Vacuuming While Pregnant

[Lilyann0324]

Okay, I know this may be weird to ask but is it safe to vacuum while pregnate? I am almost 7 weeks With some "stretching" "cramp like" feelings on and off currently. My vacuum weights about 16 pounds. I feel bad asking my husband to do it all the time haha

[elleg88]

I'm currently 11+ weeks, had SPD in last 2 pregnancies and for other medical reasons this pregnancy is high risk. as a precaution I've brought a carpet sweeper, its lightweight,practical, cheap enough to replace and best thing is its quieter than my vacuum which is great when the two children are sleeping

[Claudia5thprego]

Unless u have a high risk pregnancy or at risk of a miscarriage. Dont do it. Ask. Its better to ask then to have a loss. But if your just worried about the weight your pushing around ask your ob.

[Miyu19]

Try asking your Dr if that's any reason for concern. Take it easy for a bit and then resume when the cramping subsides until you get an answer from the Dr.

I felt like that a lil early on but it did go away with rest. I am very active (weight trained until midway 2nd trimester) so if I pushed myself too much, I rested til I felt better or the symptoms went away.

[Lilyann0324]

I only ask because I have other non pregnant women giving advice and its nerve racking as I want to continue with my daily chores without constriction just yet. With regard to the cramping, it comes and goes, it's in 5 minute clips. It does feel like I am going to get my period and is concerning regardless of my my doctor says. I hope it ends soon, I'll be seven weeks tomorrow.  

[Miyu19]

Oh and the stretching/cramping is normal. Its your body prepping for the fetuses growth. Unless there is bleeding associated with it, don't worry

[twoUnder2]

Sorry you've gotten some harsh answers to an innocent question. Any time you're nervous,  ask your OB. Its generally safe to clean your house, but your OB will know your situation better than anyone on here. My OB recommended avoiding twisting too much once in the 2nd trimester (which just meant being mindful of how I move when shoveling snow or vacuuming).I know that a lot of stuff can be scary when you're pregnant, especially if it's new territory for you. It's okay to ask questions,  and it's okay to ask your OB office ANYTHING. That's what they are there for. Best of luck in your pregnancy journey!

[Miyu19]

Seriously snowyaj and mrsolah... This is exactly what I hate so much. We aren't helpless at all just because we're pregnant. I'm 35 weeks, the most active of my friends, do mma (not since becoming pregnant of course) and my friends/ family who aren't active can't believe I'm still working and keeping myself so busy. Unless there is a medical reason for me to slow down, why do I need to?

This is one reason many natural birth, anti c section, etc proponents believe we have such high incidences of c sections, babies being breech etc. Woman are no longer doing basic things as we are being babied. Scrubbing the floors on hands and knees even late in the third trimester like back in the 50s was perfect for getting and keeping the baby in perfect position for birth.

Its great to relax once in a awhile and let someone else do some work for you, especially if you've been up working all day and not resting, have some swelling from being up all day. But other than that its not good to be inactive during the pregnancy. Vacuuming can be a form of very light exercise.

For the vacuuming, I always recommend one with a HEPA filter to reduce allergens in the air. Other than, I see no issues unless medically ordered on bed rest

[snowyaj]

No offence but how did mothers of previous generations manage to keep a house, keep dinner on the table and keep the rest of the family washed and clothed? Im not a sit on my arse kinda girl, never have been, never will be... But it amazes (and irritates) me how almost every other person seems  to think I shouldn't be doing this, that or the other. Until im physically unable to do something or it becomes painful to do, I'll be pottering away. Im over 7months atm.

[mrsolah]

Thank you! I am only 11w3d and I already hear "do you think you should be doing that" or "let me do that for you". We know our bodies more than anyone and until we feel like it's not safe to do something then we won't. We wouldn't put our babies in danger.

[jaydensmommy04]

You wouldn't think that you're harming your body but at 12 weeks I had a miscarriage that's the time you should be most cautious in things that you do . Cus one slight movement could end up bad and you wouldn't want that

[cate2273]

Lol my feelings exactly! My mil and Gma keep thinking I'm overdoing it...and I'm only doing light yard work! I know they are concerned because I've had 3 miscarriages, but seriously, working did not kill my babies! Laying in bed all day is the worst thing I could do for a natural labor and strength after baby comes. Keep moving mamas! And listen to your body. If you're tired, take a break. If you hurt, rest.

[norahbee3]

If you aren't comfortable doing something..then dont :)

[BinaBops]

I wish it wasn't safe to vacuum and do other chores, but unfortunately it is perfectly safe to do most aspects of housework. Even at 37 weeks I'm still using the vacuum. There may come a time when you physically can't push that thing around,  but right now you should be fine

[aricakaye30]

I have an abdominal hernia and I have no problem. I'm also very large for 13 weeks

[Eg0re]

Unless you have other medical issues it is more than safe to vacuum while pregnant.