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Tips for Moving While Pregnant

Moving can be a challenge when you're pregnant. You must be very careful moving heavy items because you don't want to risk injuring yourself, the baby, or miscarriage. It can be tempting to just leave things in boxes and come back for them later, but that could lead to lost possessions or, worse, getting hurt when you're by yourself. Some items you might want to leave in boxes and take them out later include small appliances, dishes, clothes, and anything else that isn't too big. But even those should be moved with caution. Keep your doctor's advice about what you can lift during pregnancy in mind when planning your move.

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As a pregnant woman moving to your new home, here are some tips for how to move without hurting yourself or the baby:

Talk to Your Doctor

It's best to talk to your doctor before you participate in doing all the lifting and moving. This way, they can tell you if there are any items that you shouldn't be moving or moving with caution.

Your doctor might recommend putting some of your things in storage until after the baby is born, so you don't have to risk hurting yourself during the move. Moving to your new home can be a bit stressful, but if you prepare yourself properly and take precautions, it's possible to do without getting hurt or hurting your baby. Read our article on Stress Managment when you move.

Ask for Help 

Ask for help when you need it. Don't try to do everything on your own. You might be tempted to do it all yourself, but you can easily hurt yourself and your baby if you lift even slightly more than usual. You'll be glad you have help when it comes time to box up the contents of your home.

If you're hiring movers, see how many are coming to move all your things. If only one or two are showing up, try to find out what happened and hire. Moving is also easier with help from family members or friends.

Also See: Where to buy Moving Boxes from | Guide to Cheap Moving Boxes

Get Plenty Of Rest And Take Breaks

You'll be on your feet most of the day, and that can take a toll on you if you don't take the time to rest. Take frequent breaks and try to eat healthy snacks at regular intervals. If your doctor allows it, drink some ginger ale or other non-caffeinated beverage; ginger helps make morning sickness more bearable. Not only will it help your baby, but it'll make the whole moving process easier on you. You may also read our guide on Tips for moving homes with a Newborn.

Pack the Essentials Only

Many women have an urge to pack whatever they can when planning a move. If you're pregnant, it's important to resist that urge. Try to avoid packing boxes with items in your home you won't need until after the baby is born, especially if you have other children in the home who might get into them. You may also read our blog on Moving with kids.

Pack an Overnight Bag

These include comfy clothing, non-odor absorbent socks and underwear, toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush and bobby pins, makeup, and other personal grooming supplies. Makeup and personal hygiene items may seem unimportant now that you're pregnant, but you still want to look your best. You'll be glad you packed them if the movers take longer than expected or if your new home isn't ready until that first night.

Be Sure to Pack All Medications

Don't forget about prescription and over-the-counter medicine, as well as any vitamins you're taking. Pregnancy may mean changes in medications, so make sure you have what you need when you need it.

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Pack a Few Extras

Whenever you're moving, everything doesn't always go as planned. Even if everything does go off without a hitch and the movers show up on time and get everything where it needs to be, you never know what might happen along the way. It's better to be prepared for an emergency.

Pack a few things you'll need if anything happens along the way, including jumper cables, luggage rack or luggage carrier, flashlight, first aid kit, blanket or sleeping bag, bottled water and snacks for the drive, printed directions to your new home (in case your GPS dies), spare keys to your new home.

Drink Plenty of Fluids and Eat Healthy Foods

Your baby needs all the nourishment it can get, which means you do too. Make sure you eat well and drink plenty of fluids to keep up your energy levels, then take frequent breaks, so you don't tire yourself out completely. Never stress yourself out physically while moving, and never skip meals.

Keep a cooler stocked with water and healthy snacks nearby during the move. It's important to stay hydrated, so drink plenty of water, and pack some healthy snacks if you get hungry. Pack things like fruit, granola bars or trail mix, bread or crackers with peanut butter or cheese, sandwiches made with light fillings such as chicken salad, smoked turkey breast or vegetarian filling, carrots, and celery sticks.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

Don't wear new shoes when moving. Your feet will swell a little bit during pregnancy, and new shoes can cause some serious discomfort while you're on your feet all day, especially if the weather is warm. Please wear comfortable shoes that have been broken in, so they won't rub or pinch anywhere while you walk from room to room, up and down the stairs, or in and out of your vehicle. 

Avoid Stress when Moving

Stress can be harmful to you and your baby. Don't move during a time when you're stressed about other things in your life, whether that's due to work, finances, family issues, or anything else. Give yourself plenty of time to make sure you're not rushing. If you're not physically ready for the move, don't put it off; get everything else in order before moving day arrives.

See Also: Moving Day Tips

Don't Lift Heavy Boxes 

The best way to avoid harming your baby is not to lift anything too heavy when you're pregnant. You or the movers should always use a dolly when moving large, heavy items. Ask family members for help if they're available; someone can watch after older children while another helps with moving chores. If your moving day is coming up soon, ask family members to help you pack the smaller items so everything will move a little bit faster.

Avoid any Toxic Chemical

For mommies to be, please keep away from any toxic chemicals that could harm you or your baby, so after the move, spend some time cleaning up. Open all the boxes and remove any packing materials so you can thoroughly clean everything with a disinfectant spray or wash everything down with hot soapy water. You may have to do it all over again if you choose to paint your walls, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Conclusion

Moving while pregnant can be a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience. By following the tips in this article, you can make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. Drink plenty of fluids, wear comfortable clothing, take frequent breaks, and most importantly, relax and enjoy the process. And if anything goes wrong or you need help along the way, don't hesitate to ask for assistance from family members or movers. You can do it!

Also See: How to find a Doctor when you Move | How to Avoid Getting Sick During a Move?

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FAQ's

What shouldn't you do when you are pregnant?

When you're pregnant, don't lift heavy boxes, don't use chemicals, and don't stress out. Doing this could cause problems for your baby and your health.

What are the dangers of moving while pregnant?

The dangers of moving are potential injury from lifting or pulling things too hard or for an extended period, complications during pregnancy, inability to keep up with the work required to move all your stuff, and staying still in one place while pregnant.

How much should you drink water when moving?

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated while moving, don't skip meals, and wear light clothing if possible. If it's hot out, avoid strenuous activity in the heat for your comfort and safety. 

What is the best way to move when pregnant? 

The best way to avoid harming your baby is not to lift anything too heavy when you're pregnant. Drink plenty of fluids, wear comfortable clothing, take frequent breaks, and most importantly, relax and enjoy the process.

What are pregnant foot problems? 

Pregnant foot problems can cause pain, swelling, redness of the inner aspect of one foot, and ankle pain.

How much time should you spend moving each day? 

If possible, try not to move more than a few things a day. If you must do something strenuous on an everyday basis, pace yourself and take breaks often. Spend at least one hour every day resting on the couch or in a comfortable chair.

What can you do to help yourself while moving? 

You can keep stress down, pace yourself and take frequent breaks, drink plenty of fluids, wear comfortable clothing, and ask for help from friends and family if needed. 

Where should you pack up your things before the move?

Before the move, pack up favorite photos, souvenirs, and other sentimental items so you can quickly find them once you're settled in your new home. Also, pack some healthy food and non-alcoholic or caffeinated beverages and keep them in a cooler so you'll always have something to eat or drink during the move.

What should you do if you can't manage the move? 

If it's just too much, consider hiring professional movers to handle everything for you and protect both yourself and your baby.

How far along should you be before moving? 

The earlier, the better! If possible, wait until after your first trimester is up before moving, and if you must move before then, try not to lift or pull anything too heavy.

Can you do everything yourself even though pregnant? 

Yes, absolutely! There's no need to overdo it. Just pace yourself and take frequent breaks. And as always, ask for help from family and friends if needed.

 What's a good way to ease yourself into moving? 

Ideally, you want to start packing up your belongings and getting ready to move at least a month before your due date. That way, you have time to pack up everything without feeling too rushed.