Feeling pain in your abdomen during pregnancy is usually not a cause of concern. Generally, a pregnant woman can lift up to 20 pounds, but this varies for each person, and many factors should also be considered. But if your abdominal pain persists for more than 24 hours or if it is keeping you from moving, seek medical attention immediately.
If you’ve been experiencing abdominal pain when lifting heavy objects while pregnant, it’s likely that you’re experiencing a common pregnancy problem.
Abdominal pain during pregnancy is one of the most common complaints of pregnant women.
In fact, it’s estimated that about 25% of pregnant women experience some form of abdominal pain during their first trimester.
The cause of this pain can be many things – from constipation to backache or even simply a tight muscle in your abdomen. But the most common reason for this type of discomfort is a change in hormone levels during pregnancy.
As estrogen levels rise and fall throughout your body, so do the hormones responsible for regulating them (like progesterone).
This can cause changes in how your muscles work, which can lead to muscle spasms or cramps – and sometimes even backaches or joint aches!
Can lifting heavy objects hurt the baby?
Placental Abruption and Lifting heavy objects
Lifting heavy objects can cause placental abruption.
While lifting heavy objects is common in the workplace and around your home, carrying out physically demanding tasks while pregnant can increase the risk of placental abruption.
What is a Placental Abruption?
Placental abruption is when the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before delivery.
It is one of the most common causes of pregnancy loss in early pregnancy and can be life-threatening for both mother and baby if not treated immediately.
What Causes Placental Abruptions?
Placental abruption is a condition in which your placenta detaches from the wall of your uterus.
In most cases, the cause of this condition is unknown. However, there are several risk factors associated with it:
- Age – Your risk of placental abruption increases as you get older.
- Cigarette smoking – Smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of placental abruption by up to 2 times after 20 weeks of gestation.
- Drug abuse – Long-term use of illicit drugs (such as cocaine or heroin) can lead to placental abruption in some women.
Can lifting heavy objects cause miscarriage?
The answer is yes, but it depends on the woman.
In general, lifting heavy objects while pregnant is not a good idea because you might end up hurting your baby.
If you have any questions about lifting or lifting heavy objects during pregnancy, please talk to your doctor or midwife.
How to know if you’ve lifted something too heavy
How much weight can I lift during pregnancy?
Women can generally lift up to 20 pounds during an otherwise healthy pregnancy.
This can still vary, however, to different factors such as, are you going to lift these from the ground? How high do you have to lift the object? How often are you lifting these objects? How far along are you in your pregnancy?
Lifting heavy objects during pregnancy can cause a hernia
Abdominal pain during pregnancy can also be because of a hernia.
Hernias are conditions in which organs or other body parts protrude abnormally through weak tissue and may cause abdominal pain if not properly repaired.
Hernias usually occur when the abdominal wall muscles bulge through a weak spot in the muscle wall.
If left untreated, abdominal hernias can cause severe complications for pregnant women and their unborn babies.
Regular check-ups can prevent this condition with your doctor to ensure that you don’t have any existing conditions that could lead to this complication.
Straining your stomach during pregnancy
When should you be worried
Abdominal pain during pregnancy is normal, but you should consider it a potential sign of something more serious.
If you experience abdominal pain that lasts longer than 24 hours or causes you to change your everyday activities, you should contact your OB/GYN immediately.
This is very important because the abdominal pain you feel may also be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, an abdominal mass, or other issues.
You should always consult a doctor if you are experiencing severe abdominal pain that does not get better with treatment.
Abdominal pain during pregnancy is pretty common and should be considered normal for most women.
Abdominal pain can also be a symptom of preeclampsia
The signs of preeclampsia can be hard to distinguish from those of other conditions. If you’re suffering from abdominal pain during pregnancy, it’s important to seek help immediately.
Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms of preeclampsia. In fact, it’s so common that doctors often mistake it for something else—like an intestinal blockage or appendicitis.
But unlike these other conditions, when you have preeclampsia, you’ll also experience headaches and dizziness.
These symptoms are caused by your body’s response to the protein present in high levels in your urine when you’re suffering from preeclampsia.
If you think you might suffer abdominal pain during pregnancy, see a doctor ASAP!
You should also let your doctor know if there has been a change in your diet or exercise routines—these could also contribute to your discomfort.
FAQs
Can I pick up my toddler while pregnant?
Yes, you can pick up your child during pregnancy. Unless your doctor advises, you can pick up your child even if you’re pregnant.
Lift with your legs if you want to pick up your toddler to prevent backaches. It is also best to put him at your hip or below your baby bump for comfort.
Conclusion
Abdominal pain when lifting heavy objects is a common occurrence during pregnancy.
This is usually not a common concern, but if the abdominal pain persists for more than 24 hours or if it is keeping you from doing your regular daily activities, seek medical help immediately.
This kind of abdominal pain may be because of more severe conditions like preeclampsia, hernia, or even miscarriage.
