Is It Safe to Mow the Lawn While Pregnant?

Pregnancy can bring with it many life adjustments including a new wardrobe, limited mobility in the later stages, and changes to your general daily routine. While there is much excitement and anticipated change, there are some activities that may or may not impact pregnancy health that can be less obvious such as mowing the lawn.

While it is generally safe to mow the lawn while pregnant, there are some important factors to consider such as fitness levels before pregnancy and the size of the task at hand. If you are in the late stages of your pregnancy or have been deemed a high-risk pregnancy, you should avoid mowing the lawn.

If you are wondering about whether or not it is safe to mow the lawn while pregnant, this full guide should answer your questions. If you are unsure, it is best to check with your doctor to avoid any risks to your pregnancy.

Consider How Far Along You Are

What stage of your pregnancy you are in can determine what tasks you can safely do, including mowing the lawn. If you are in your first trimester, there are many tasks you will still be able to do as you normally would. As long as your pregnancy isn’t deemed high-risk, mowing the lawn is generally considered safe.

During your second and third trimesters, your baby is growing immensely and any exertion on your body can be exhausting. If you were an active person prior to your pregnancy, there is a higher chance that mowing the lawn into the later weeks of your pregnancy will be safe.

As a general rule of thumb, listen to your body closely. If you start to feel unwell, exhausted, or sore, stop mowing the lawn and rest. If it feels uncomfortable in any way it is best to avoid mowing the lawn to reduce any risks to you or your baby.

Can You Push Mow While Pregnant?

As long as your pregnancy is not high-risk, your doctor has not confined you to bed rest, and it is within the scope of activity you did before you were pregnant, it is generally considered safe to use a push mower.

Using a push mower can be a great form of exercise, releasing endorphins in your body and assisting with healthy weight gain during pregnancy. Because it requires more physical exertion than a riding mower and you should remain fully aware and mindful of your physical state while using a push mower when pregnant. If you start to feel light-headed, overheated, fatigued, or sore, you should stop mowing immediately.

If you start bleeding or experiencing abnormal discharge, this can also be a sign to stop mowing immediately and seek medical attention. You may wish to assert caution when it comes to mowing the lawn if you have anxiety around the noise and vibrations from using a mower.

When mowing the lawn with a push mower, it is best to use an electric mower, as gas-powered mowers release poly-cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in their fumes which are toxic to breathe in for anyone and can be harmful to your baby.

Can You Mow the Lawn on a Riding Mower While Pregnant?

Because a riding mower requires less physical exertion than a push mower, it can be more comfortable to use especially if you are in the latter half of your pregnancy. Even though it may feel like you can handle mowing more yard space while on a riding mower, you should still exert the same precautions as you would while using a push mower or doing any other physical activity.

If you start to feel tired, dizzy, sore, or overwhelmed, you should stop using the riding mower immediately. Remember to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks, and avoid mowing the lawn during the hottest part of the day. Even though it can seem easier on the body, you should avoid using any type of mower if you have a high-risk pregnancy or were advised to be on bed rest by your physician.

Can Mowing the Lawn Cause a Miscarriage?

Mowing the lawn is generally considered to be a safe activity to do while pregnant if it is within the scope of your fitness and comfort levels. Some people warn that mowing the lawn can cause a miscarriage however, mowing the lawn itself does not cause this.

The risk of miscarriage can occur if other traumas occur, such as falling or fainting while mowing the lawn. Be aware of your surroundings, avoiding steep hills, and uneven surfaces to minimize fall risks.

You should also be careful of the weather and stay hydrated, avoiding the hottest, sunniest parts of the day when doing any outdoor activities.

Before Mowing the Lawn While Pregnant, Ask Your Doctor!

This guide is intended to be a general guide for conditions to consider when mowing the lawn while pregnant. The best way to ensure the safety of your baby, your pregnancy, and your body is to consult with your doctor as they will know the specific details and contingencies of your pregnancy.

Each persons’ pregnancy is different and as such, the activities one can take part in vary greatly as well. While it is best to consult with your doctor, there are also forums and apps online where doctors can answer many basic health-related questions.

Know the Potential Dangers of Mowing Your Lawn When Pregnant

1. Steep Hills

If your yard has steep hills or uneven surfaces, it is best to avoid mowing these areas as the chance of falling is higher in these areas. Fall risks could lead to miscarriages or other injuries to you and your baby.

2. The Size of Your Yard

If the area of lawn you intend to mow is relatively small and can be done in a short amount of time, it can be an easier and safer task to complete than if the land area is large with various landscape terrains. Do not over-commit to mowing the whole yard if it is large and uneven as this could lead to fatigue, exhaustion, and fall risks.

3. Wet Grass

Wet grass can be very slippery to step on and increase your chances of falling. Even if your lawn is quite flat, the presence of moisture can prove to be a slick surface to walk on. It is best to wait until your lawn is dry to mow it.

4. Fractures, Breaks, and Cuts

Over the years, there have been many documented cases of lawnmowers leading to broken bones, fractures, and amputations due to malfunctioning or misused equipment. This can lead to immense trauma that could cause your body to miscarry or injure your baby along with your body.

Before mowing the lawn, ensure your mower has been inspected by a professional, is in full working condition, and is a piece of equipment that you have comfortably used before. If you have not used a lawnmower before, it is not advised to introduce any new means of physical exertion to your routine until after having your baby.

5. Lawnmower Burns

Lawnmower usage also comes with burn risks, especially gas-powered mowers. Burns and minor cuts or lacerations from lawnmowers may seem minor but can pose an immense safety threat to you and your pregnancy should they become infected.

If you experience minor cuts or burns from your lawnmower while pregnant, ensure you have a first-aid kit to treat the area and seek medical attention if the area worsens, you feel unwell, or start to see the signs of an infection.

6. Lawnmower Fumes

As mentioned previously, gas-powered mowers release carcinogenic fumes into the air that can be harmful if inhaled. During pregnancy, it is best to use an electric push mower or riding mower to minimize inhalation of toxic fumes.

If you are using a gas-powered mower and start to feel nauseated, dizzy, light-headed, or generally unwell, immediately stop the mower and reach out to your physician.

7. Exposure to Allergens

While pregnant, some people experience an onset of new allergies or an increase in the intensity of current allergies. Grass, pollen, and other outdoor materials are common allergens. You should pay special attention to how your body reacts outside especially when mowing the lawn. If your allergies persist or worsen, you should cease the aggravating activity and consult with your doctor.

8. Heatstroke

Mowing the lawn can be a source of immense physical exertion, especially if you are in the late stages of your pregnancy. Over-exposure to the heat and sun can cause heatstroke or fainting which poses a risk to your body and your baby.

It is important to stay hydrated, wear a hat, and avoid mowing the lawn during the hottest and sunniest parts of the day.

Hiring Someone or Seeking Help to Mow the Lawn

If you are apprehensive about mowing your lawn or are not in proper physical condition to mow your lawn on your own, you can hire companies or local individuals to mow your lawn for relatively low prices.

An alternative option is to ask your friends, neighbors, or family members to mow your lawn until you are able to again. It is best to ask for help with strenuous outdoor activities rather than risking your safety and that of your baby.

Final Thoughts

While mowing the lawn is generally considered to be a safe activity while pregnant, it is important to be mindful of your body’s signals and state of well-being. Do not push your body past its threshold of comfort and ease while pregnant. When in doubt, it is always best to consult with your physician before mowing the lawn.