I keep getting told off for pushing, pulling or carrying anything since I told my friend I was pregnant. I have heard before that pregnant women shouln't lift things but I've never asked why. I still don't feel any different so is it an old wives tale or should I stop pushing desks and things around?

I know what you mean... as soon as you tell people.. they get all concerned, and don't allow you to lift anything heavier than a pencil It gets really frustrating after a while.

I think it's because your ligaments and joints all become very loose in pregnancy, and you could end up with an injury. Also, as you get bigger, bump puts you off balance, and you could fall....

I think it's important not to over do it because you'll get tired easily and can pull muscles and ligaments easier than you could before but there is no other reason why you can't lift anything. It doesn't hurt or even affect your baby.

I knew someone who was WAY over the top when she got pregnant. I worked in a pet shop and she'd refuse to even lift boxes of hamster bedding (the soft, fluffy cotton wool kind) and she wouldn't reach up to get things down from shelves because she thought stretching up would strangle the baby. She wouldn't scoop up and weigh dried animal food either because the scoop was too heavy!! She also wouldn't sell rabbits incase they kicked her in the stomach when she picked them up. TBH she was increadibly lazy and just used pregnancy as an excuse.

My mam has a pull along shopping trolly, I'm now banned from pulling it when were out, and I'm not alowed to carry anything heavier than a feather!

I just found this... seems I was just about right !!!

http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,5109,00.html

I believe you can lift, push and carry things that are light! It's the heaviness that is a concern. You can put strain on your body and injure yourself and/or the baby.

Remember, while pregnant your ligaments are stretching where your uterus is growing. Potential damage can be done there. Another thing is a pregnant woman's balance seems to be worse and a potential fall can happen too.

My mum had a miscarriage after moving house and lifting boxes. The stress & strain was the cause of it aparently. So, she's the worst with me carrying and pushing stuff. I tried to move my TV the other day and she almost had a psycho fit!

I think it's just a case of how much your body can handle & whether you think you should be lifting/pushing things. If you're built well, or used to it, I'm sure your body should be fine. Not worth the risk though really?

now that's what you call OTT

I always lift heavy things.
I carry my book bag and school books,I work in a bookstore and I always lift books,new shipment...

I guess I'll stop once I'm further along but now it really doesn't bother me...
My sister tells me how her boyfriend's son's mother refused to do anything while she was pregnant AND after she gave birth...She said that a women's body is very sensitive and fragile at his point.But just like Anita's friend,I think she was just lazy...She still is...

Now that attitude is a bit over-the-top! Some people really take the advice of no lifting to heart.