Congratulations on your pregnancy! If you’re a working woman, you might be wondering if you can continue working while you’re pregnant? Work can be tiring even in the good times, and it could be doubly challenging during pregnancy.
Working while pregnant isn’t always easy, but still, many pregnant women choose to continue working until the day of childbirth or close to it. For some, it’s a necessity. For others, it’s a choice. If you’re going to work during your pregnancy, follow the tips below to get your work done efficiently while staying healthy, safe, comfortable at work.
Can I work throughout my pregnancy?
If you’re a healthy woman with an uncomplicated pregnancy and your job does not involve exposure to harmful fumes, solvents, chemicals, or radiation, you can continue working as long as you would like. Talk to both your employer and your health care provider if your work includes:
- Shift work
- Needing to lift any heavy items after the 30th week
- Climbing a ladder more than three times in an 8-hour shift
- Working with chemicals, solvents, fumes, or radiation
- Climbing stairs more than three times per shift
- Lifting more than 11 kg (24 lbs) after the 24th week of pregnancy
- Needing to stand still for more than 30 minutes of every hour after the 32nd week
- Lifting more than 23 kg (50 lb) after the 20th week of pregnancy
- Working more than 40 hours per week
- Stooping, bending, or climbing ladders after the 28th week
- Standing for more than 4 hours at a time
- Stooping or bending over more than ten times per hour
What should I ask colleagues who’ve been through this?
Get support and advice if you have other pregnant women and mothers of young children at your workplace. You might ask them questions such as:
- How did you handle absentmindedness?
- What was your maternity leave proposal like?
- How do you balance work and family?
- Have you been able to work out a flexible schedule?
- How did you stay productive during pregnancy?
- Are there any casual or organized on-site support groups?
- When you announce your pregnancy, what kind of response did you get from colleagues?
What are the signs I have to stop working?
You should consider reducing your workload or stop working during pregnancy if:
- Your baby isn’t growing properly.
- You’re at risk for preterm labor.
- If you’re expecting twins or more multiples.
- You have cervical insufficiency.
- You’ve been diagnosed with placenta previa.
- You have a history of late miscarriage.
- You’re at risk for preeclampsia.
- You have high blood pressure.
How to remain professional at work?
Follow the tips given below to stay efficient and professional at work and cope with the changes that pregnancy is going to introduce:
- Plan in advance if you are required to travel for work. Consult your doctor in this respect.
- Prepare yourself for the inevitable changes that every month of pregnancy is bound to bring about.
- Inform your boss well in advance before taking time off from work.
- Schedule your prenatal appointments on weekends, after office hours, or during the lunch break.
- Stay focused on your work. Avoid talking too much about your pregnancy discomfort at work.
- Keep your office attire comfortable yet smart.
- You may continue to wear your usual work clothes during the first trimester, but in the second and third trimester, you’ll need to buy expectant mom clothes due to physical changes. Select comfortable office wear that suits the workplace.
- Wear comfortable footwear to work. Avoid wearing heels to work.
- Take appropriate steps to prevent aches and pains.
- Go in for regular short breaks at work during pregnancy.
- Accept assistance and support from colleagues, if needed.
What should you avoid doing?
During pregnancy, you should avoid doing certain things at work to ensure the well-being of yourself and your unborn baby:
- Keep away from long working hours or late-night office parties.
- Stay away from any possible health hazards at work.
- Don’t push yourself beyond reasonable limits. Take the day off from work, if required.
- Withhold dressing in tight or ill-fitting clothes. Instead, wear loose-fitting, comfortable pregnancy clothes like stretchable maternity pants, jeans, dresses, etc.
- Avoid drinking too much tea, coffee, or aerated drinks.
- Refrain from lifting heavy objects.
- Avoid sitting or standing in a particular position for long.
- Avoid moving heavy furniture at work.
Tips for Desk Jobs
While most desk jobs are safe during pregnancy, some pregnant women may develop carpal tunnel syndrome due to fluid retention. These tips may help:
- Don’t cross your legs or feet.
- Use a wrist wrest if you use a keyboard and mouse.
- Use a pillow or cushion for lower back support.
- Take frequent breaks.
- Use a phone headset to relieve shoulder and neck strain.
- Walk around to reduce swelling and improve blood flow.
- Use correct arm and hand positions when using a computer.
Tips for Standing Work
Jobs that require standing for long periods are not recommended during later stages of pregnancy. They can cause you back and leg pain. If you have to stand, try these tips:
- Take breaks often.
- Sit down with your feet up if possible.
- Wear well-fitted, comfortable, low-heeled footwear.
- Prop one foot on a short stool to help relieve back pain.
- Try to sit on a tall stool rather than stand.
How to deal with work-related travel?
If your job requires travel, consider these tips:
- Eat smaller, frequent meals.
- Always wear your seatbelt below your belly, across the hip bones.
- Avoid traveling to areas where there is a risk for malaria.
- Book an aisle seat and have easier access to the bathroom.
- When traveling by car, often stop to stretch your legs.
- Limit driving time to no more than 5 or 6 hours.
If your job requires pushing, pulling, lifting, or work with chemicals, gases, and other biological agents, talk with your healthcare provider if it is safe to continue.
Some working conditions you should avoid
Several working conditions can cause you various pregnancy complications. These include:
- Extreme temperatures
- Excessive noise
- Prolonged standing
- Heavy lifting, climbing, or carrying
- Exposure to harmful substances
- Heavy vibrations, such as from large machines
Avoid these working conditions as much as possible.
