Life With A Baby - Pregnant and picking up my toddler

Monday, April 26, 2010 4:05 PM

Message # 331378

Deleted user

Hi Ladies,

I'm around 4 months pregnant, and have a 2 year old toddler. I am so used to picking him up and carrying him around. Although it's getting harder to do the carrying around part, I still need to pick him up on some occasions, and he's around 26 pounds.

Is this absolutely wrong? Can there be damage done to the infant? It's not like I'm not feeling well after, or that it's really hard for me. I just need to get him out of the crib, or get his face and hands washed after a meal.. family members are urging against it..

Anyone with a similar experience or some mommy-insight?

Thanks!

Julie

Monday, April 26, 2010 10:13 PM

Reply # 331566 on 331378

Deleted user

Hi! Its actually yourself you need to look out for. Just watch out for back pains, it can get pretty sensitive these days. Oh I had that same time - pregnant with a toddler.... twice! And I just couldn't help it with all motherhood duties and no help except for my working husband. Quick short lifts to get your toddler around... you're probably perfectly fit so it should be fine.

But when your belly gets much bigger, you may experience pain on the vagina area that would really tell you not to carry your little toddler anymore, or even the diaper bag or the grocery bag. Watch out also for some shoulder and neck pains with all that weight in and on you. Just do what you can and listen to your body.

How are you enjoying the gorgeous week with the little toddler? Do you go out a lot? Exercise for both of you, eh? ;D I hope you enjoy this pregnancy as much as you enjoyed the first one. I remember your post in one of our forum discussions about liking your pregnancy and its pretty amazing. Cheers to you!

Last modified: Monday, April 26, 2010 10:13 PM | Deleted user

Monday, April 26, 2010 11:48 PM

Reply # 331602 on 331378

Claire (Administrator)

Hey Julie,
Every pregnancy is different. You should really check with your doctor to see what he/she says. I know when you are pregnant you should avoid lifting heavy items. When I was pregnant my doctor even told me not to carry heavy groceries.

It's amazing how we go into the protective stage the minute we know we are pregnant.

For this topic I would say, definitely check with your doctor
-Claire

Thursday, April 29, 2010 11:26 PM

Reply # 333455 on 331378

Joanna

Julie,
Do check with with your doctor. Although, even if s/he says it's ok, I'm sure you'll still hear about it from your relatives :-)

Opinions will vary even among doctors. This is what I found.

You may want to pay attention to how you lift/carry your toddler. No sudden movements, bend from the knees, squat, etc. You can ask your doctor or read about it from a good resource.

I do want to say, be very careful. When I was pregnant with my second, I suffered a tear in between my placenta and uterus (nothing to do with heavy lifting), and as a result, was prohibited from carrying my older child at all. That was difficult! Because, as you and others have mentioned in this thread, carrying/lifting your toddler is unavoidable. There were times when I had to absolutely lift Naomi; thank goodness she was walking. So just be extra careful. You want to be healthy and strong throughout your pregnancy to do what you have to do. :-)

Last modified: Thursday, April 29, 2010 11:26 PM | Joanna

Monday, May 03, 2010 11:31 AM

Reply # 334785 on 331378

Deleted user

Thanks everyone - my family doc is agains it, and I haven't asked the obgyn yet. I feel great for now, no back/lower back pains, and I have tried cutting back. I'll attempt to lift with my legs, it's just hard sometimes - this is something you get so used to that I often realize I shouldn't lift when I'm already holding Liam :)

It must be so hard for those who have their kids so close in age... especially if the older sibling is not walking yet..

Pregnant and picking up my toddler

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