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Expert Q&A:
At 22 weeks, do I need to see the doctor if I've been lifting heavy objects

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Elaine Zwelling
Answered by Elaine Zwelling R.N., Ph.D., L.C.C.E., F.A.C.C.E.
Elaine Zwelling, R.N., Ph.D., has been involved in maternal-newborn health care for 40 years. She has a bachelor's degree in nursing from Capital University and a master's degree in nursing and a Ph.D. in Family Relations and Human Development from Ohio State University. Dr. Zwelling brings to the Pampers Parenting Network her experience of helping expectant parents enjoy their pregnancy, plan and create a positive birth experience, and learn about parenting their newborn baby. She is certified by Lamaze International as a childbirth educator, is a Fellow in the American College of Childbirth Educators, and has taught childbirth classes for 25 years. Dr. Zwelling was the director and faculty for the Lamaze International Childbirth Educator Certification Program of Florida; in that role she prepared many nurses to become childbirth educators.

Dr. Zwelling was a Professor of Maternal-Newborn Nursing for 23 years at both Capital University and Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. At these institutions she taught undergraduate and graduate students and conducted research. For eight years she was a Senior Consultant with Phillips &; Fenwick, a women's health consulting firm in Santa Cruz, California, specializing in helping hospitals implement family-centered maternity care. Currently Dr. Zwelling is a Perinatal Nurse Consultant with the Hill-Rom Company. In this position, she provides comprehensive support and consultation to hospital maternity units to create quality care environments equipped with the appropriate equipment for labor and birth and provides clinical education for nursing staff.

Dr. Zwelling is the co-author of a maternal-newborn nursing textbook, Maternal-Newborn Nursing: Theory and Practice, and has published many professional journal articles related to maternal-newborn health care, family-centered maternity care, and childbirth education. Dr. Zwelling is a recognized speaker at professional conferences and teaches continuing education seminars for childbirth educators and perinatal nurses throughout the country.

Dr. Zwelling resides in Sarasota, Florida, and has a grown son, lovely daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.

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Question


At 22 weeks, do I need to see the doctor if I've been lifting heavy objects

Answer


I do not think you're stupid . . . every pregnant woman worries about her baby during pregnancy! After all, women already love their babies before they're even born. You obviously know what things are not recommended during pregnancy (like lifting heavy objects), so I won't repeat that advice. I understand that at times you might feel you need to do things yourself that you know may not be wise. However, as your pregnancy goes on and physical tasks become more and more difficult to do, unless it is an emergency situation it's not worth taking the risk of hurting the baby or yourself. Leave the task undone until someone you know can do it for you.

The piece of mind you'll have is more important than completing the task and then worrying about whether you harmed the baby. You're correct: If you've had no cramping or bleeding, and you continue to feel the baby moving, most likely all is well. On the other hand, if ever you're worried about your baby you should feel no guilt about checking in with your health care provider to assure that all is well.

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