Moving, in general, can be super stressful, however moving while pregnant is a whole other thing!
Depending on where you are in your pregnancy you have to worry about packing, changing addresses, and starting in a new area (or city).
It can cause a lot of stress and anxiety!
Don’t worry about someone like myself going through the same thing. I am here to share a few tips and tricks on how you can move while pregnant!
Is Moving Harmful During Pregnancy?
If you do a quick Google search, you’ll see a lot more risks and negative aspects of moving while pregnant.
However, sometimes we don’t have to make a choice. When we’re about to start a family or even expand our family, we need to make room or possibly downsize.
Some of us are buying houses and others are moving in with their parents because they need the help.
So please don’t let whatever you see on Google or Reddit cause concerns. You’re doing what’s best for your family.
Don’t below we will go through the stuff you should and should not do while moving!
DO – Hire/Ask For Help!
During pregnancy, you can’t lift heavy items and packing can be hard once the belly is coming out. Make sure you ask for help when packing up your home.
If you don’t have help near you, you can hire people to help pack and move your entire place.
DON’T – Lift Heavy Items/Boxes
Whatever you do, please please don’t lift any heavy boxes or items. Leave that for your partner to do!
Lifting heavy items can lead to complications in your pregnancy.
How much weight can’t you move while pregnant?
Within the first half of your pregnancy (Before 20 weeks) you can lift less than 20 pounds. As you go further along you can only lift 13 pounds.
DO – Take It Easy At All Times
I have to say, being pregnant and moving can be hard. It’ll take you much longer to pack up a room rather than when you are not pregnant.
Take it easy at all times when it comes to packing. If you can only pack away one cupboard in the kitchen that day, then so be it!
Remember to start packing far in advance of your move-in day.
DON’T – Create Expectations That Will Be Hard For You
I am guilty of this. I would create a super long to-do list, then by the end of the day, I only completed 1-2 tasks on my list. I would get so down on myself and tell myself I didn’t do enough.
Since being pregnant I began to create expectations that I can accomplish without feeling guilty.
Create expectations that do not 1) stress you out and 2) become physically hard on your body.
DO – Talk To Your OB and Midwife About Your Move
I highly suggest letting your midwife/OB know you will be moving. Sometimes moving to a different location can make some pregnant women emotional.
Your OB and especially your midwife can support you during this time.
DON’T – Push Yourself Into Exhaustion
Rest is the key during your pregnancy. Pushing yourself to exhaustion can have more risk on your body than anything. Such as putting yourself on bed rest.
Take breaks as much as you can!
DO – Make Multiple Trips To The New Place
Usually, moving can take just one day with the help of friends/movers. However, when you’re pregnant, things can take a while.
I highly suggest taking your time moving your stuff to your new place.
Overall…
Moving while pregnant can be such a hard task to do however with the help of your friends, partner, and also hiring help can make your moving go smoothly. You can also check out The Little Wins and Wisdom: What My First Trimester Taught Me!
