instructor will soon be teaching. She's due in August. I think it's highly recommended, though some poses are modified to accomodate. (I really wanted to take that class cause the instructor is so good, but only pregnant women are allowed, alas.)
Posts: 6246 | Registered: Aug 2004
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