If you are pregnant, you know your body is set to undergo serious physical and hormonal changes.
But, beyond the obvious, there are dos and don’ts when undertaking physical activities like lawn care duties. So begs the question, can you mow the lawn while pregnant?
In this article, we’ll discuss whether you can mow the lawn while pregnant, the best way to stay safe while mowing through the stages of pregnancy, the risks of mowing during pregnancy and factors to consider before you mow your lawn.
Ready? Let’s dig in.
Can you Mow While Pregnant?
The short answer is yes. It is safe to mow the lawn while pregnant as long as you are comfortable doing it.
When it comes to pregnancy, there’s nothing like one-size-fits-all recommendations. And since each pregnancy is unique, you must be in tune with your body and check with your physician before mowing your lawn.
Doctors encourage pregnant women to remain physically active to help reduce anxiety or depression. And mowing the lawn is a safe form of physical exercise.
Mowing While Pregnant: 10 Safety Tips
Okay, so you have decided to mow your lawn? Here are the top tips to make your lawn care duty easy.
1. Stay hydrated
It’s hot, and you’re mowing the lawn while pregnant? Fear not; you can beat the heat and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids to help you keep your cool.
Mowing your lawn can be a fantastic way to exercise during pregnancy. However, just like any physical exercise, it’s important to hydrate properly, particularly when it is hot.
While warmer months are welcome, those extra pounds and pregnancy hormones can heighten the effects of summer heat, leaving you dehydrated.
Fortunately, drinking plenty of water during pregnancy works wonders—it keeps you cooler, boosts energy, reduces swelling, softens your skin and prevents dehydration which can be risky for you and your baby.
Hence, ensuring you get enough fluids for yourself and your growing child. If you feel dizzy, tired, lightheaded or overheated when mowing, stop and sit under a shade or go indoors to cool off until you feel better.
While all drinks may count, paying attention to what you consume and staying on top of your daily water needs is paramount.
Remember to keep off carbonated drinks! They will only dehydrate you further.
2. Mow your lawn in the early morning to avoid the heat during the day
Lawn mowing keeps your yard looking fresh and green. But doing it up a hill on a sunny afternoon can be a killer for any pregnant woman!
Any seasoned gardener will tell you that the time of mowing is as crucial as how frequently you mow.
For instance, mowing your lawn mid-day when the sun is hot will be strenuous, increasing your risk of overheating.
When you’re pregnant, mowing the lawn early in the morning will help you to avoid such issues.
Early mornings will also allow you to get the more-needed vitamin D from the sun, and with the cool, fresh air outdoors, you’ll have a more pleasant experience mowing.
So, the next time you go out to mow, ensure it’s early in the morning to avoid those horrible feelings afterward.
3. Take breaks when you feel dizzy or tired
Mowing the lawn while pregnant can be a daunting task. The perpetual back-and-forth motion, the noisy mower and the sun’s heat can take a toll on you.
We recommend taking breaks to cool off in the shade or rest when you feel dizzy or exhausted while mowing your lawn.
When you’re pregnant, taking some precautionary measures when mowing will ensure your safety as you enjoy the activity.
If you feel nauseous or lightheaded, stop mowing and rest under a shade. Be cautious about heat exhaustion. Take plenty of water to stay well hydrated.
4. Wear your sunscreen
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your skin ultra-sensitive to the point that it can respond unfavorably to certain ingredients.
Mowing your lawn exposes your skin to ultraviolet (UV) rays, which could lead to sunburns, premature aging, skin cancer, and other long-term conditions. But prevention is better.
While your child isn’t directly affected by the harmful UV rays, any harm to your skin could affect your baby; hence wearing sunscreen is crucial to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
The good news is that using sunscreen during pregnancy is safe, though there’s a catch.
The sunscreen has to be chemical-free and with the sun protection factor (SPF) that is perfectly safe for you and the baby.
When mowing the lawn while pregnant, always wear a hat and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it generously and reapply every two hours or when you feel overheated and sweaty.
So, what’s the best sunscreen for pregnant women, according to dermatologists? Supergoop Sunscreen.
It’s a pregnancy-safe, reef-friendly formula for smooth skin. It’s also sweat and water-resistant. Always mow your lawn in the early morning when the sun’s rays aren’t harsh.
5. Wear insect repellent
Lawn mowing can be a great way to exercise outdoors during pregnancy. However, taking precautions and protecting yourself from harmful insects is important.
When mowing the lawn while pregnant, wearing your insect repellent is particularly important, as there’s a high risk of contracting serious viruses from mosquitoes and other insect bites.
It is safe to use insect repellent during pregnancy. Still, of course, with caution because repellents contain the chemical N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, popularly referred to as DEET, an extremely effective insecticide.
When used as instructed, insect repellents are safe even for pregnant women. Avoid applying more than you require, and wash it off after lawn mowing.
So the next time you go out to mow the lawn, remember to wear your insect repellent.
6. Use a riding mower instead of push mowers
Our pregnancy experts have given the all-clear to mow the lawn while pregnant as long as you use a ride-on lawn mower, not a push mower.
Alternatively, pregnant women can use a self-propelled battery mower because it is lighter and quieter with no fumes.
With the ride-on or self-propelled mowers, you won’t have to bend over, which can be quite difficult as your belly gets bigger. Here are the best lawnmowers for women that are expecting.
7. Use a neck fan or cooling scarf to keep yourself cooler
During pregnancy, you can do some wacky and weird stuff that you can never do at any other time.
Wearing your neck fan is one of them. Yep, both options are cool and will help you beat the heat when mowing your lawn.
But we must caution you; the cooling fan uses batteries, and the cooling scarf must cool in the freezer for at least three hours before use. So keep that in mind.
Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your personal preference. Not sure which fan or scarf is ideal for pregnant women? You can’t go wrong with this neck-cooling fan or neck-cooling scarf.
8. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting long pants
Pregnancy outfits should feel loose and breathable, and most importantly, comfortable.
When you head out to mow your lawn, it’s essential to wear long, loose pants to ensure easy movement and protect your legs from possible insect bites, scrapes or even cuts.
In addition, when you wear long pants, you avoid exposing your skin to pesticides or other chemicals in the grass.
Sticking with pants also ensures you stay cool by making a barrier between the skin and the sun’s heat.
And what’s the best fabric for your pants? Cotton beats them all. It’s breathable on your skin and absorbs sweat, keeping your body cool.
Lastly, wear comfortable closed-in shoes to allow easy movement and protect your feet during mowing.
9. Wear gloves when pulling weeds
When you’re pregnant, mowing is a task that can help you to calm and relax your nerves and mind. And pulling a few weeds will be part of mowing your lawn.
As any gardener will tell you, it can be messy and tough. You must deal with the mire and muck and endure pesky insects and spiny thorns.
But you’ll be glad to know it’s completely safe for pregnant women to pull weeds, though with some precautions.
Wearing gloves is essential and makes the job a little easier. Gloves protect your hands from harsh elements and offer padding that prevents scratches or stings.
Moreover, soil can have toxins and parasites like Toxoplasma gondii, a common parasite in cat feces.
And as we all know, outdoor cats use lawns as their trash box. So the litter eventually finds its way to the soil.
Hence, the next time you want to mow your lawn safely, be sure to wear gloves to help keep your hands clean and free from harmful substances.
10. Wash your hands after filling the gas tank on the lawn mower
According to a British Council of Cancer study, exposure to gasoline during pregnancy increases the risk of childhood leukemia.
While mowing your lawn while pregnant is considered safe, there are precautions you must take. Always wash your hands immediately after filling your lawnmower’s gas tank.
Remember that gasoline can penetrate your skin, causing harmful effects, particularly to the mother and child. Pregnant women should therefore avoid unnecessary exposure to gasoline fumes.
In addition, remember to drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated while mowing your lawn. These simple precautions will ensure you and your baby stay safe and healthy during mowing.
Is it Safe to Mow the Lawn While Pregnant: Other Factors to Consider
While it is generally safe to mow your lawn when pregnant, it is wise to consider other factors like your fitness levels, pregnancy stage, and extent of the task, as well as external factors.
For instance, if you have to ride on or push a lawn mower, consider the size of your lawn or its landscape.
If you’re mowing a hilly yard and feel off-balance, you shouldn’t mow. Instead, get someone to do it for you. Better safe than sorry.
The weather—is it rainy, extremely cold, or summer? Only go out to mow when it’s safe and take the necessary precautions.
Suppose you must mow while pregnant; remember your overall feeling on the mowing day. For example, don’t mow if you’re experiencing pain, unusual discharge, bleeding, or light-headedness.
Are you pregnant and on bed rest or having a high-risk pregnancy? Or is your pregnancy in the late stages? Oh, please forget about mowing your lawn for now.
If you experience an allergic reaction to pollen, grass, gasoline, or other elements outdoors, prevention is key. Avoid exposing yourself and your child to these reactions.
In addition, if you find strong vibrations or loud noises annoying, this might only trigger heightened anxiety levels and negatively impact your baby’s health. Avoid.
According to expert obstetricians and gynecologists, most pregnant women exposed to high decibel sounds of at least 85 decibels, like those of lawnmowers, can damage hearing and increase the baby’s risk of experiencing hearing loss.
If you’re unsure whether it is safe to mow your lawn under certain conditions, it is best to check with your healthcare provider to avoid exposing your pregnancy to risks.
Lawn Mowing Through the Stages of Pregnancy
Pregnancy has three stages known as trimesters—the first trimester, the second trimester and the third trimester.
A trimester has between 12 and 14 weeks, and the full-term pregnancy takes about 40 weeks from your last period.
If mowing is your hobby and you’re used to it, it is safe to do it throughout pregnancy. However, in the first two trimesters, you should take it easier than usual.
Also, pay attention to your body and take precautions to prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion and exposure to allergens.
So you’re pregnant and ready to mow? Let’s check out each trimester and what you need to know.
Mowing your lawn in the first trimester:
The fetus is most susceptible in the first trimester of pregnancy. During this phase, all major organs are developing fast, and since changes in your body are astronomical, you’ll often feel nausea and fatigue.
The morning sickness and feeling fatigued can make mowing your lawn look like an overwhelming activity, especially in the extreme summer heat.
Therefore, only mow your lawn when feeling rested and properly hydrated. If you feel tired, take a break to cool off or go indoors and take a short nap until you feel better. Once you’re through with mowing your lawn, get enough rest.
Considering your pregnancy’s vulnerability in the first trimester, you should avoid mowing tasks that expose you to harmful chemicals, including fertilizers and pesticides, which can affect the baby.
If you hire a lawn mower to assist with the task, if chemicals will be involved, talk to your doctor about it and let him advise before you expose yourself and your baby to it.
Safety tips for mowing your lawn in your first trimester:
- Stay well hydrated.
- Avoid mowing in the afternoon or during hot and humid weather.
- Walk through the mowing path before removing objects like toys or any obstructions that may compromise your safety.
Mowing your lawn in the 2nd trimester:
Phew! Week 13 to 26 is perhaps the least troublesome pregnancy stage for most women. Essentially, nausea is over, and the bump won’t throw off your balance like in the third trimester.
As such, mowing your lawn during the second trimester can be fun and worthwhile. Without nausea and fatigue, you’ll be more energetic, and your baby bump won’t make you feel sore or archy.
But…even when you feel fantastic, don’t forget the basic safety measures:
- Stay well hydrated.
- Mow in the early morning.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself.
- Stop if you feel dizzy or lightheaded while mowing.
- Use a self-propelled mower or a riding mower. Ditch the heavy push mowers.
Mowing the lawn in the third trimester
Your baby bump speaks for itself by now, and you’ll feel uncomfortable as your body prepares for labor. But if you feel strong enough to mow your lawn, let’s find out if it is safe for you and your baby.
As recommended in the first and second trimesters above, don’t push yourself too hard and always listen to your body, especially in this last trimester.
Lawn mowing in the third trimester can be intimidating, but the tips below can help you make it.
- First, always wear comfortable and proper footwear to ensure easy movement.
- Secondly, take short breaks and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Finally, be more cautious when operating the lawn mower and avoid sudden movements. Your baby’s bump is grown, and its extra weight gain can throw off your balance, making you fall.
- It’s advisable to move carefully and slowly when in your third trimester. Avoid the bumpier ride on the mower. Lawn mowing is a moderate physical activity, just like walking– so do it only if you feel fine and comfortable.
- Once again, if you feel faint or lightheaded, stop. Drink some water and take a break. Rest under a shade or head straight indoors.
- If you feel pain in any part of your body, stop. However, if the pain persists, call your healthcare provider immediately.
With these easy-to-follow tips, you can comfortably mow your lawn to the end of your pregnancy.
Other Reasons Why You Should Stop or Avoid Mowing Your Lawn;
- Feeling overheated.
- Underlying medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Being allergic to certain chemicals, noises or environments that make you feel itchy, anxious or sneeze.
- Experiencing spotting, bleeding, or any discharge.
- Any form of pain or discomfort, especially sharp pains.
- A feeling that your blood pressure is going up.
Risks of Mowing Your Lawn While Pregnant
Mowing your lawn while pregnant comes with some factors, including:
- High risk of heat exhaustion.
- Underlying medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Consult your doctor before you start mowing or doing any physical activity.
- Overheating can be dangerous to your fetus if you go out to mow your lawn during your first trimester.
See: Why is my pull cord hard to pull?
FAQs
Can mowing the lawn cause a miscarriage?
You will be at risk of a miscarriage when mowing the lawn if you overexert your body by pushing a very bumpy lawnmower uphill. Getting dehydrated or overheating could also cause a miscarriage or injure your child.
Can you push a lawn mower while pregnant?
Yes. Mowing using a push lawn mower is safe if you stay hydrated and avoid overheating. You’ll be fine. Just be sure to listen to your body. If you feel dizzy, hot, or in pain, stop mowing and rest.
Can you ride a lawn mower while pregnant
Absolutely yes! Unlike when using a roller coaster, riding a lawn mower (see our post on the best riding mowers under $2000) while pregnant is generally safe if you do it carefully. However, listening to your body, drinking plenty of fluids, and being kind to yourself is important.
Stop if you feel dizzy or lightheaded. Always choose a riding lawn mower over a push mower which requires more effort.
Can mowing your lawn induce labor?
Maybe. Mowing on or after your due date could push you into labor. If you’re in the late stages of your pregnancy, you should not engage in work that requires more physical exertion.
But if you want to stay active until the due date and wonder which activities might help induce labor, gardening, cutting grass, or mowing could do the trick. But is it guaranteed that labor will start? No. A pregnant woman can mow her lawn on her due date and still not experience labor.
Can you cut grass while pregnant?
Yes, you can cut grass while pregnant, but take precautions. Consult your healthcare provider, choose a lightweight mower, wear comfy attire, and stay hydrated. Listen to your body and take breaks if needed. Avoid exposure to chemicals and gas fumes. Ask for help if it becomes challenging. Prioritize your well-being and enjoy a safe mowing experience.
Can you mow the lawn when 5 weeks pregnant?
Yes, you may be safe to mow the lawn while pregnant, but it depends on your circumstances. However, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider to assess any potential risks and receive personalized advice based on your specific pregnancy. Prioritizing your well-being and seeking professional medical guidance is essential.
When is it not recommended to mow your lawn when pregnant?
Like any form of physical activity, mowing the lawn during pregnancy is safe as long as you’re comfortable and your doctor has given you a green bill of health. But there’s a caveat to this! It would help if you listened to your body. For example, don’t even start mowing if you feel weak or dizzy.
Final Verdict – Can you mow the lawn while pregnant?
So, can you mow the lawn while pregnant? Our verdict? Yes, you can! Mowing your lawn is a form of exercise for pregnant women.
Experts say it can make you release the endorphins, i.e. the feel-good hormones that could help make the delivery process easier.
While it has a few risks, the many benefits of staying safely active and keeping your environment looking neat far outweigh them.
So go ahead and break out your lawnmower; take the necessary precautions to remain safe. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.
When all is done and dusted, sit back and feel good about accomplishing such a great task while heavy!