32 Weeks pregnant and lifting toddler. Is it Safe?

Question

I am 32 weeks pregnant with our second child and have been feeling discomfort/cramping in my lower abdomen and round ligament. My uterus is as hard as a rock which makes me believe that it's contracting. Our toddler (2.5 and 32 pounds) needs help getting in and out of the stroller, bathtub, carseat, etc. so I'm constantly picking her up. Could this be causing the pain? Should I NOT pick her up at this stage of my pregnancy? Thanks in advance

Answer 1

I asked my doctor about that when she said not to lift anything over 20 lbs, and she told me to do what every other mother of toddlers does, and ignore the info sheet and do what you have to do for your other children.  Your baby will be fine.  My 2 1/2 year old is only 25 lbs, and what I do is get help when I need it.  When we are going out, I ask him ahead of time if he wants to walk or take the stroller.  If he says walk, I make him walk and don't let him back out of hit half way through our trip and expect to be carried.  If we are around the house and he wants me to pick him up, and I feel fine, I do.  If my back or hip joints are hurting, then I explain to him that Mommy doesn't feel well, and I don't.  As for the things he can not (or will not) do for himself, like get into the car seat, even if I am hurting, I still do, and accept as part of being a responsible mother.  I can no longer comfortably lean over the bath tub, so either my husband has to give him a bath, or I bring him in the shower with me.

Answer 2

Yes, weight training increases muscle tone — and even prevents bone loss — but during pregnancy it's important to lighten up. Lifting heavy weights increases pressure in your body; this causes you to hold your breath and could compromise blood flow to the uterus.  Plus, loosened ligaments could lead to injury. Your best bet: Switch to light weights and do more reps — or just wait on weights until after delivery.

Your pelvis is crucial to a smooth pregnancy and delivery, so treat it well. One way to strengthen your pelvis is to do pelvic tilts regularly.  These easy exercises (you can do them anywhere) strengthen your abs, soothe backaches during pregnancy and labor, and ease delivery. After the fourth month, tilts should be done in a standing position — so up against the wall, Mama.

Answer 3

Have your toddler help out by standing up to get out of bath with  you holding her hand, standing up to get out of stroller...  2.5... she needs to do some of this herself. DOn't take all the physical stress of doing it all on your own.

However, its not dangerous to lift your toddler if you have been doing it all along, unless your doc says you are a high risk pregnancy.  

Answer 4

Try helping her be more dependent. You can show her how to get in and out the car safely as well as the bath tub stroller etc. She will need this independents when the baby comes anyway. When she does these things congradualte her clap and or give her a toy or treat also remind her of how much of a big girl she is. She will love that.