EN
How much weight is safe to lift?
Pregnancy

How much weight is safe to lift?

1 min readWeek 28
#fitness #complications
Key takeaways
1 min
  • Follow NIOSH guidelines: lift no more than 36 lbs during the first half of pregnancy and 26 lbs during the second half.
  • Consider lifting position - picking up from floor is riskier than lifting from waist height during pregnancy.
  • Continue picking up toddlers safely as this falls within recommended weight limits for healthy pregnancy.
  • Avoid jobs requiring bending over 20 times daily or lifting heavy objects more than once every 5 minutes.
  • Consult your healthcare provider about weight lifting limits specific to your healthy pregnancy situation.

NIOSH recommends lifting no more than 36 lbs (16.3 kg) in the first half of a healthy pregnancy and 26 lbs (11.8 kg) in the second, for occasional lifts at waist height, so 40 or 50 lbs is over both. Lifting from the floor or a high shelf, or lifting often, lowers what is safe; ask your provider about your own limit.

amma app

What is your body telling you?

A personal check-up from amma — answer honestly and get your read-out

Rated 4.8· 417,594 reviews

How much weight is safe to lift?

How much weight you can safely lift depends on many factors — from how much weight you could lift before you were pregnant to how you are lifting the weight. Lifting a heavy box off the floor or lifting it off a high shelf is not the same thing. In any case, the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends not lifting more than 36 lbs (16.3 kg) during the first half of pregnancy and 26 lbs (11.8 kg) during the second half [1].

In other words, if you have a toddler at home, doctors do not discourage you from picking them up. It's another matter if your work is related to physical activity. NIOSH considers it a risky job where pregnant women have to bend over 20 times a day or lift heavy objects more than once every 5 minutes [2].

Not sure how far along you are?

Convert weeks to months, estimate your due date, and follow week-by-week progress.

Open pregnancy calculators
Frequently asked questions

NIOSH recommends lifting no more than 36 lbs (16.3 kg) during the first half of pregnancy and 26 lbs (11.8 kg) during the second half. These limits help maintain a healthy pregnancy while allowing normal daily activities.

Yes, picking up toddlers is generally safe during healthy pregnancy as most toddlers weigh under the recommended limits. Use proper lifting techniques and listen to your body.

Frequent heavy lifting, bending over 20 times daily, or lifting objects more than once every 5 minutes increases risks. Lifting from floor level is also more dangerous than lifting from waist height.

Yes, how you lift matters greatly for healthy pregnancy. Lifting from floor level or overhead shelves poses more risk than lifting objects at waist height with proper form.

NIOSH considers jobs risky that require frequent bending (over 20 times daily) or repetitive heavy lifting (more than once every 5 minutes). These activities can compromise healthy pregnancy outcomes.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Meet our medical experts

Medically reviewed content

Reviewed by healthcare professionals · Updated

This article is based on peer-reviewed research and trusted medical sources.

  1. Provisional Recommended Weight Limits for Manual Lifting During Pregnancy. Thomas R. Waters, Leslie
  2. Reproductive Health and The Workplace.

You might also like

How safe is flying when you’re pregnant?Pregnancy 1 min

How safe is flying when you’re pregnant?

Learn when it's safe to fly during pregnancy and essential precautions for a healthy pregnancy. Get expert tips on air travel restrictions and safety measures.

complicationsleisure-and-fun
Health screenings for a safe pregnancyGetting Pregnant 2 min

Health screenings for a safe pregnancy

Discover essential health screenings and tests for a healthy pregnancy. Learn CDC recommendations, risk factors, and prevention tips. Get expert guidance now!

medical-testsdoctor-visits
How much weight did you gain during pregnancy?Pregnancy 2 min

How much weight did you gain during pregnancy?

Discover healthy pregnancy weight gain recommendations based on your BMI. Learn safe ranges, risks of gaining too little or too much, and expert guidelines.

symptomsmedical-tests
​​When and how much should a baby sleepNew Parent 1 min

​​When and how much should a baby sleep

Learn essential baby sleep patterns, durations, and schedules. Newborns need 14-17 hours daily with frequent wake-ups. Get expert tips for healthy infant sleep habits.

sleepbaby-care
How to talk to the doctor during prenatal checksPregnancy 2 min

How to talk to the doctor during prenatal checks

Master prenatal appointments with expert tips for effective doctor communication. Ensure a healthy pregnancy by asking the right questions and advocating for yourself. Read now!

doctor-visits
5 common discomforts during pregnancyPregnancy 2 min

5 common discomforts during pregnancy

Discover the 5 most common pregnancy discomforts including morning sickness, bleeding gums, and drowsiness. Get expert tips to manage symptoms safely.

partnersymptoms
amma app

What is your body telling you?

Get your personal read-out from amma

What is your body telling you?

Trusted by over 30 million women worldwide

Rated 4.8417,594 reviews