A working pregnancy
There's no reason why you can't carry on working well into your pregnancy if you want to, unless your working environment could be dangerous for your baby. If you do want to go on working and return to your job after your baby is born, make sure you've all the information you need to protect both your health and your job.
© DK
When you're pregnant your body does change and you may be rather uncomfortable at times, but carrying on working can help you feel more normal. By continuing to work, you can keep up this important and stable aspect of your life at a time when you may be feeling disorientated in other ways because of the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy.
Putting your rights into play at work
Most employers will be keen to help you continue working during your pregnancy and after your maternity leave, but it's up to you to tell them what you want to do. You need to let them know when you plan to stop work before your baby's born and when you'll be coming back afterwards.
Protect your job
Make sure you know what maternity leave and pay you're entitled to (see Your Rights) and talk to your employer, manager, or trade union representative. Don't forget you're allowed paid time off for antenatal care, and this includes time to go to relaxation classes.
Protect your health from work
If there's any chance of an aspect of your work causing harm to your baby - for example, exposure to X-rays, doing heavy lifting, or handling harmful chemicals - your employer must find you another job while you're pregnant, or, if this isn't possible, you should be suspended on full pay. This is your right, no matter how many hours you work or how long you've been employed by the company.
Adapting your routine
Working long hours may leave you feeling very tired, and bouts of morning sickness can make the situation even more difficult. Overtiredness can make feelings of nausea worse, and you might also find yourself losing concentration and falling asleep. Added to this, travelling to work, especially if you use public transport, can be absolutely exhausting, particularly in the later stages of your pregnancy.
Making changes
If there's anything about your job that worries you, find out if you can make changes until your baby is born. You may be able to start and finish work at a different time to avoid travelling in the rush hour, for example. If your job involves a lot of standing or walking, find out if there's something you can do that allows you to spend more time sitting.
Take it easy
Don't push yourself too hard. Be more relaxed about household tasks - your health and that of your baby are far more important. Relaxation is vital and it's important to make time to look after your body with an exercise routine and massage. Have a rest when you get home from work and make sure your partner shares the chores.
Deciding when to stop
Some women happily continue working until they near labour. But towards the end of your pregnancy your heart, lungs, and other vital organs have to work harder, and a great deal of physical stress is placed on your spine, joints, and muscles. When you stop work depends a great deal on your health and circumstances, but it's best to allow yourself a few weeks' rest before your baby is due.
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Posted 16.11.2010
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