Someone I work with just lost her baby

[Jodi1980]

She was 11 weeks pregnant and lost the baby while lifting weights (she is in the Army) - should you be doing this while pregnant?

 

[Princess_Aurora]

I was never advised against lifting weights. At that early stage, you can do just about anything. I'm sure there had to have been another reason other than just lifting the weights. Sometimes babies just aren't meant to be. But from what my dr told me when I was pregnant, exercise in the first few months can be the same as it was before you got pregnant. It's only further along in your pregnancy that you need to kind of slow down. And I've known some women that have never slowed down.

It is a sad thing to have happen though and I hope she'll be okay in time.

I found this at fitpregnancy.com

Question:
I’ve been lifting weights for years, and am 4 months pregnant. Is it safe to continue? Also, is jogging (on the treadmill) safe?

Answer:
Yes, it is safe, but as you get bigger, you’ll have to modify your workout. While pregnant, your goal should be to maintain, not increase, strength, with lower weights and more reps. Here’s what Dawn Braud, director of the Woman’s Fitness Center at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, La. has to say: “A split lunge is preferable, where you can lift and lower your torso slowly — you might want to hold onto a chair to keep stabilized. A semi-recumbent leg press is best while pregnant; you may need to adjust the depth and decrease the weight as you grow.” As for using the treadmill: “If you were already jogging on a treadmill before you were pregnant and mastered the skill, then it is probably safe to continue through the second trimester,” she says. “But by the third trimester it can be difficult to maintain good posture and balance. The primary concern is safety. Adjust your speed to a level you feel comfortable with and are still able to talk easily.” Then she adds these important words: “Do not hold your breath while exercising; do not strain or bear down on the pelvic floor. And, IF ANYTHING HURTS, STOP!”

I hope that helps a little. You should be sure to let her know that this was in no way her fault.

 

[Desnik]

I don't know how much she was lifting, but at that stage if she was lifting what she normally did prepregnancy, this couldn't be the cause. Unfortunately these things happen. I know, I've been there. Please do not say those classic things people say that they think helps, but doesn't. Like the following
"Sometimes babies just aren't meant to be"
"this is for the best, obviously there was something wrong with the baby, who wants a sick baby"
"You'll have another one"
"You could start trying again soon"
And believe be there's alot more. Just be there for her to listen and offer a shoulder to cry on.

 

[Rajah]

I think it really depends on the person. I know there's no way my mom could have lifted any weights when she was pregnant, nor could my great grandmother. If I ever get pregnant, I won't. There are some people who just can't put that kind of pressure on their bodies while pregnant and expect to keep the baby.

But, there are also some others who could lift their body weight while pregnant and never have a problem, so it really depends on the person.

I'd suggest she talk to her doctor about it, and next time (if there is a next time, and I hope there is for her if she wants there to be) maybe cut down on the weights during pregnancy?

*Hugs*

 

[CEDmom]

It's perfectly safe to lift weights or other pre-pregnancy physical activities during pregnancy with your doctor's ok. The biggest concerns are not letting your heart hate get to high because it could affect the amount of oxygen to the baby and not lifting while lying on your back because it could affect the amount of blood flow to the baby. I know many people that exercised with minimal modifications up until delivery. Most doctors recommend staying active.

Also, as someone who has had many miscarriages I understanding wanting to have a concrete reason for it but at 11 weeks that usually isn't possible. Your friend shouldn't beat herself up about this or think it's her fault, unfortunately these things happen.

 

[lil mermaid]

Most likely, the miscarriage had nothing to do with ANYTHING this poor woman did, including lifting weights.

Like others on this thread, I have been there. Desnik's post was very insightful - I heard all of those things and more when I lost my babies. A few other things I heard:

It's better that it happened now, and not later before you were REALLY attached to the baby
Now you have an angel in heaven, looking over you (I didn't want an angel in heaven, I wanted live babies here on earth.)
At least you know you can GET pregnant (the goal here was not to get pregnant - it was to have a baby)

What should you say? Simply that you are sorry and that you care.