Many first-time moms worry about the potential risks certain activities may carry. And among these is the concern that mowing the lawn could cause miscarriage. This question merits a closer look.
We break it down in this article to help you understand whether a chore like lawn mowing could contribute to this unfortunate event.
Is It Safe To Mow The Lawn On a Riding Mower While Pregnant?
Riding mowers typically cause less physical strain than push mowers because you sit as you operate. However, there are some factors to reckon with, to make it safer.
Firstly, the vibration of the mower is something to think about. It’s generally mild but prolonged exposure to vibration is something you should avoid during pregnancy.
According to a nationwide cohort study conducted by the National Library Of Medicine among Swedish women, whole body vibrations(WBV) can cause preterm birth and low baby weights. Noise is another factor. Though it isn’t directly harmful, it could be stressful.
Moreover the risk of injury cannot be ignored. Even though these machines are safely built, accidents can still happen, especially if the ground is uneven or slippery. Pregnancy changes your balance and reflex, which makes you prone to falls.
Last but not least, the exposure to fumes and possibly chemical lawn treatments could really be unsafe. If there are fertilizers, pesticides, or other reagents on your lawn, it’s best to stay out of the area just so you don’t get exposed.
The key advice here is caution. If you choose to mow the lawn with a riding mower(of course, safer than the push mowers); take breaks, drink enough water, and keep off harsh chemicals.
Your doctor, however, shouldn’t be excluded in your decision to undertake this activity during pregnancy. They can provide advice based on your specific health condition and stage of pregnancy.
Tips To Safely Mowing The Lawn While Pregnant
1. Choose the correct time:
Pregnant moms should utilize early mornings and late evenings for lawn mowing because it’s much cooler at these hours. This helps to avoid getting very hot. Overheating isn’t something you want while expecting, so mowing at cooler temperatures is your safer bet.
Plus, the sun is off so you won’t have to worry as much about sunburn. Also, take more water so you don’t desiccate while working.
2. Using a riding mower if possible
I would recommend that pregnant women use riding mowers over push mowers if they can. Riding ones are easier to handle because you sit down while you work, which means you won’t get as tired.
Just make sure the seat is comfortable. But even with the riding mower, it’s smart to take regular breaks. You don’t want to take any chances because of the vibration.
3. Wear a protective gear
Gloves are very important so you don’t want to skip them. They protect your palms from potential cuts and scuffs as well as perhaps blisters that can form while handling the mower.
Long pants are also important. These shield your legs and protect you from flying debris like the sticks and grasses that the mower kicks up.
You also need a sturdy closed-toe shoe. They also shield your feet from sharp, pointed objects and make a better grip which prevents slips and falls.
In certain environments, wearing a mask can be beneficial too. It prevents you from inhaling dust and pollen, which can be irritating and harmful especially if your immune system is more delicate.
4. Avoid chemicals
Do well to stay off any chemicals. This means saying no to weed killers, pesticides or any other kind of lawn treatment that uses harsh ingredients. They can be harmful to you and the baby especially because they’re easier to breathe in and can get onto the skin while working outside.
Instead of chemical treatments, you might consider natural ways to take care of weeds or pests. You can either pull weeds by hands (wearing gloves, of course) or use homemade mixes that are safer for you and the environment.
Feel free to ask someone for help if there’s a heavy job or something that involves bending over a lot, since they can be tough when you’re carrying a baby.
5. Ask for help when needed
It’s okay to ask for help. Carrying heavy stuff or pushing a lawn mower for a long time can be exhausting and certainly not what you want for you and your baby. If the lawn mower is heavier, or your yard is big, get someone to do for you.
Also, reaching out for help with tasks that need you to bend a lot like pulling weeds can save you from the discomfort. It’s not just about heavy lifting; even simple tasks can be more challenging while pregnant. Remember, friends, family, and neighbors often don’t mind giving a hand — you only need to ask.
6. Listen to your body
If it gets harder to move around, or you feel dizzy and your breaths starts getting shorter while mowing the lawn, then it’s time to stop and rest. These are signs that you’ve overdone it, or the activity is too much for you.
Taking in extra water and breaking for a while would be necessary in this case. So, always track how you feel and don’t push too hard. If its too much, it’s so fine to schedule for another day or ask someone to help out.
Can Pregnant Women Do Yard Work?
Pregnant women can go ahead and do yard work but there are some preventive measures to adhere to, just so they could be safe with their babies altogether. Gardening or doing yard work can be a good way to keep fit.
Dr. Anna Cabeca, a specialist in this area says that gardening can keep you moving and can be done throughout the pregnancy, once you feel up for it. And we support this!
However, it’s important to stay safe while in the garden, especially when it becomes to heavy lifting and using chemicals.
Here are a few tips for safe gardening during pregnancy:
- Stay indoors while garden chemicals are being sprayed. These sprays can hang in the air and aren’t safe to gasp.
- Make sure not to do heavy lifting or too much bending as these can be hard on your back and abdomen.
- Don’t skip the regular breaks. Drink extra water and take advantage of the cooler times to garden to prevent overheating and sunburns.
Pregnant women can perfectly do yard work as far as they listen to their bodies and take the steps or precautions to protect themselves and their babies.
Would Mowing The Lawn Cause Miscarriage? – Final Say
Mowing the lawn by itself usually doesn’t cause miscarriage, but there are risks involved for pregnant women. The strain of pushing a heavy lawn mower, the possibility of overheating and exposure to loud noices, vibration and chemicals are factors that make this risky.
That is why we advise that you listen to your body and avoid overstraining yourself. It’s also good to include your doctor in your decision to lawn the mower at this time.
They can tell you whether its safe to do or just cease, as per your current health condition. If this activity seems too dangerous and uneasy, then it might be best to ask someone to help out.
By heeding to these forethoughts and keeping the chat going with your doctor, you can ensure your safety and the precious little one.
