Lifting during Pregnancy

KayRN2003 · Jul 1, 2004

How much weight is it considered safe to lift during pregnancy? Did you still continue to scoot patients up in bed and turn them when pregnant?

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2004

:chair: Let your ob doc tell you. Everyone is different. I'm a guy so I know you weren't asking me, but I can only tell you what I've seen. I've seen nurses who were pregnant run half-marathons, I've seen nurses continue to do their job within reason exactly as before. Basically a normal pregnancy doesn't disable the nurse and the nurse should perform near the same level. I've seen other nurses the day they found out they were pregnant put themselves on light duty to protect their baby. Obviously caution should always be exercised. Medical advise should always be sought.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2004

:chair: Let your ob doc tell you. Everyone is different. I'm a guy so I know you weren't asking me, but I can only tell you what I've seen. I've seen nurses who were pregnant run half-marathons, I've seen nurses continue to do their job within reason exactly as before. Basically a normal pregnancy doesn't disable the nurse and the nurse should perform near the same level. I've seen other nurses the day they found out they were pregnant put themselves on light duty to protect their baby. Obviously caution should always be exercised. Medical advise should always be sought.

Destinystar · Jul 1, 2004

Usually if it is something that you usually do you can still do it if you are pregnant. As the pregnancy progresses the baby is dropping lower and is heavier, the hormones in your body are causing your ligaments to soften and become more pliable. You are far more prone to becoming injured at this time than someone who is non pregnant. Besides it is harder to work around equipment, or siderails or anything that might press into your abdomen. Go by how you feel. If it is causing you pain, discomfort, Shortness of breath, bleeding, contractions then call your doctor. When you are pregnant your doctor can determine that you are temporarily disbaled and put you on limited duties or even take you off of work. In the 3rd trimester a woman should not be doing any strenuous activities because it could increase her core temperature and cause brain damage to the fetus. Running could cause the placenta to tear. Most women take off work at least one month before delivery. I gained a ton of weight and worked up to the last minute with my all 4 of my pregnancies with no harm being done to my children. But I was very uncomfortable at times.:)

How much weight is it considered safe to lift during pregnancy? Did you still continue to scoot patients up in bed and turn them when pregnant?

Destinystar · Jul 1, 2004

Usually if it is something that you usually do you can still do it if you are pregnant. As the pregnancy progresses the baby is dropping lower and is heavier, the hormones in your body are causing your ligaments to soften and become more pliable. You are far more prone to becoming injured at this time than someone who is non pregnant. Besides it is harder to work around equipment, or siderails or anything that might press into your abdomen. Go by how you feel. If it is causing you pain, discomfort, Shortness of breath, bleeding, contractions then call your doctor. When you are pregnant your doctor can determine that you are temporarily disbaled and put you on limited duties or even take you off of work. In the 3rd trimester a woman should not be doing any strenuous activities because it could increase her core temperature and cause brain damage to the fetus. Running could cause the placenta to tear. Most women take off work at least one month before delivery. I gained a ton of weight and worked up to the last minute with my all 4 of my pregnancies with no harm being done to my children. But I was very uncomfortable at times.:)

How much weight is it considered safe to lift during pregnancy? Did you still continue to scoot patients up in bed and turn them when pregnant?

KayRN2003 · Jul 1, 2004

Have you ever heard of a hospital being unable to accommodate a nurse because she couldn't lift more than 25 lbs?

KayRN2003 · Jul 1, 2004

Have you ever heard of a hospital being unable to accommodate a nurse because she couldn't lift more than 25 lbs?

julieK · Jul 2, 2004

I don't know the answer to that question, but I wish I did. I'm 33 weeks pregnant and work on an onc unit where I routinely have 6 patients. My OB doesn't really have an opinion as to how long I should work for. I hope I'm not doing damage to the baby from working so hard. I am still lifting patients and everything b/c our aides are basically worthless except for a very few.

-Julie

julieK · Jul 2, 2004

I don't know the answer to that question, but I wish I did. I'm 33 weeks pregnant and work on an onc unit where I routinely have 6 patients. My OB doesn't really have an opinion as to how long I should work for. I hope I'm not doing damage to the baby from working so hard. I am still lifting patients and everything b/c our aides are basically worthless except for a very few.

-Julie

gwenith, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2004

The best way to go is to try and get "no lift" policies introduced. When it comes to moving patients in bed slide sheets/ move tubes are cheap, effective and can be used by virtually anyone.

gwenith, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2004

The best way to go is to try and get "no lift" policies introduced. When it comes to moving patients in bed slide sheets/ move tubes are cheap, effective and can be used by virtually anyone.