Can stress or heavy lifting increase a woman’s risk of miscarrying?
It’s a common belief in Asia that emotional stress affects a woman’s unborn child and lifting heavy objects weakens the body, but the facts suggest that neither directly puts a pregnancy in danger
Can a stressful event or lifting heavy objects increase a pregnant woman’s chance of miscarrying?
The straight answer: No
The facts: If you’ve ever been pregnant, you may have been advised by well-meaning friends and relatives to avoid events that are emotionally stressful, taxing or upsetting. They may also have suggested you not move or carry anything heavy, so as to minimise your risk of losing your pregnancy.
It’s a common belief, especially in Asian communities, that anything that causes severe emotional stress can somehow depress your system and affect your unborn child, and that lifting heavy objects can weaken your body, putting your pregnancy in danger.
Fortunately, neither belief is true, says Dr Zara Chan, a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology at OT&P Healthcare’s woman and child clinic in Central.