I'm not sure I should be doing this?

Question

I work as a Customer Service Agent at a small airport. So that means my job entails everything from checking in passengers to handeling the luggage and putting it on the planes. So that means that I usually am lifting 15 or more 40 pound bags. I never thought to ask my doctor if this was ok or not but I am starting to wonder now because it seems like sometimes I feel like I'm straining my uppper abdomen muscles. I also thought since I was used to doing this that I would be ok. Should I have discussed maybe taking a leave of absence from my job with my doctor? I'm 10 weeks pregnant and so far the baby is health

Answer 1

you shouldnt be lifting more than 25 pounds at a time, if its too heavy try asking someone else to help you out or try to keep a bag carrier next to your desk so you can push isntead of lift.

Answer 2

Well, when you have #2 you will be picking up a 40 lb. older brother or sister all the time, so you're probably fine.  Generally you can do normal everyday things until the last week or so of your pregnancy.  If you do feel like it's a strain, have your doctor write you a note limiting your lifting to 25 lbs. or less.  Better to be safe than sorry.

Each pregnancy is different, so do what is right for you.  If 40 lbs. is too much, then don't do it.

Answer 3

You might not need a leave of absence, but you might need some kind of "light duty" slip that shows you can't lift over 25 lbs. Best of luck to you!

Answer 4

For the love of God, you SHOULD NOT BE LIFTING THAT MUCH! Especially if you're feeling abdominal pain...that is your body and baby telling you to knock it off! Tell someone at work you're pregnant and do it now. They can get you on lighter duty and find something else for you. No leave of absense necessary.

Answer 5

If you're used to the work, then your body should be fine.  You abdominal muslces are just adjusting to your new body changes.  I would warn my boss that it was a concern for you, and certainly you should discuss it with your doctor, but for now, use your own judgement.

Answer 6

My doctor said I shouldn't lift more than 25lbs, so I assume the same would be true for you.  If you haven't already I'd have a "talk" with your supervisors.  They can't fire you for being pregnant, and should accomodate you.

Answer 7

When pregnant you are not supposed to lift more than 20 or 30 lbs (depending on the doctor or where you look).  So I would definitely talk to you doctor about how that could affect your child.  I would also talk to your work and find out if there is something else you could do in the meantime.