Congratulations on your pregnancy! You may already be aware now that your body is stretching and moving in many ways. If this is your first pregnancy then you may experience abdominal pain as your ligaments stretch to accommodate your growing baby. Regarding your general life, the routine may be harder, completing your usual tasks, or tending to other children you have poses the question of whether abdominal pain after lifting heavy object while pregnant is serious
Can Abdominal Pain After Lifting Heavy Object While Pregnant be Serious?
Abdominal pain after lifting heavy object while pregnant can be unavoidable at times during your pregnancy. Maybe you have overindulged when grocery shopping and have a few more bags than you anticipated or if you have a young child already that wants to be carried. Either way, lifting in pregnancy is generally not advised as it can cause you abdominal discomfort and pain and it can affect your unborn baby.
Lifting during pregnancy is a discussion you need to have with your healthcare provider as every mom and pregnancy is different along with everyone’s lifestyles. If you have a manual job then you may also need to discuss undertaking lighter duties with management.
In my first pregnancy, I felt as fragile as bone china. I made sure I had plenty of rest and passed all the heavy lifting to my husband. Fast forward 5 years and I found myself pregnant, carrying groceries, and baskets of laundry, and trying to be the same energetic mom I once was for my eldest daughter. It is at times like this when our lives are already hectic that we cannot stop and wait for help so what can we do when we are presented with a lifting challenge? Do we take it on or not?
Can Lifting Heavy Objects Cause Abdominal Pain?
Pregnancy can already be a strain on your body. You are carrying another life so your back is already doing more than it is used to. Your ligaments and hips are looser as your stomach grows so it is no wonder that lifting heavy objects should be passed to someone else, after all, your body is already doing so much!
When lifting heavy objects in pregnancy you are putting yourself at risk of the following:
- Premature labor
- Low birth weight
- Pulling muscles
- Increased risk of falling
- Hernia
Upper Abdominal Pain After Lifting Heavy object
Upper and lower abdominal pain are fairly common in pregnancy. If you have lifted something heavy and felt pain afterward then the number one rule is if it does not go away you should get checked out. You never know when it could be an emergency!
Your ligaments are super stretchy so they cannot protect your abdomen muscles in the same way as before you were pregnant. This means that ligament issues while pregnant are quite common.
Other causes of upper abdominal pain can be:
- Round Ligament Pain – this is where the two main ligaments that support your uterus are giving you a sharp ache or dull pain. It can present itself over the upper and lower body but is harmless to you and your baby. If you are lifting then be mindful that this can spark off round ligament pain and take it from me it can be agonizing!
- Braxton Hicks – Depending on the weight of the item it could spur on a few Braxton hicks contractions especially if you are nearing the end of your pregnancy. Most of my Braxton hicks were either high in my belly or really low near my pubic bone. These contractions are your body’s way of preparing you for labor so again it could be a great reminder that the heavy lifting has to stop.
Lower Abdominal Pain After Lifting Heavy Object
Lower abdominal pain while pregnant could have a few possible causes such as:
- Constipation – Again you have progesterone to thank here! Constipation can be so uncomfortable during pregnancy that lifting heavy objects can radiate the pain.
- Gas – Can you imagine calling your health care provider for gas pain. Well, ladies let me tell you gas pain during pregnancy can get trapped in any part of your body! Thanks to progesterone your digestive system is slowing down so be sure to drink plenty of water and add fiber to your diet.
If the pain in your abdomen gets worse, if you start spotting or bleeding, if you have any bruising to your abdomen then call your doctor straight away. Even if it is gas you won’t be the first or last mom to call in pain with it!
Lifting Techniques While Pregnant
We all recognize that life needs to continue when you are pregnant and sometimes lifting is unavoidable. It is important to understand that your center of gravity has shifted during pregnancy so lifting with caution is always a given.
★ First, Start Using a Maternity Band
It will support your abdominal muscles and help distribute weight evenly around your hips and abdominal pelvis.
Recommended by our Experts
To prevent pain and discomfort you should:
- Always start with a squat – bending your knees will take pressure off your back and waist.
- Push back up through your legs.
- Keep the item close.
When I was pregnant with my second, my body told me to calm down. I was continuing carrying groceries and washing baskets not to mention my eldest daughter – cue mom guilt!
One thing I found that saved my life and back was my maternity band! I swear, I don’t know how a stretchy piece of material can make your everyday chores easier, but it certainly worked for me. I think it was magic!
How Can I Ease Abdominal Pain in Pregnancy?
If you have found that you have abdominal pain then you must seek advice from your healthcare provider as a first protocol. Once they have given you the all-clear then I have provided you with a few tips to help ease the pain.
- Rest – this is key in every pregnancy, resting up those loose muscles and ligaments won’t hurt. The chores can wait, growing a tiny person can take its toll on you.
- Have a warm bath – remember not to have the temperature too hot but allowing you to feel weightless in water can reduce strain and pressure on your back and stomach.
- Hot water bottle – heat treatment can help reduce inflammation and release tension.
- Lay on the opposite side to the pain.
- Slowly do it – You momma are getting bigger every day and it will take some time for you to get up and down off the couch. Practicing doing so slowly will prevent any muscle spasms.
- Avoid – if you have abdominal pain from lifting then you have to avoid lifting heavy things from now on or you will continue the muscle strain.
Can Lifting Heavy Objects Cause Abdominal Pain – FAQs
How much weight can you lift when pregnant?
If lifting heavy objects, you shouldn’t lift anything bigger than 20lbs.
When should I stop lifting during pregnancy?
If you have a high-risk pregnancy then you shouldn’t be lifting anything remotely heavy. If premature labor is a factor then this rule comes into play from the first trimester.
Is it OK to pick up a toddler while pregnant?
Yes, for most women, carrying a toddler while pregnant with baby number two is ok. Practice correct lifting techniques to prevent muscle strain.
Can I lift my 4-year-old while pregnant?
Providing your pregnancy is a healthy and low risk then there is no reason as to why you cannot lift your older child. As your belly grows it may become more uncomfortable but make sure you get clearance from your health care provider and if you feel any discomfort or pain afterward then report it immediately.
Can you lift heavy things in the third trimester?
You generally shouldn’t be lifting things as you near the end of your pregnancy but if you do then it should never be overhead. If you have to lift things from waist height to prevent bending. If you can’t breathe normally when lifting an object then it is too heavy and you must put it down straight away.
Conclusion
Abdominal pain after lifting heavy object while pregnant is definitely something that should be taken seriously. But in the same way, it is very rare for it to result in pregnancy complications.
It is important for us to go over all the important reasons lifting in pregnancy should be avoided. According to the CDC, lifting during pregnancy can increase the chances of miscarriage and harm to you and the baby.
With this in mind, we don’t expect you to become a couch potato for the next 40 weeks. But doing normal moderate chores and exercise around the home and in general, can help keep you active and mobile during your pregnancy without the chance of you straining your back or abdomen.
The general rule of thumb would be to pass the heavy lifting over to someone else. If this is not possible then practice the lifting techniques.
More to Read:
- Is My Baby Hungry When I’m Hungry During Pregnancy?
- Why Is My Pregnant Belly Soft When I Lay Down – What You Should Know
- Why Does My Pregnant Belly Look Smaller Some Days?
- Can You Crack Your Back While Pregnant – Is It Safe?
- Pregnant and Scared of Life Changing – Guide to Overcome
