Physical activities and minimal exercise can benefit pregnant women in many ways. If you’re expecting, you may be considering doing a few chores, including gardening.
But is it safe to continue watering the herbs, planting flowers, or mowing the grass? Can mowing the lawn cause a miscarriage?
Can Mowing The Lawn Cause A Miscarriage
No, mowing the lawn cannot cause a miscarriage if you don’t push the mower too hard. However, using a mower when your pregnancy is considered high-risk can increase your chances of having a miscarriage.
Usually, tending to your lawn while expecting is perfectly safe. But not taking the necessary precautions can expose you to heat exhaustion, allergies, and dehydration.
Now, we believe you understand that clearing grass and debris in your yard will not cause a miscarriage. Just be careful and follow your doctor’s instructions.
Understandably, you may be eager to resume work in the garden. But how do you handle the mower while expecting a child? What are the benefits of mowing the lawn while pregnant?
Keep on reading this guide to find out!
Advantages Of Lawn Mowing While Pregnant
Most of the time, carefully engaging in physical activities is not a cause for concern for moms-to-be. Once your doctor confirms that you are experiencing a healthy pregnancy, you’re free to use the mower.
Riding the lawn mower while pregnant can prevent you from gaining extra weight. Although the process may be stressful sometimes, it is like a form of exercise. Nevertheless, pay attention to your body’s reactions while engaging in this activity.
Also, mowing the lawn while pregnant can make your delivery smooth and easy. Since you’re engaging your body carefully, your chances of being constantly weak or tired will be slim.
How Do You Mow the Lawn While Pregnant?
It is important to take the necessary precautions before mowing your lawn while expecting a baby. Not only will you be safe, but you will also protect the life of your unborn child.
Here are 7 tips for mowing the lawn while pregnant:
1. Take Regular Breaks
Sure, driving the mower can be a difficult task even if you’re not pregnant. Carrying a baby, combined with pushing the lawn mower under the sun, can make you feel tired quickly.
So, it is best to take breaks as many times as possible if you feel nauseous or weak. Get fresh air and, if possible, take a cold drink to make the lawn mowing activity an enjoyable one.
2. Wear The Correct Shoes
Always have it in mind that your shoes play a big role in your lawn mowing activity. To be on the safe side, avoid tight and open-toe shoes.
Tight shoes can hurt your feet and even make movement slow while pushing the mower. Open-toe shoes can expose your feet to debris, sharp stones, and sticks.
Consider shoes with a firm grip, especially if you’re using the mower in a wet condition. Footwears without good grip or support can make you slip and fall. Besides, they can make your back hurt for many days.
3. Drink Plenty Of Water
No matter how cold or hot the weather conditions are, always take a lot of water. While mowing the lawn can be a form of exercise, you need to avoid dehydration by all means.
Not getting enough water can affect you and your baby. Fill up a cooler with some ice and put some bottled water in it to drink when resting.
4. Wear Safety Equipment
It is advisable to put on long pants, gloves, and other protective items to be safe. Long pants will protect your legs from insect bites, cuts, and bruises. Besides, it will protect your skin from exposure to the chemicals and pesticides that may be on the lawn.
Using gloves will keep your hands clean and also protect them from sharp thorns and insect bites. So when you’re pulling weeds, your fingers will be completely safe from dirt and stings.
5. Mow The Lawn Early
Trimming your grass in the afternoon can be difficult because of the heat from the sun. Hence, it is better to start mowing in the morning to make your work easier. You will also do more work in the morning than late in the afternoon when the sun is shining.
6. Wash Your Hands
Whether you’re wearing gloves or not, always remember to wash your hands after mowing the lawn. When you’re filling the lawnmower with gasoline, there’s a chance some of it will spill on your hands.
Keep in mind that gasoline or other chemical substances can harm the skin. This is why it is important to always wash your hands with soap and water after using the mower.
7. Use Insect Repellants
To protect yourself from mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects, wear insect repellants. For your baby’s sake, it is important to protect yourself from insect bites during pregnancy.
Most standard stores sell mosquito repellants, so it shouldn’t be hard to get one.
Risks Associated With Mowing The Lawn When Pregnant
As we’ve mentioned earlier, pushing the mower during pregnancy is safe. However, certain factors can cause a miscarriage when mowing the lawn while pregnant. Once you know these factors, it will be easy to avoid them.
Here are some of the risks associated with mowing the grass during pregnancy:
- Dehydration
- Exposure to allergies
- Overheating
- Insect bites
- Exposure to pesticides and chemicals
Final Thoughts
Although mowing the lawn cannot cause a miscarriage, you need to be careful. Pay close attention to your body before and after using the lawnmower in your yard.
Speak to your health professional if you notice anything unusual. Follow the safety tips in this article and you will always enjoy your lawn mowing activity.
Do not force yourself to trim the grass if you can’t handle it. Instead, ask a family member or close friend to help you.
Remember, taking the necessary precautions ensures both you and your baby remain in perfect health.
Learn more from another post: Does Mowing Weeds Kill Them?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Mowing The Lawn Induce Labor?
No, mowing the lawn should not induce labor if you have a healthy pregnancy. But if your delivery day is near, avoid pushing the mower.
Speak with your doctor if you want to be fully active till the time you give birth. Physical activities such as taking a walk can be beneficial to you.
Can A Pregnant Woman Cut Grass?
Yes, a pregnant woman can cut grass if she is physically able to handle it. However, you need to consult with your health practitioner before engaging in any activity, especially during the early stages of pregnancy.
In a high-risk pregnancy, it is not safe to engage in stressful activities such as cutting grass. When you speak with your doctor, they will advise you on the best activity to engage in.
Is It Okay to Do Yard Work While Pregnant?
Yes, it is okay to do yard work while pregnant if you’re careful. Make sure you don’t work under the sun, and that the work is not too stressful.
Don’t forget that yard work is like a form of exercise. And exercise is beneficial to pregnant women, especially if your doctor recommends it.
Feel free to plant some flowers, mow the lawn, pull out weeds, and tend to your yard.
Hey, I’m Lisa and I’ve been an avid gardener for over 30 years. I love writing, talking and living in the garden! Feel free to connect with me on my socials below
