Shoveling Snow While Pregnant

Winter is unavoidable here.

Winter in the Copper Country starts in November and lasts until May. This means that no matter when you're due, if you're pregnant in the Upper Peninsula, you will at some point be pregnant in the winter.

That means shoveling.

Shoveling while growing a tiny human inside your body is a game changer when it comes to this particular winter task. Ideally you won't have to shovel while you're pregnant (here's where Hubby needs to do his best to help). Having someone else to shovel isn't always practical though, so sometimes it takes a little SISU** to get by. But let's start with the basics. In order to successfully and SAFELY pull off snow removal in our pregnant state- we must first be shoveling by the rules everyone should follow.

*Disclaimer: Every pregnancy is different. Consult your doctor regarding what is best for you as an individual.*

**SISU is a Finnish word. It kind of means "perseverance" but it can mean all sorts of various things- all are more or less relating to the idea of not giving up when things get tough... like when winter shoveling tries kicking your pregnant butt for instance.**

The Basics of Shoveling:

Dress for the Weather.

You'll want a warm coat, hat, gloves (or my preferred, mittens), boots with good grip, and a scarf or face mask if the windchill is intense. Having proper gear is essential, even if you aren't pregnant. Hubby likes to snowblow without gloves when he's in a rush to get to work. This irritates me immensely because I worry about him getting frostbite (but not enough to criticize, because I haven't had to move my own snow in years). If you're going to be out shoveling, you want to be dressed appropriately. Don't follow Hubby's method- warm fingers are preferred. Wool or water repellent synthetics are your friends- avoid cotton because if it gets wet with snow or sweat it will draw heat away from your body. Dress in layers to keep warm.

Lift with your Legs, not your Back.

Pulled muscles from shoveling are a real thing, even without the extra weight of growing baby. No lift and twist in the back here- lift with your legs, even if what you're lifting isn't particularly heavy. The lifting of a shovel is going to be a repetitive motion, so you want to be comfortable. Move your entire body to turn, not just twisting at the waist. Maybe even do a few stretches before you head outside to get loosened up.

Hydrate.

Drink some water before you start, and more after you're done. It might not feel like a sweaty workout when it's cold, but it's a full body workout regardless. Staying hydrated will make the recovery time faster and your body happier.

Use good equipment.

When I was a kid, my parents had a really nice plastic shovel and a really old metal one. My brother and I used to fight about who had to use the heavy metal shovel when we were assigned a shoveling project together.

Don't make our mistake- opt for lightweight equipment. What we didn't have as kids was aluminum shovels- and they are the absolute BEST. You can get a quality one here. I don't have this specific model myself, but it is very similar to the one I have pictured. I've had it for almost a decade now and it's still like new.

Now that we've established some basic principles for shoveling, we need to address the reason for this post- the pregnancy factor.

To start, if you're in your 1st and even early 2nd trimesters, you can likely shovel just like normal. You might get tired faster, in which case, take breaks and pace yourself while using the basic principles above. Us 3rd trimester ladies though, we've got a whole other task ahead.

If you're like me and starting your third trimester, you've probably noticed even normal household cleaning has become a daunting task in terms of the energy required to accomplish it. Your back likely doesn't let you do things as long before you need a break, and you might have even started wearing a belly band or brace of some sort to help carry the load that has become your mid-section. No shame- do what feels good.

The same applies to shoveling. Since we are moving around like an old man these days anyway, I say- embrace it. Strap on your belly band and take on shoveling with what I've decided to call "Shovel Like an Old Man Tactics". Of course, we'll use the basics above as well as sticking within the limitations our enlarged belly has set. If it doesn't feel good- stop what you're doing and seek help.

Shovel Like an Old Man Tactics:

Take your time.

Old men are in zero hurry to accomplish anything. They are retired. They have all the time in the world to complete the task- and the very pregnant lady needs to approach shoveling with this same mind set. Don't rush, slow and steady will win this race. Assume you'll need at least double the normal amount of time you would take to complete the task- maybe longer.

Lift as little as possible, or in small amounts.

Think "push the snow" vs "pick up and throw the snow". If you can get away with pushing it out of the way- do. Perhaps using a Yooper Scoop. (Do NOT try to lift and throw snow with a Yooper Scoop. They are designed to push snow, not throw it)

If you need to pick it up and throw snow (I mean, how else would you get it on top of the snowbank?) then lift half-shovel amounts instead of full. This can and should be modified for the type of snow you're shoveling. Heavy wet snow will require smaller shovelfuls than light fluffy snow. Remember to wear your belly support belt for extra back and belly support. It will help.

Be sure of your footing.

Old people take it slow when it comes to winter maneuvering. Take the same approach. Start with good boots with lots of grip (here's my favorite for regular daily shoveling) and take each step with precaution. It goes hand in hand with not hurrying. Having a solid footing and your balance under control is very important. You don't want to slip and fall- it could be harmful to you and baby.

Get help.

This is probably the most important- not all old people shovel and frankly if you're in your late 3rd trimester you'll probably need some Hubby-style help in this department. In fact, you'll need assistance for the major shoveling projects anyway (like the whole driveway for example). Shoveling large driveways or long walkways is not recommended in the later stages of pregnancy. I've only shoveled the steps at our house while pregnant. Of course, I also clean the snow off my own car before driving to work in the morning, but I've given myself twice my normal amount of time to do these things. Take advantage of garage parking when you can- and don't be afraid to ask a neighbor or friend for plowing assistance this year. A little shoveling of a few steps might not hurt, but you don't want to be lugging around a snowblower or anything like that.

Don't be afraid to admit defeat. 

At some point you'll likely be too far along to effectively accomplish this sort of task- and that's okay. If you don't have a husband to dump the snow removal task upon, seek help from friends or family. There's often plenty of people advertising snow removal for hire so that's a potential approach as well (though it can get pricey).

You're not alone.

I myself have grown very frustrated more than once in the last few weeks because my stamina is not what it used to be. Remember it's temporary- you won't be pregnant every winter. So accept the help this year, and do something nice in return for that person(s) once you have your little one in your arms instead of your belly.

Winter happens, and we all have to cope. Pace yourself and you'll get through it. SISU.

Until next time,
Emma Leigh