Can lifting few lbs cause miscarriage or any birth defects?

[A_khan25]

I been really stressed out. Where I'm from, they don't let a woman lift any weight during pregnancy. Like not even 5 lbs. I want to know how much weight you can lift up during second trimester, and how to lift it properly. Can you lift from top shelves and bend your back down to lift weights?

[specialmom]

You haven't stopped back in a while. How are you doing?  How's it going at work and how do you feel?  

[specialmom]

Hi.  I wanted to check in with you.  How is it going?  How are you feeling? How is the job?  And last, lol, is your 20 week sex reveal ultrasound coming up?  It seems like it should be. That is a magical appointment!

[specialmom]

I totally agree with ppowb.  You should be fine. Lifting should not cause any issues to the pregnancy and certainly not birth defects.  If you are farther along and begin to have false labor or Braxton hicks contractions (not labor contractions, feels like tightening of the abdomen) then talk to your doctor but this will be unlikely.  By the way, how heavy are the things you are lifting?  I guess that you should mention that weight to your doctor to make sure.

[ppowb]

I have known women who ski during second trimester, though they are admittedly good skiers. My daughter is in Crosssfit with a woman who continued workouts until the last week. It's what your muscles are trained for that counts. The fetus is well protected. Which said, lifting weights requires proper posture and lifting with the legs, not the back. When your bump gets in the way of doing it right, sometime in the third trimester (?), you should ask for help when necessary. Your co-workers will be happy to pitch in. Just my opinion.