Nesting is no surprise when you’re pregnant. The drive to prepare the perfect home for your incoming little one trumps almost everything else. Many times this even means upgrading to a new home. Regardless of your trimester, if you find yourself moving while pregnant, here are the five best ways to keep it safe.
Talk to Your Doctor
Every pregnancy is different. While some of us can keep lifting weights well into week 39, some need to make sure they take it easy throughout the entire thing. Before even thinking about raising that table, consult your doctor. They, better than anyone else, will know what kind of physical stress you can safely put your body and your baby under with this task. If they say no to lifting, ask them if there are other things you can do if you want to help out with the move.
Lift Properly
Moving comes with a lot of lifting and setting things down. Couches are often unwieldy even without being thrown off of balance from your bump. Assuming lifting is still okay for you, that doesn’t mean lift to set personal records. The best idea here is to lift what is comfortable. Remember to squat when you move vertically both up and down. Keep that back straight and move slowly.
Stay Hydrated
Due to the changes going on in your body, you need more water now than you ever did before. Invest in a water bottle and keep drinking. Moving is very physical and, regardless of the time of year, is going to eat away at your resources. You’re going to dehydrate faster than you think you will. Head this off by keeping that water flowing.
Pack Early
If you would give yourself a week to prepare, give yourself three. You’re going to tire out faster, and you’re going to need a lot more breaks. Your body is undergoing an extremely strenuous process growing your child. Don’t feel like you have to prove yourself to be some superwoman. You need to put your feet up, and you need plenty of rest. By packing earlier than you usually would, you can still accomplish what you want while remaining healthy.
Ask for Help
If you were going to try and move with minimal help, think again. Physically and mentally, you are giving a considerable portion of your resources to your fetus, meaning you won’t be able to help out as much as you usually could. By recruiting more help, you can still partake in the move without feeling like a burden. Just remember to bring some sort of “thank you” for those who help.
Moving during pregnancy is common, but it doesn’t have to be dangerous. Before you start putting those boxes together, recognize that you won’t be as physically capable as you were, and that’s okay. Embrace your pregnancy and enjoy it by making your move as safe as possible.