Working in pregnancy
May 31, 2008
Some women may have to cut back on or stop work during pregnancy. Before your health care provider suggests a change in your work routine, he or she will take several factors into account: your overall health, how you are feeling, how well the pregnancy is going, your age, and any problems you had with past pregnancies.
Your health care provider may also ask questions about the type of work you do in order to advise you working in pregnancy, how many hours per week you work, and whether your job duties could harm you or the fetus. If you’re a healthy woman having a normal pregnancy and you work in a safe environment, you may be able to continue working until the day you deliver, or close to it.
Toward the end of your pregnancy, though, you may tire more easily, so take it as easy as possible. And don’t be a martyr — if you can afford to start your maternity leave a week or two before your due date, consider using that time to rest up, prepare, and indulge yourself a little bit, since it may be the last time you have for yourself in a while.
In general, working in pregnancy, it’s best to wait until the end of your first trimester to let your boss know that you’re pregnant. But, if you’re suffering through morning sickness or having a difficult pregnancy, you may need to discuss your pregnancy earlier.
If your boss initiates a discussion about your leave before you’re ready, say that you’re working on the details of your request and promise to communicate the specifics by a certain date. Standing. Prolonged standing can cause blood to pool in your legs, which may lead to pain or dizziness. It also puts pressure on your back. If you must stand for long periods of time, put one of your feet up on a footrest, low stool or box. Switch feet every so often, and take frequent breaks – this is important in learning working in pregnancy.
Comfortable shoes are a given, but support hose can help, too. Bending and lifting - proper form can spare your back, even if you’re lifting something light. Bend at your knees, not your waist. Keep the load close to your body, lifting with your legs — not your back. Avoid twisting your body while lifting. If a load is too heavy to handle easily, ask for help.
In general, it’s likely that you can continue to work as long as you’re healthy, your baby is healthy, and your job poses no serious risks. Here are some factors your doctor will weigh in determining whether you need to stop working:
· Your general health
· How well you feel
· How the pregnancy is progressing
· Your age
· Any problems you’ve had in prior pregnancies
· The type of work you do
· How many hours you work
· Risk factors associated with your work





















