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***ALWAYS check with your own doctor, but this is just a bit of information***
When you should stop working ?
Is there any reason I shouldn't work while I'm
pregnant?
If you're having a low-risk, normal pregnancy,
you can certainly continue working. Each year, in the United States, more
than 1 million babies are born to women who worked at some point during
their pregnancies. However, in certain occupations, modifications or changes
may be necessary. If you work in a job with known hazards — computer chip
factories, operating rooms, dark rooms or air travel — you should ask for
a new assignment during your pregnancy.
Can I work right up to my due date?
Depending on your job, you may be able to continue
working until the time of delivery or close to it. But toward the end of
your pregnancy, you may tire more easily, so take it as easy as possible.
And don't be a hero — if you can afford to start your maternity leave a
week or two before your due date, consider using it to rest up, prepare
and indulge yourself a little bit, as it may be the last time you have
for yourself in a while.
Under what conditions should I discontinue working?
The American Medical Association recommends that
expectant women who spend stretches of more than four hours a day on their
feet should quit or switch to a desk job by week 24 and those who spend
more than half of each hour on their feet should try shifting into a more
sedentary position by week 32.
A job change is in order if you're required to work with heavy metals such as lead and mercury. These are teratogens — agents that can cause birth defects when a women is exposed to them during pregnancy. Lead is often used in industries such as pottery glazing, ship building and printing. Tollbooth attendants and others who work on heavily traveled roads may inhale high levels of lead from car exhaust. If you think you may be exposed to a harmful substance at work, talk to your boss or the human resources department. You may be able to switch to another job for the duration of your pregnancy.
Are jobs that require a lot of physical activity
dangerous?
A physically demanding job may become too difficult
and even dangerous toward the end of pregnancy. Some experts recommend
that a woman stop working at week 20 if her job requires heavy lifting,
climbing stairs (or ladders or poles), pulling or pushing, or bending below
the waist. If your job calls for moderate amounts of such actions, discontinue
them after week 28. If your job is very strenuous, again talk to your employer
about a job reassignment.
Is there any risk associated with working at
a computer?
There's no evidence that working at a computer
causes any harm to the fetus.
If I have any possible pregnancy complications,
when should I stop working?
It will depend on your condition. But you may
be advised to stop if you've previously given birth to more than one premature
baby, have either diabetes or high blood pressure, a history of miscarriage,
or are expecting twins.
How can I stay most comfortable on the job?
Even if your job requires minimal standing and
nothing more strenuous than lifting a telephone, ease up by:
Taking Breaks
Put up your feet if you've been standing, or stand
and walk around every two hours if you've been sitting. This will help
decrease swelling in your feet and ankles and it should keep you more comfortable.
Throw in a few stretching exercises to protect your back.
Resting when you can.
The more strenuous your job, the more you should
reduce physical activity outside of work.
Wearing comfortable shoes and loose clothing.
Taking time to eat regular meals. Choose lunches
that are balanced and nutritious. Add fiber to your diet to ease constipation.
