This is a risk if the mother lifts heavy objects during pregnancy & bull; hello healthy

As your pregnancy grows, you may no longer be able to do activities that you used to do alone in the past. These bodily changes are natural, but they also raise questions about the safety of lifting heavy objects while pregnant.

Is it safe to lift heavy objects while pregnant?

One of the changes that occur in pregnant women is the shift in the body's center of gravity which tends to the front. Not only that. The increase in the hormone progesterone during pregnancy causes the hip muscles and joints to become loose and relax. Heavy lifting puts pressure on the pelvic floor, and because the uterus and fetus are already in a compressed position, it puts more pressure on the lower back, making the muscles and joints of the lower body more prone to cramps and sprains.

The combination of a shift in your body's center of gravity and a change in your body's support system makes your body less stable, making it easier for you to lose balance. Unsteady body balance can put you at greater risk of injury and falls, especially coupled with lifting heavy objects while pregnant. A serious fall accident is not only dangerous for your safety, but may also be risky for the baby.

Several studies have shown that lifting heavy objects frequently while pregnant can slightly increase your risk of having a miscarriage or a low birth weight baby. Another study found that lifting weights of more than 10 kilograms during early pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. However, there are also many other studies that show conflicting results. Women who are at particular risk for preterm labor may need to stop lifting heavy objects after the first trimester.

Whether or not a mother can lift heavy objects while pregnant is a question you should ask your obstetrician personally. As a general rule, it is best to have someone else carry it for you. If indeed the situation and conditions require you to lift heavy items while pregnant, try not to lift items that are heavier than 9 kilograms even for a moment. Do not also carry loads weighing 5 kg continuously.

Tips for lifting heavy items during pregnancy

However, doctors can loosen the limits of this rule, especially if you are used to lifting heavy objects before becoming pregnant. But, always try to be careful every time you lift heavy objects during pregnancy, especially as pregnancy continues.

Here's how it's safe if you have to carry your child or lift heavy objects while pregnant:

Grab the item by squatting at your knees, not hunched over at the waist. It is important to keep your feet shoulder width apart and your back as straight as possible when you squat (butt and spine parallel to the floor).
Slowly lift the object with the force resting on your knees. Then, gently push up with your legs.
Do not make sudden jerky movements while lifting items. When lifting, breathe through your mouth so that the stomach is flat and the pelvic floor contracts.
Hold the weight as close to your body as possible.

Also pay attention to the distance you have traveled when lifting heavy items while pregnant. Close distance is not a problem, but long distance or if you have to climb stairs while carrying heavy you should ask someone else to help you. The load on the pelvic floor should not be added. One possible serious complication due to careless lifting of heavy objects during pregnancy is a hernia, aka falling bero in layman's language.