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DESCRIPTION
Women continue to work during pregnancy for a variety of reasons. The money earned and/or health benefits are needed, they don't want to interrupt careers any longer than necessary, they want to stay busy, and they enjoy their work.
In a normal pregnancy, there are few restrictions concerning work, although it is beneficial to moderate activity and to allow for additional periods of rest. If you are not at risk for complications, you can probably continue to work up to your delivery date. In one large medical study, if was found that demanding and stressful work with long hours did not have an adverse effect on the normal healthy pregnancy outcome.
A pregnant woman will need to make the decision about working and for how long based upon her needs, the needs of her family, her health, the type of work being performed and the input from her midwife or health care provider.
MATERNITY LEAVE
Maternity leave traditionally runs from one month before the expected delivery date extending to 6 weeks after birth. These dates can vary depending on health, well-being, and desires of the mother-to-be, the work involved, the employer's attitude, and any guidelines established by the health benefit provider. Some women work right up to the delivery date, while others feel that they want some transition time between their work and the baby's birth.
Check with your employer and find out what king of maternity leave benefits you have with your particular job. Some employers allow the father to take "maternity leave" to assist at home in the care of the mother and infant.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF WORK
The physical requirements of the work will play a role in determining how long to work. How physically demanding is the job and does the pregnancy interfere with accomplishing the work? Are there some modifications that can be made to accommodate the physical demands of the pregnancy? Advise you midwife or health care provider if the work involves:
- Heavy lifting, pulling or pushing.
- Climbing (stairs, poles or ladders).
- Bending below the waist.
- Shift changes.
- An added risk of accidents or falls.
- Long hours standing on your feet with few breaks.
- Toxic or teratogenic chemicals or biohazard substances.
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES AT WORK
Some work involves being around hazardous substances. Always discuss these possibilities with your midwife or health care provider on your first prenatal visit. It may be recommended that you transfer to a less hazardous work area if possible.
MoonDragon's Health Information: Teratogens
WORK THAT REQUIRES STANDING
For pregnant women who stand for long periods, there are no set times for discontinuing the work. There are some concerns about the effect of standing for long periods during the last few months of pregnancy. In some cases, a woman may be permitted to work to delivery time, while others are advised to quit anywhere from the 24th week to the 32nd week of pregnancy.
If you do need to stand for long periods, keep one foot on a low stool with knee bent. This takes some of the pressure off the back. Wear support hose.
SEDENTARY WORK
A woman in a sedentary job can usually work up to the delivery date without any threat to her well-being or the baby's health.
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or a family member is pregnant and working and has concerns about the effect the work may have on the pregnancy.
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