Updated May 8, 2023
Whether you love it or hate it, mowing the lawn is a summer tradition for most of us, but can I mow the lawn while pregnant?
Some moms-to-be worry about the dangers of mowing the lawn when pregnant, but is there really anything to worry about? Here’s what you need to know.
Mowing the lawn is a common chore that many pregnant women are wondering if they can do.
Can I Mow the Lawn While Pregnant?
The answer to this question is: yes, you can mow the lawn while pregnant!
However, there are some things you should keep in mind when doing so. I
n this article, we will discuss the risks and benefits of mowing the lawn while pregnant.
We will also give you some tips on how to stay safe while doing this chore.
So, can you mow the lawn while pregnant? The answer is yes! You can mow the lawn throughout your pregnancy as long as you are in good health.
However, there are some things you should keep in mind when doing so.
10 tips for mowing the lawn while pregnant:
1. Stay hydrated when mowing the lawn.
Mowing the lawn can be a great way to get some exercise, but it’s important to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather.
Drinking plenty of fluids will help you avoid dehydration, which can be dangerous for both you and your baby.
When you’re pregnant, mowing the lawn can also help you get some much-needed fresh air and vitamin D.
Just be sure to take breaks often and drink plenty of water.
And if you start to feel dizzy or lightheaded, stop mowing and rest in the shade until you feel better.
Related: Electrolyte Drinks During Pregnancy: What To Drink When You Are Expecting
2. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing
Sunscreen is an important strategy to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Mowing the lawn exposes your skin to UV rays, which can cause sunburn, skin cancer, and other damage.
The best way to mow the lawn safely is to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply it every two hours or after sweating.
Be sure to mow the lawn in the early morning or evening, when the sun’s rays are not as strong.
Pregnant women are more susceptible to heat exhaustion, so it’s important to stay cool and hydrated while mowing the lawn.
If you must mow the lawn while pregnant, be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, and loose-fitting clothes.
3. Take breaks if you feel tired or dizzy.
Anyone who has ever mowed a lawn knows that it can be tough work.
The constant back-and-forth motion, the noise of the mower, and the heat of the sun can quickly take a toll.
That’s why it’s important to take breaks if you feel tired or dizzy while mowing the lawn.
Pregnant women, in particular, should be careful to avoid heat exhaustion.
If you’re mowing the lawn while pregnant, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and take frequent breaks in the shade.
And if you start to feel lightheaded or nauseous, stop mowing immediately and go indoors to cool off.
Taking a few precautionary measures can help ensure that mowing the lawn is a safe and enjoyable activity for everyone.
4. Mow your lawn early in the morning to avoid the extreme heat of the day.
Any experienced gardener will tell you that mowing the lawn is a necessary part of keeping your yard looking its best.
But what many people don’t realize is that when you mow can be just as important as how often you mow.
For example, mowing in the middle of the day can be extremely strenuous, especially in warm weather.
Not only will you have to contend with the heat, but also the bright sun.
By mowing early in the morning, you can avoid both of these issues.
The air is cooler and the sun isn’t as strong, making for a much more pleasant mowing experience.
And if you’re pregnant, it’s especially important to avoid mowing in the heat to reduce your risk of overheating.
So next time you go to mow your lawn, remember to do it early in the morning for the best results.
5. Wear insect repellent
Mowing the lawn is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors, but it’s important to take a few precautions to protect yourself from insects.
One of the best ways to do this is to wear insect repellent.
Not only will this help to keep mosquitoes and other biting insects away, but it will also help to protect you from ticks.
When you’re pregnant, it’s especially important to wear insect repellent while mowing the lawn, as there is a risk of contracting Zika virus from mosquito bites.
So next time you head out to mow the lawn, don’t forget to grab some insect repellent!
6. Wear the right shoes.
One of the most important safety precautions is to wear the right shoes.
Closed-toe shoes are a must, as mowing can kick up all kinds of debris, including sticks and stones.
If you’re mowing in wet conditions, make sure your shoes have good traction to avoid slipping.
And when you’re mowing the lawn while pregnant, it’s especially important to wear shoes that provide good support.
Next time you head out to mow the lawn, take a few minutes to make sure you’re wearing the right footwear.
Your back will thank you for it later!
7. Wash your hands after filling the gas tank on the lawnmower.
While mowing the lawn is generally considered a safe activity, there are a few precautions to take if you are pregnant.
One of the most important things to remember is to wash your hands after filling the gas tank on the lawnmower.
Gasoline can be absorbed through the skin, and pregnant women are particularly susceptible to its harmful effects.
8. Wear gloves when pulling weeds.
As anyone who has ever pulled weeds knows, it can be a dirty and difficult task.
Not only do you have to deal with the muck and the mire, but you also have to contend with sharp thorns and pesky insects.
However, there is one easy way to make the job a little bit easier: wear gloves.
Gloves protect your hands from the elements, and they also provide a bit of padding, making it less likely that you’ll get scratched or stung.
In addition, gloves help to keep your hands clean, which is especially important when you’re pregnant.
Soil can contain the Toxoplasma gondii parasite.
Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common parasites in the world.
It finds its way into the soil from cat feces.
Unfortunately, outdoor cats LOVE to use gardens as their litter box.
So next time you head out to tackle the weeds, make sure you’re wearing a pair of gloves.
9. Keep yourself cooler with a neck fan or neck cooling scarf
Keeping cool is half the battle when mowing the lawn.
We love both of these options.
The neck cooling fan runs on batteries so keep that in mind.
The neck cooling scarf needs time to cool in the freezer before use.
Which one you choose comes down to personal preference.
10. Wear long pants when mowing the lawn.
When mowing the lawn, it’s important to wear long pants to protect your legs from potential cuts and scrapes.
Pregnant women should take extra care to wear long pants to avoid exposing their skin to chemicals and pesticides that may be present in the grass.
In addition, long pants can help you stay cool while mowing by providing a barrier between your skin and the hot sun.
So, next time you head out to mow the lawn, be sure to put on a pair of long pants for protection.
By taking a few simple precautions, you can help ensure a safe and healthy mowing season for both you and your baby.
Mowing the lawn in the first trimester:
The first trimester of pregnancy can be tough with both fatigue and morning sickness being the most common complaints.
Fatigue and nausea can make mowing the lawn feel like an insurmountable task in the summer heat.
It is important to mow the lawn when you are well-rested and well-hydrated, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy.
If you are feeling tired, take a short nap before you go out to mow your lawn.
When you are done mowing the lawn give yourself time to rest and nape if you need to.
Mowing lawn 2nd trimester:
Mowing the lawn during your second trimester might be the most enjoyable time to do it.
You tend to have more energy and less nausea, and your baby bump isn’t throwing off your balance or making you feel sore and achy.
Basic safety measures still need to be taken even though you feel good.
- Stay well hydrated
- Avoid the afternoon sun
- Stop if you feel lightheaded or dizzy while mowing
Let’s talk about mowing the lawn in third trimester:
Mowing the lawn in the third trimester may seem like a daunting task, but with a few tips, it can be easily accomplished.
First, be sure to wear comfortable clothing that will allow you to move freely.
Secondly, take breaks often and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Finally, use extra caution when operating the mower and avoid any sudden movements.
The weight of your baby bump can throw off your center of gravity and make you feel off-balance, which can lead to falls.
It is important to move slowly and carefully during your third trimester of pregnancy.
Using a bumpy riding lawn mower while pregnant is usually safe but you want to avoid any large bumps or hills.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to mow the lawn with ease – even in the third trimester!
Can you ride a tractor while pregnant?
Our OB/GYN Dr. Doug Penta, MD said that generally speaking it is safe to use a tractor during pregnancy as long as you have no health issues.
You should talk to your own doctor or midwife before you do though. They know your specific personal history and can advise you on what to do in your personal circumstances.
For some of us, riding in a tractor while pregnant may be a necessity. It could be part of your job or in our case operating a family farm.
Maybe you are the only one who can get the lawn mowed so riding the lawn tractor while pregnant is a must.
The key is to be careful, listen to your body, stay well-hydrated and stop if you feel nauseous or dizzy.
Can mowing the lawn induce labor?
Maybe.
If you are at your due date or beyond, mowing the lawn could help you go into labor.
The reason is that walking is often suggested to women who are 40 weeks pregnant and want to get labor going.
Is it a guarantee? No.
It is entirely possible you will mow the whole lawn and still not go into labor.
Final Thoughts
The verdict? Most likely, yes.
While there are some risks associated with mowing the lawn while pregnant, they are outweighed by the benefits of staying active and keeping your home in order.
If you have any concerns, be sure to check with your doctor first.
But for most women, mowing the lawn is a safe way to stay active during pregnancy.
So go ahead and break out the mower – just take a few precautions to stay safe.
And when it’s all done, enjoy that sense of accomplishment knowing you got something done while pregnant!
Mowing the lawn might seem like an odd task to add to a list of things you can do while pregnant, but it’s actually quite safe
