How much weight is safe to lift?

1 min read January 19, 2025Week 28

Key takeaways

1 min

Follow NIOSH guidelines: lift no more than 35 lbs during first half of pregnancy and 25 lbs during 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.

During healthy pregnancy, NIOSH recommends lifting no more than 35 lbs in the first half and 25 lbs in the second half. Safe limits depend on lifting position, frequency, and your pre-pregnancy fitness level.

Track your pregnancy in the app

Personalized content for your pregnancy week

Download App

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 35 lbs (16.3 kg) during the first half of pregnancy 25 lbs (11.7 kg) and during the second half of pregnancy [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].

Frequently asked questions

NIOSH recommends lifting no more than 35 lbs during the first half of pregnancy and 25 lbs 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 January 19, 2025

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

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

Getting 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

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

New 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