Can I Keep Working?

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Article Summary

Many women wonder whether they ought to stop working in pregnancy, but they need not worry. The vast majority of women can continue to work right up to their due date if they want to. Working will not harm the baby. Nevertheless women whose pregnancies are high risk, like those carrying twins or with a history of pre-term labour, may prefer to take maternity leave earlier than others so they can get the rest they need for themselves.

On-the-Job Strategies

Special Job Considerations

On-the-Job Strategies

Even if your pregnancy is not high risk, follow these common sense measures to stay healthy and rested during your workday:

  Take breaks and put your feet up several times throughout the day. Circulation slows down during pregnancy; raising your feet keeps blood flowing, which helps reduce swelling in the ankles and feet.

  Try to minimise stress at work. If you have a very stressful job, now is a good time to learn a stress management technique, like yoga or meditation.

  Get enough sleep at night. Some women find they are more tired during the day when they're pregnant. To help combat daytime sleepiness, increase your nighttime shut-eye. Or, if you can find a comfortable, private place at work to lie down, indulge in a catnap.

Special Job Considerations

A few jobs might pose a risk to you and your baby, in which case you might have to scale back or modify your activities. If you have a job that requires heavy physical activity, check with your doctor or midwife. You may be so fit that you don't need to change anything. However most doctors, will advise you to avoid activities that require good balance; pregnancy changes your center of gravity and makes falling more likely.

Likewise, if your job involves heavy lifting, try to find ways to avoid straining your back, especially during the second and third trimesters, when your abdomen is getting bigger. If you can avoid heavy lifting completely, all the better.

You should also check with your midwife or doctor if you work with strong chemicals. A facemask and thick gloves might be all you need for protection, but it depends on the chemical.

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