Pregnancy And Your Job
Lots of working, pregnant women wonder how long they can actually continue to work for during their pregnancy and the answer is, probably until labor starts providing you are having a healthy pregnancy and your job doesn't present risk or strain.
Consider your needs and decide how long you wish to work. Some women like to work as long as they can so that they don't waste any maternity leave and can use more of it after their baby is born. Others get tired or uncomfortable and it becomes difficult for them to work, especially if they have a strenuous or stressful job or commute. Talk to your doctor about your situation. While you are working, you want to maintain your health and ensure that your baby has a healthy environment in which to grow and develop. Here are some tips:
Some foods and smells can trigger nausea during pregnancy. The sweet roll you used to love for your morning snack may now cause your stomach to churn. Recognize these changes and stay clear of these foods and smells so you don't make your nausea worse. Keep crackers in your desk at work and use them to stave off nausea - a stomach that is very empty or very full will cause more problems.
You move more slowly when pregnant so give yourself plenty of time each morning and get lots of sleep. Stress and tiredness will exacerbate nausea. Dehydration is another culprit. Stay dehydrated by drinking lots of water every day. Unfortunately, during the early part of pregnancy fatigue is very common especially for working moms to be. Try to get lots of fresh air and move around by taking regular breaks. Regular rests are vital if you have a physical job. Concentration will be improved as a result of these breaks. Take a power snooze during lunch or simply put your feet up and relax for a short while.
In early and very late pregnancy you may be tired by afternoon. In this case, change your work schedule if you can so that you can get the higher-energy tasks out of the way in the morning while you are feeling fresh. If you have a demanding job, try to cut back on commitments outside work and get more rest after work so that you will be prepared for the work day. Regular exercise will help your energy level as well. If you were exercising before pregnancy, continue to do so with guidance from your doctor. If you want to start exercising during pregnancy talk to your doctor about what you can do to stay active.
All help should be gratefully accepted whether in the workplace or at home. You can always return the favor after you and your baby are on a regular schedule and you are feeling like your old self again. Get others to do the daily, physical tasks like housework and shopping and, if you can afford it, hire someone to do these jobs. That way, you can get the extra rest you'll need to do your job every day. Don't fear the bed and sleep when you need to. You don't have to stay up until midnight to get that extra work done, just because you always did before. Your baby and your overburdened body need all the sleep they can get.
Your back and muscles take a beating during pregnancy so keep moving and supple. Your body will tell you, in it's own language of tiredness and ache, when any of the mundane, simple daily tasks are too much, so listen attentively. Get a physician's letter and present it at work and they may be able to give you an ergonomic chair. A well supported back plus adjustable height and arms make for a wonderful pregnancy chair. Your lower back needs all the support it can get so use a small cushion. Reduce pressure on your lower back plus minimize leg and foot swelling by keeping your feet elevated. Go to the bathroom when you need to. Trying to ignore the urge is not good.
A stressful job may necessitate time off. Neither you nor your baby need the grief. Discuss options for alleviating stress with your boss and coworkers. Seek the advice of your doctor also. They may have suggestions and advice. Yoga and other forms of relaxation classes can be hugely beneficial for pregnant women. Physical and mental relaxation are achieved via these methods and will help you cope much better with the stresses of work. Fill your doctor in on pressures within your job. The risk of pregnancy complications are higher in some jobs than others.
Jobs that should be carefully evaluated include: %u2022 The aforementioned lifting especially heavy lifting (strenuous work has been shown to increase the risk of premature birth. Also, the likelihood of pre-eclampsia or hypertension and low birth weight babies is increased). %u2022 Jobs with lots of standing or strenuous climbing or walking (prolonged standing at work is also associated with increased incidence of premature birth). %u2022 Working in close proximity to toxic chemicals, dust, radiation, infectious diseases or fumes. %u2022 Environs with constant loud noise or where machines are very loud or have lots of vibration. %u2022 Any prolonged travelling. %u2022 Jobs with very long hours or frequent shift changes (shift work and increased levels of work related fatigue are also associated with premature birth). %u2022 Extremes of temperatures. %u2022 Jobs that require a lot of flexibility or balance.
If your job is high risk but you must continue to work talk to your boss and see if there is any way you could transfer or tailor your job somewhat until after the birth. Discuss any concerns or negative effects work may be having on your pregnancy with your doctor.
About the Author: HealthyPregnancys.com is a pregnancy guide website directed at all moms to be. Get the lowdown on your pregnancy at Healthy Pregnancy.
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