During pregnancy a hormone called progesterone can cause a mother's ligaments and tendons soften. When ligaments and tendons are softened, you are at a greater risk of injury when one of these is strained. This is the greatest risk involved in lifting (and exercising, for that matter) during pregnancy.
Lifting anything heavy can cause stress to your back. During pregnancy, this stress can add to the normal back pain that is associated with pregnancy. For this reason, it is important to do any lifting that you have to do cautiously. When lifting:
- lift from your legs; squat down and use your legs to bear the weight as you stand.
- take care not to lean over while lifting.
- Ask for help if you need it.
- Let your child climb up onto you for a snuggle instead of picking him up.