Can You Shovel Snow When Pregnant: Tips to Keep You Safe and Healthy

Can you shovel snow when pregnant? Learn how to safely shovel snow while pregnant.

Can I shovel snow when pregnant?

It happens: you’re pregnant when it snows, and there’s no one around to help you. While it’s not recommended that you go out and shovel snow like crazy, sometimes it just needs to be done.

When I was pregnant with my kids, I completely and utterly went against my own pregnancy advice for winter: I went outside and shoveled snow.

Yep. That’s what I did! You should have heard my family and friends yelling at me…

…But honestly, I knew what to do to keep myself safe.

Should You Shovel Snow During Pregnancy?

Really, when you’re pregnant, especially when you’re 20 or so weeks along, you should not attempt to shovel snow if it isn’t necessary. Not only can you slip and fall on ice (don’t forget your body is off balance), you can also pull muscles in your back and abdomen, making your already uncomfortable body much, much more uncomfortable.

Earlier in pregnancy, you can still shovel snow no problem. You should still take it easy, but unless your doctor instructed you otherwise, it’s perfectly fine shoveling snow when pregnant.

The latest I shoveled snow during pregnancy was 26 weeks along. My husband was cooking and cleaning, so I offered to go out and clear out the car and around the car so that when the plow came by all of the excess snow would be taken away.

I’d rather shovel snow than cook or clean any day anyway!

Tips for Shoveling Snow When Pregnant

If possible, my best advice is to have someone else shovel for you: a neighbor, a friend, your spouse/partner, etc.

But you know your body and how much you can do.

If it’s absolutely necessary for you to go out and do it yourself, here are some helpful tips for shoveling snow when pregnant:

Wear shoes or boots with excellent grips or treads. If there’s even a hint of ice or slippery slush, you’ll want to make sure you’re sturdy on your feet. Falling on your bottom or your back hurts (trust me!) and you can seriously injure yourself.

Wear a belly or back support belt. Give your belly and back support, especially since those are the muscles you want to protect. I wear my support belt when shoveling, or when doing any task that requires bending and lifting. It makes all the difference in the world!

Use a snow shovel with good grips and an ergonomic handle. Having a good shovel with good hand grips is beneficial so your hands are not slipping as you try to push or lift snow.

Try to push snow instead of lifting and throwing it. If the snow is light enough, try pushing it into a pile instead of lifting and throwing it. Lifting and throwing snow can injure your back, shoulders, and neck if you’re not careful.

If lifting is necessary, remember to lift from your legs, not from your back.

TIP: For light snow, you can use a leaf blower to blow it away!

Take frequent breaks. Don’t try to be a superwoman. Take breaks every ten minutes to give your body a rest.

Stay hydrated. Even with all of that wet snow around, it’s very possible for you to become dehydrated. Drink some water every time you take a break to prevent dehydration.

Be careful out there. It may take you longer to recover from sore muscles when you’re pregnant.

Stay warm. While you might not need as many layers since you feel warm from pregnancy, you should still protect your feet, hands, and head while out shoveling snow.

Click Here for More Pregnancy Tips!

Not Able to Shovel Snow When Pregnant?

If you’re not able to shovel, it might be a good idea before the snowy season even starts to find someone who can help you.

You can get a professional company to help you, ask in a local Facebook group if anyone does snow removal, or even ask one of the neighbors if they could lend you a hand.

Be safe, and best wishes!