Can picking up heavy items cause MC?

[RBurnett]

Hi

I was just wondering if picking up heavy boxes etc can cause a MC. I just lifted a heavy box and now my stomach hurts

 

[luckybreak]

that's not good heavy things doesnt necessary means m/c but it is not good you know..I was told by my doctor not to lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk but I have a history of M/C laydown for a little bit if you can.

 

[kat2504]

I can't say for sure that it is totally impossible but it is highly highly unlikely.
Having said that, all your ligaments and muscles and stuff are not the same when you are pregnant, so to avoid hurting yourself try not to lift anything you can't easily manage in future. If the pain goes away, I would be almost certain there is nothing wrong.
The embryo is well protected behind your pelvis and anyway, most miscarriages are caused by chromosomal defects, not something the woman did or didn't do. Other causes are blood disorders and similar conditions that are outside of your control.
Unless you are smoking, heavy drinking, or taking drugs, you can neither cause nor prevent a miscarriage.
Women with toddlers manage to lift them when they are pregnant and if you do have another small child, you don't have much choice.
That said, take it easy and don't do heavy stuff like shifting furniture.

 

[RBurnett]

Yeah I know its not good, I just didnt think about it... Hope baby is ok, worried now!

 

[CrazyKitty]

Lifting heavy things that you aren't used to can cause miscarriage but I wouldn't necessarily worry. I lift heavy things at work every morning so my body is used to it. However, since becoming pregnant, I have stopped lifting items that are stupidly heavy (like 6/8 packs of 2litre drinks) or awkward (large boxes containing 16 boxes of cereal). If you're concerned go to your doctor or A&E.xox

 

[Vickie]

You may have pulled a muscle in your stomach--easy to do when pregnant with all the stretching and pulling going on with your body

 

[mightyspu]

I agree with the other ladies, my work involves lots of heavy lifting, so I have to ensure I am doing it correctly, but as it is something I am used to, it wouldn't be harmful to my baby.

If you do need to lift something, keep your back straight and bend your knees - Don't stoop to pick anything up. Keep the item close to you at all times and do not twist your body whilst carrying it. And, if there is some form of trolley - use it!

 

[Mari30me]

I do not think that would cause a MC. I think you may have strained a muscle in your stomach.

 

[RBurnett]

Thank u ladies, Ill stop worrying! I just forget im pregnant at time cos its still early on! X

 

[mightyspu]

I do because I can't quite believe it!

 

[RBurnett]

Yeah same I c it on the scan but I still think...am I really pregnant?

 

[cl2010]

I was lifting heavy boxes @ work and if get a sharp pain I'd go 2 da toilet n notice bleeding so it can do some damage my doc advised me if u suffer from previous miscarriages then 2 not lift or pull heavy items

 

[mightyspu]

If you suffer from miscarriages, they will advise you to be more careful all round, because they truly have no idea why it happens a lot of the time. As a previous poster said, it's often chromosomal defect. They are simply safeguarding themselves. You cannot miscarry through carrying heavy items, only strain yourself more easily.

 

[Tabbyfourpaws]

Yep, it's to do with causing yourself an injury. Your ligaments are much more vulnerable. When you get to have your second baby, not lugging heavy items/children around isn't even an option! X take it easy whilst you can