How long can I continue working after I am pregnant

Pregnant women who have no complications can continue working until the ninth month. They must however, take certain precautions such as avoiding strenuous activity, stair-climbing, extreme temperatures and smoky areas. They must also take frequent breaks and leave early if they are feeling exhausted. If they have been standing for a prolonged period, they should sit down and put their feet up. Standing for extended periods, lifting heavy objects, stooping and bending should be avoided in the last three months. Pregnant women must eat regular meals. A sedentary job that is not particularly stressful may be less of a strain than staying at home. 
 

I would prefer to be a stay-at-home mother

Many women around the world feel that having a baby is not just something you do and then move on. In fact, a baby that depends on you for its most basic needs and in many ways is completely helpless. Once you have a baby, you may find that it is not so easy to just get on with your life as you used to know it.  Not only do you consider yourself solely responsible for the care of this child, but also you do not want to miss out on the pleasures of parenting, for which you feel you need to be a full-time mom.  Experts in parenting and childcare have now given the role a new level of significance by calling it the stay-at-home mother, indicating that the decision of leaving your full-time job and career was a conscious choice made by the mother.
 

Should I go back to work

Resuming full-time work is not a black and white issue.  There are a lot of factors that need to be considered while taking this decision, such as financial circumstances, the financial and emotional support from your partner, the availability of an alternate caretaker, etc. 

All new mothers consider their babies as the most precious thing in the world. This is not to say that women should spend their entire lives looking after their children.  Women are having babies all over the world and their lives are obviously not coming to an end.  In fact, working mothers who are in the prime of their careers should definitely not give up their jobs for full-time motherhood.  Although it may sound like a much-needed break for the first few months, it may lead to disappointment and resentment at one's self, which in turn may get transferred onto the baby.
 

How soon can I go back to work

In most countries, women are granted three months of paid maternity leave.  Many companies have a more liberal maternity policy where they even allow an extended leave of upto six months or more.
 

What are the alternatives to full-time work

Most women hesitate in asking their employers for working schedules where they can manage both their personal lives and professional lives.  Women should take the initiative in discussing options such as flexible hours, part-time work, telecommuting or job-sharing.  They may be surprised by the number of women who opted for one of these alternatives and achieved a successful balance.