Are you someone who enjoys taking care of your lawn? If you are pregnant, you might be curious about potential risks. Just like any regular riding mower user, there are safety measures to keep in mind if you’re mowing the lawn while pregnant.
I outlined all the essential factors you should know to provide more insight.
Is it Safe for a Pregnant Woman to Ride a Lawn Mower?
Generally, it is safe to ride a lawn mower while pregnant. However, some essential factors to consider include your fitness level before becoming pregnant and how big a task is.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy or are at the late stages of pregnancy, then mowing the lawn is not recommended.
Why Mowing Can Be Beneficial During Pregnancy
Research shows that small amounts of exercise and fresh air can be beneficial for pregnant women if you don’t overdo it. Some benefits of riding a lawn mower while pregnant include:
- Preventing weight gain
- Releasing endorphins (also called “feel good” hormones)
- Making the delivery process a whole lot easier
When is Riding a Lawn Mowe Unsafe for Pregnant Women?
Mowing the Lawn While 10-20 Weeks Pregnant
It is safe to ride a lawnmower at 10 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is an excellent way to get some exercise, but you have to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard.
It’s not advisable to use a push mower, though. But, if you really need to do so, you can use a push mower with a bagger attachment to make maintaining and clearing your lawn easier, especially you’re pregnant.
Mowing the Lawn While 30-40 Weeks Pregnant
In the last trimester of your pregnancy, your baby becomes more developed, and your body will prepare itself for labor.
Therefore, mowing the lawn while you are 30-40 weeks pregnant is not recommended because it will put more pressure on your body.
As an alternative, you may consider using robotic mowers like the Luba AWD 5000, if you’re unsure whether you can ride a mower or not.
Risks to be Mindful of in Operating a Riding Lawn Mower While Pregnant
Risk #1: Exposure to Possible Allergens and Diseases
Mowing the lawn can expose you to many allergens floating in the air [1] and bugs that may carry diseases.
Your immune system may overreact to allergens, making your pregnancy more difficult.
Risk #2: Mowing a Large Yard
Sitting in a lawnmower for an extended period will lead to weight gain and put you at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes, which is a condition that can increase the risk of birth complications.
Risk #3: Dehydration
The mower overheating can lead to heat exhaustion and stroke. Since pregnant women are more susceptible to these conditions, mowing the lawn on a warm or hot summer day can be dangerous.
Risk #4: Vibrations
Low-frequency vibrations from lawnmowers and cars are generally considered safe for pregnant women. However, evidence suggests that exposure to whole-body vibrations can potentially lead to pregnancy issues and congenital disabilities.
Risk #5: You Might Fall Off
Immense trauma to your body can cause miscarriage or can injure your baby. If you are not used to riding a lawnmower, I advise not to use it.
While it is still safe to mow the lawn while pregnant, you must not forget that risks and essential factors must be considered for a healthy and safe pregnancy journey.
Safety Tips for Mowing While Pregnant
Tip #1: Checking the Yard Before Mowing
Before mowing, you must prepare the yard to make the process trouble-free. Clear the yard of sticks, branches, seedpods, rocks, and backyard toys since these materials can make the lawn bumpier and more dangerous.
Tip #2: Dress According to Safety Guidelines
Wear clothes that can protect you and your baby from outdoor elements. Wear proper footwear with a good amount of support and protect yourself from dirt and bugs. You can also wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt to protect you from the sun and bugs during summer.
FAQ
Can the bumps while mowing the lawn cause a miscarriage?
Riding a lawn mower while pregnant is generally safe. However, overexerting yourself, pushing the mower, or riding through a very bumpy yard is unsafe and can cause a miscarriage. Thus, it is crucial to clear the yard of any debris beforehand to avoid obstacles and provide a smoother and safer ride.
Conclusion
Based on the input from medical experts, it’s been determined that there are indeed several risks associated with riding a lawn mower while pregnant.
I highly advise checking in with your doctor to get their approval and ensuring that you personally feel comfortable engaging in such an activity.
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
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