The Pregnant Working Woman

For many pregnant women these days, economic needs dictate that she continues with her job till very late into pregnancy. A normal healthy woman with an uncomplicated pregnancy and a normal foetus may continue to work without interruption until the onset of labour, as long as the job does not involve too many risks. A lot depends on your health and the type of job you have.

It is advisable for women who have long working hours (that require more than four hours a day on their feet) to quit by the 24th week. It’s not a good idea to stay at a job which requires lifting, climbing or bending below the waist past the 20th week. Those women who have a desk job can work right up to full term if they feel good about it and are healthy.

A list of tips to keep you healthy in the workplace:

• To combat morning sickness, eat crackers or dry toast before getting out of bed and snack on bland foods several times a day. Other strategies include sipping on fruit juice, only don’t overdo it. Excessive amounts of fruit juice may trigger gestational diabetes.

• If you have a desk job, get up and walk around occasionally. And don’t sit with your legs crossed for long periods of time. Periodically propping your foot up on a stool or waste basket helps. If you are standing for a long time, keep one foot on a low stool to take pressure off your back.

• Avoid smoke-filled rooms and any place with noxious fumes and chemicals.

• If you have a physically demanding job, make a point of resting at regular intervals. Or else ask to be assigned less strenuous duties.

• Don’t skip meals or snacks. Keep a supply of nutritious foods at your work station. Raisins, nuts, fruit and whole grain crackers, popcorn, cheese and yogurt are healthy snacks.

• If you have a sedentary job, make sure you have a chair with arm-rests and proper back support. Keep your posture right.

• Many pregnant women hold two jobs, one at work and one at home. If you’re working, then try and cut down on some of your responsibilities at home.

• Ultimately, only one person decides whether to work full term or not. You. And in this matter, there are no rules to follow but your own.