A: It would be inadvisable to do any heavy lifting if you have some conditions during pregnancy. These include cervical incompetence, a history of preterm labor and a history of back pain. Also, if you're not already in good shape with adequate leg, abdominal and arm strength, this isn't the best time to begin heroic acts of lifting.

In general, it's important to follow a few guidelines when planning to lift something. First, is the object going to cause considerable strain to lift? If so, I advise against lifting it. Second, are you using proper body mechanics? Remember to bend from your knees rather than your waist, using the strength of your legs to do the work of lifting. Hold heavy objects close to your body if you can. It's best to move slowly and discontinue your action if anything begins to hurt. Finally, make your job easier, dividing loads into smaller portions when you can.

Back pain can be quite a nuisance, especially during pregnancy. Being cautious to prevent injuries makes a lot of sense.