Is it really that bad picking up your kids while pregnant?

Becca - posted on 10/10/2011

Im 9mos pregnant, and my rule of thumb is "if it weighs less than my son, I will pick it up"
Why did your dr limit your weight lifting? Was there a reason, or just the normal, "you're pregnant"? If its just because you are pregnant, I wouldnt worry about it. Especially if you aren't doing it all the time. Remember to lift with you legs, not your back...

Katy - posted on 10/10/2011

I wouldn't be worried. I picked up my niece all the time when i was preg, idk how heavy she was, but she was 5 yrs old & since my 2 yr old son is 30 lbs, I'm guessin my 5 yr old niece was over. They say you shouldn't lift heavy things because you could give yourself a hurnea or (less comonly) cause placenta abruption. When both happen, you can feel it. If you felt nothing, I'd say don't need to worry.

Tammy - posted on 10/10/2011

I picked up my 40 pounder quite a bit when I was pregnant and it didn't hurt a thing! My baby was even born 5 days late and he is perfect! Good luck to you =)

ACura - posted on 10/09/2011

I would be worried.

Alicia - posted on 10/09/2011

I always heard don't pick up anything that weighs more than what you're used to lifting.

Tonya - posted on 10/09/2011

I would leave my child asleep on the couch if I were pregnant. It can wear on your pelvic floor, and cause the bladder to lose needed support. And the simple fact of loosening joints puts you at risk for injury which you do not need. Don't feel guilty preventing injury.

Pamela - posted on 10/09/2011

WORRYING is based in FEAR. FEAR is:
F alse
E vidence
A ppearing
R eal
If you didn't feel any pain in your back then or now why go jump in the fear pit behind it? Don't believe everything you read as there are millions of opinions out there, but only ONE person living in your body...that's you.

Tara - posted on 10/09/2011

I'm a nurse, and moved tons of things, lifted heavy patients and moved stretchers when I was pregnant up until 8 months. It was uncomfortable but thats about it! You will be just fine! :)

Ashley - posted on 10/09/2011

You are fine. I use to pick up my saddle and gear (about 40 lbs) quite a bit until I could not longer or it started to hurt. If you are not in pain and it wasn't that far, I would not worry about it. If you were straining, far distances or making a routine habit about it, you may be stressing your body more then you need to. All those things are recommendations not rules set in stone. I know some women who lift 50 lbs for work through pregnancy until about 8 months. It all varies body to body and pregnancy to pregnancy. Also depends on your fitness and shape level prior... Moms do extra things for their kids....

However - if your doctor told you not to because of special needs during your pregnancy I would be a bit more cautious.

Natasha - posted on 10/08/2011

If you feel fine than more likely than not you are fine.

Linda - posted on 10/08/2011

I would not worry, when I was pregnant with my twins my then 3 year old would cuddle with me every night in the 'big chair'. It was the only way he would fall asleep and I would carry him to his bed when I went to bed. The only thing that changed was my twins moved over; My son would sit on my left side so Twin A was completely squished up into my right side ribs and Twin B was in the middle leaving space on the left for big brother. I figure it just made all my boys closer.

My pregnancy was high risk because I was 38 and it was twins, but picking up my 3 year old never caused any problems. That being said toward the end of my pregnancy I was in full nesting mode and decided the nursery had to have a new bookcase, well I headed off to the local Target and without a thought picked up the 60lb box into my cart-- big mistake, I starting having mini contractions. So the lesson, picking up your child- fine; picking up an over sized piece of furniture no good, wait and let the hubby do it.

Jennifer - posted on 10/08/2011

My son was 38lbs as well, and I carried him lots when he was tired up alot more stairs
I think its more dont lift it over your head... if you feel fine then likely nothing wrong with it

Bethany - posted on 10/08/2011

My daughter was 36 lbs when i was pregnant and i carried her the whole time with no problems. Unless you have pregnancy complications I wouldn't worry about it.

Jennifer - posted on 10/08/2011

my doctor said that as long as your body is used to picking up your older child, than it would be fine. just don't go picking up something that weighs a crazy amount.

Angela - posted on 10/08/2011

most of us pick up and/or move things of any weight when we are in the nesting stage, and never have any issues. if you are comfortable in lifting anything then you should be ok. :o)

Rodrigo - posted on 10/08/2011

I lifted quite a bit of weight throughout my whole pregnancy, being a field biologist and needing to get my gear into the forest. So I would be hauling large loads back and forth. I must say. though, that I had already figured out the best way to carry the stuff in ways that would not hurt me. I did that until 6 1/2 months pregnant. From then on, I carried whatever I needed to carry!!! No problems there at all!!! Your body is designed to deal with all the activities of a normal life even through pregnancy.

Daniela - posted on 10/08/2011

worrying for nothing. If it causes discomfort then dont do it otherwise there shouldnt be a problem.

Theresa - posted on 10/08/2011

If you have any questions I would ask your dr! However, when I was pg with my 1st kiddo I was a fulltime tv news photographer and carried on average 40 lbs of equipment daily until my 34th week and we were fine! Granted I had been doing that work for years and was very used to it. With my 2nd I was 4 yrs older, 35, and only did the job until 22 weeks or so..it was definetely more physically taxing..but my son was fine. Again check with your doc!

Kathleen - posted on 10/08/2011

I doubt you did anything. I pick up my 36lb son all the time, well I don't carry him. I pick him up to put him in his carseat when we go out and sometimes I pick him up in the house. I am about 7,5m along too. You'd know if you did something. It's just a guideline, not fact. Now if you had other complications and the doc did tell you not to pick up then that would be something else. However, if you have a healthy pregnancy I wouldn't worry about it. It is kinda hard NOT to pick up a toddler if you have one, even when pregnant.

Ntombi - posted on 10/08/2011

The only reason person who would be able to tell you if you did anything that hurt your pregnancy is your doc. It is for safely reasons because picking up heavy things (kids) puts a strain on your abdominal muscles and back which could potentially be dangerous for the baby. If you are really worried you need to call your doc.

Christy - posted on 10/08/2011

Yes, pick him and put him to bed. Because one day he will be to big to pick up. Have lots of fun with your little ones I did and it was great.

Michele - posted on 10/08/2011

I worked up to two weeks before I had my son. I always lifted 35 lb machines so my body and arms were use to it and didnt have any problems at all. I stopped at the end just because I couldnt hold them close enough to my body any more and was worried about hurting my back. You just cant do things your not use to doing.

Diane - posted on 10/08/2011

You will be absolutely fine. so long sas you're having no complications and feel no problems in lifting him. You can't stop being a mom to the children you already have because you're expecting another one! The guidelines are just that GUIDELINES. What one person can do without a problem is a problem for others. You know your body and you do what you are capable of doing and don't beat yourself up if you overdo it occasionally. Your other kids need to know you love them loads too!

Vicki - posted on 10/08/2011

My 3rd child is special needs and didn't walk until he was over 3. He was about 35-40 lbs. and I carried him around while I was pg with #4. And everything was fine. Of course he learned to walk right after that!;)

Jen - posted on 10/08/2011

With my first I was left to my own devices & just based it on what logically felt 'too heavy' to lift, I moved house & shifted furniture & none of it had any impact on my pregnancy/baby. However with my 2nd I had a lot of bladder/pelvic floor issues and was told not to lift my 3yr old or anything over 5kg (11lbs). I am a stay at home Mum whose husband works away so there were still occasions when I just had to lift Miss 3 but I tried to restrict it to absolutely essential moments, like the one you speak of :0). The medical opinion seems to be if you honestly feel you are not straining yourself then you can't really be doing much harm. Congrats on your impending arrival!

Abby - posted on 10/08/2011

Im a labor and delivery nurse and lift push and pull pregnant woman with epidurals in labor throughout all my pregnancies. If you are having a normal pregnancy there are usually no restrictions until after the baby is born and then they restrict you to nothing heavier than the new baby. Do follow whatever directions your Md gave you though.

Wanda - posted on 10/08/2011

i carried my older kids daily while i was pregnant up to the last week of my pregnancy... unless your doctor is strict about the amount of lifting because of medical issues then you have nothing to worry about! ..enjoy them while they're small, you won't get to hold them, even to carry them to bed, for much longer! :)

Lori - posted on 10/07/2011

Not a problem at all. I asked my doctor that same question when I had my second. He said it is normal daily activity, and not to worry. He explained it as your body is used to carrying him anyways. If it was a different object in shape or size, it may be of concern, but your body is used to your son! You know your body and it's limits, trust your instincts! Congrats by the way!

Gabrielle - posted on 10/07/2011

I'm not a doctor so, don't take my advice too literal, but in my experience you know what is too much. If you start feeling and cramping or discomfort then definetly stop. If you can just try to get someone else to help you pick heavy things up

Chris - posted on 10/07/2011

Worrying for nothing. I carried my kiddo to bed even up stairs many many times through my pregnancy. Just be careful, and know your bodies limits. I hurt my knee's more than anything else.

Megan - posted on 10/07/2011

They say not to do heavy lifting but here's what my doctor told me and I'm due in a few weeks. If you are going to lift things that are heavy like children, you know your limits. If you cart him around enough than it's a weight your body can handle and your baby will be fine. My oldest son is over 50lbs and you can bet that if he crashes out and I can't get him to sleep walk up the stairs I'll carry him if his dad isn't here, or if he's misbehaving like a maniac..lol My youngest is in the mid twenties for his weight so it's nothing to scoop him up. You know your body better than anyone and that's what a lot of doctors stress. If it was a one time thing than it probably isn't a big deal but if you feel cramps or have spotting or even mild contractions as a mom with other kids you know what to do. Just sit down with your feet up and drink a glass of water and rest. I know I've said it a lot but I've had high risk pregnancies with all my kids for some reason or another and that's what all the doctors and nurses tell me, you know your body and what you can handle but don't be afraid to take it easy.

Chrissy - posted on 10/07/2011

My doctor told me she was more worried about me injuring myself because my joints & ligaments (as well as everyone else's) are looser when I'm pregnant to make room for the baby... so lifting was not really a danger to the baby, so much as me. So, just be careful.. if you're not in any pain (like you said), no damage done. :)

Joni - posted on 10/07/2011

Mom of 4 little girls that were stair steps. 15 months, 16 months and then 18 months apart. I was also "Of Advanced Maternal Age" making me "high risk". I did pick up the girls and carry them, rocked them and played with them. My body would tell me when enough was enough and resting would take care of that. I agree with the moms posting no pain or discomfort you should not worry

Danielle - posted on 10/07/2011

ive always been told durring all 4 pregnancys if its something you do all the time your body is usedto it, i did it with all 4.

JAMEE - posted on 10/07/2011

if you didn't and don't have any pain I wouldn't worry. I have a 24lbs two yr old that I have to carry around a lot. You'll know if your lifting too much. It'll cause pain or soreness in your abdomen.

Alexandra - posted on 10/07/2011

as long as there is no pain or complications, there is no problem.

Christina - posted on 10/07/2011

I had two horses and worked at the barn, hauling/throwing 50+ lb hay bales and full 5 gallon water buckets - not to mention riding, etc. I did stop all that when I was about six months pregnant because it became too painful for me. But, that was pain due to the bones in my pelvis moving too far apart..not the actual lifting/activity. I say you're worrying yourself over nothing as long as you aren't in pain :-)

Carmina - posted on 10/07/2011

if it makes you feel any better i do the same! my son is only 12 kilos (hes 2) but i am 36 weeks preg and i have not stopped doing any activities lol

Victoria-Leigh - posted on 10/07/2011

dnt stress, my son is 4 years and 17kgs i just had another perfectly healthy son 4 months ago and i picked my oldest up alot during my pregnantcy

Shawna - posted on 10/07/2011

I worked in a hospital doing 12 hr shifts up till the end of my pregnancy with my first son. Some of the nurses were concerned as far as lifting patients and what not went. When I brought it up to my OB he wasnt concerned, he said as long as I was using proper techniques and my body was use to it that I'd be fine just not to over due it. So as long as you are having a nice healthy pregnancy with no complications I think you should be fine. Its not like you are carrying him around all day.

Dee - posted on 10/07/2011

I have 4 kids. I carried them all through every pregnancy. You're a mom, you have to. I'm also a preschool teacher who worked through each pregnancy picking up those kids as needed. If there is nothing medically wrong with you or the pregnancy, you're fine. Just make sure you are lifting correctly and you'll be fine. Babies in utero are very protected and hearty!!

Kara - posted on 10/07/2011

As long as you are lifting weight (including your kids, laundry, groceries, etc.) that you were lifting before you became pregnant, you aren't hurting yourself. The only exceptions are if it hurts to pick them up, or you are otherwise physically stressed. Always listen to your doctor for the best advice. Good luck!

Jessica - posted on 10/07/2011

I was pregnant with Twins and would pick up and carry my daughter. I think as long as you are not dilated, or have a placenta issue, like the placenta is not covering the cervix, or growing into the uterine lining you should be ok. It is more as a precaution in case you have some unknown issues.

Kelly - posted on 10/07/2011

I picked up my three year old even the day I was in labor with number two. I also did step classes until the day before labor etc. I never heard that and it was never told to me by my OB/GYN. Now one of mine was a C-section and I was restricted after that but never heard about the other. I've had three and lifting is all knew to me?!

Kandy - posted on 10/07/2011

My doctor told me (25 yrs ago) that I was only pregnant and not disabled that I could continue with all activities that I was used to doing before I got pregnant. So if its not causing you any pain or discomfort then you should be just fine. If you still have concerns about it the best thing to do is discuss it with your OB/GYN and follow their recomendation.

Alisa - posted on 10/07/2011

I think the main worry is to possibly cause strain by pulling something wrong, since we use our stomach muscles to lift. I did that once and pulled something in my back and thought, "Oh, THAT's why!"

Sherri - posted on 10/07/2011

Heck I am 5mo's pregnant and was carrying my 5 1/2 yr old 50lb son last night. He wanted piggy back rides before bed. So why not.

Kim - posted on 10/07/2011

My dr told me that the normal guidelines are 25-30 lbs but, if I'm used to lifting more, it's ok. She also told me recently that she was more concerned about me throwing my back out rather than affecting the pregnancy. I wouldn't worry about it too much. You're probably pretty used to carrying him in some way so it's not like you're lifting outside your comfort zone. As long as you don't have any pulling feeling or pain in your lower region, I'd think you're ok. :)

Bonnie - posted on 10/07/2011

I posted this on another question, but this is what I heard from a medical professional in a book one time...."If you are looking for a reason not to hold your child, you better think of another reason. As long as you are careful in doing so, not to strain yourself, there is no reason why you shouldn't pick up your child when pregnant."

Jenni - posted on 10/07/2011

I think what Lisa said is also true. If you're physically active before and during your pregnancy that helps a lot too.



I weight/strength trained and did regular cardio for a year to prepare for my pregnancy with my daughter. I also worked a very physical job up until my 4th month where I regularly lifted 20-25 lbs boxes. I continued staying active for the rest of my pregnancy as well, right up until my 42nd week when I was induced I was still going on 5k hikes and climbing hills at a local nature reserve. And my nesting habits were insane during my 2nd pregnancy. I was down on my hands in knees with a hand vac and a toothbrush. Washing walls, moping, vaccuuming regularly... I was a bit of freak when it came to cleaning my house during my last three months of pregnancy



Still didn't stop me from gaining 40 lbs when I was pregnant with my daughter! ;)