Working During Pregnancy.
My mother told me I shouldn't work during pregnancy. Is this true?
In the past, women were encouraged, or even forced, to stop working when they were pregnant. Today, many women work until they deliver their baby. Whether you work your entire pregnancy depends on your particular circumstances. If you are concerned about it, discuss it with your doctor.
My partner is concerned about my working during pregnancy. Should he be?
More than half of all women work outside the home; many pregnant women work and do well. If you are concerned about whether your job is safe for your pregnancy, discuss your particular situation with your doctor. It may be difficult to know the specific risk of a particular job the goal is to minimize the risk to you and your baby while still enabling you to work. A normal, healthy woman should be able to work at most jobs throughout her pregnancy. WORK HAZARDS
Certain factors may increase your risk of problems while working during your pregnancy. If your job includes two or more of the following, talk to your doctor: - prolonged standing (more than 3 hours a day)
- work on an industrial machine, especially if it vibrates a lot or requires strenuous effort to operate it
- strenuous physical tasks, such as heavy lifting or heavy cleaning
- repetitious, tedious work, such as assembly line jobs
- environmental factors, such as high noise levels or extreme temperatures
- long working hours
- shift changes
I don't want to stop working while I'm pregnant. What precautions should I take?
You will probably have to slow down if you continue to work. You may also have to take it a little easier; you may not be able to do some of the things you do when you are not pregnant. It may also be necessary to ask for help with some of the tasks you are required to perform.
Should I try to rest during my work day?
If possible, try to lie down during breaks or on your lunch hour. Even sitting down in a quiet place can be beneficial. Ten or 15 minutes of rest can make you feel better and restore your energy.
A co-worker who just had a baby said her doctor told her she should exercise her legs and feet often during the day while she was pregnant. Should I do the same?
Yes. Try to do some leg-stretching foot exercises several times each hour. Remove your shoes before doing the following exercise: Extend your legs in front, then point your toes and flex your feet. Repeat this 4 or 5 times. It helps circulation in your feet and may prevent some swelling in your legs.
I've heard I should wear maternity stockings to work. Why?
Whether you sit or stand at work, maternity stockings provide support for your legs. They can be helpful even if you don't work. Maternity stockings may be preferable to regular support stockings because they don't constrict your waist or abdomen.
My job requires me to stand all day. Will that be a problem?
Studies show that women who stand all day have smaller babies. If you stand a lot, you may have problems at the end of your pregnancy with swelling of your feet and ankles. It may be necessary for you to modify your work, lie down a couple of times during the day or work fewer hours.
I have to climb a lot in my job. Should I talk to my supervisor about it?
It's probably best to avoid activities that involve climbing and balance in your job, especially during the 3rd trimester. Talk with your supervisor about eliminating these activities.
I seem to have terrible mood swings while I'm at the office. Is this
normal?
Elevated hormones and the stress of being pregnant can trigger mood swings. You may also find you're more tired; it's normal. Take a break if any situation becomes more than you can bear.
I know my center of gravity is changing. What's the best way for me to lift an object?
Do most of your lifting with your legs. Bend your knees to lift; don't bend at the waist. As your abdomen grows larger, don't lift anything over 30 pounds (13.6kg), including your older children.
I work at a computer terminal all day. Can this harm my baby?
To date, we have no evidence that working at a computer terminal can harm a growing baby. However, if you work at a computer terminal, you should be aware of how long you sit and the way you sit. See the next question.
I have a job that keeps me sitting behind a desk all day. Is there anything I need to be concerned about?
Get up and move around regularly to stimulate your circulation about once every 15 minutes. Take short walks frequently. Sit in a chair that offers good support for your back and legs. Don't slouch or cross your legs while sitting.
Software you can load onto your computer to help you keep in shape is now available. The program, StretchWare, is available from Shelter Publications and can lead you through many different routines. You can focus on your hands, shoulders, lower back, legs or neck each routine is fast and easy.
I read that some substances or conditions in the workplace can harm a developing baby. What are they?
Some substances can cause harm to a developing fetus. The chart on the following page describes various agents, their sources and the possible effects they may have on a growing baby.
Is there a danger that my partner or I could bring home traces of substances we are exposed to at work?
Yes. You and your family may bring substances into your home on your work clothes. If you think you may be exposed to hazardous substances, be sure to discuss it with your doctor.
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