If you are considering working during your pregnancy, you must take your doctor’s consent. Here are some things which you must know if you are planning to work through your pregnancy.Few pregnant women face challenges while they sit at work whereas some may not feel difficult even in such scenarios. There are many women working as they feel healthy and comfortable leading to a normal pregnancy and when the job does not expose them to any injurious chemicals. The healthiest women can even work till the day she gives birth. But, it is always better to take maternity leave a week or ten days before the due date where that period would help you to rest yourself from many emotions and tiresome activities at working place.
Fatigue and
anxiety seems to appear in the first and
third trimesters and this must be a very common symptom for all pregnant women.
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.
How to manage morning sickness during work?
Morning sickness makes some working women more sick and uneasy to sit for work at office. So, it is better to consult an obstetrician to follow some precautions and undergo few medical treatments without any side effect. Immediately getting relieved from morning nausea or vomiting is not an easy task as they are default concerns for all pregnant women. In a severe and prolonged stage of
morning sickness, it is good to inform the heads at office to avoid some stress filled job. Though the early intimation is a tricky one, pay more attention to the health and put forth your vital requirements. As this phase will not be extended throughout pregnancy, make sure to inform about it to the supervisor who can offer you the comfort level for time-being.
Avoid coffee, coke and stock up juices
Many of the employees are used to have
coffee and tea in odd timings during work. This is due to the work stress and pressure. Intake of one cup of coffee in a day is not a big deal during pregnancy, still it is good to prevent yourself from coffee and coke items. Fruits and fruit juices grant energy to the body by which some women can cope up in case of pressurized job. If you do not take food for few hours, it would result in nausea and dizziness. Some healthy snacks can really help the body to function normally at work.
Meal break once in four hours is necessary even if the job nature is simple and trouble-free. Here are few steps that you can follow to feel comfortable at your work place.
- To prevent back pain, wear flat slippers or shoes and assure to have a nice chair with proper back support.
- When working for extended hours at office, place your feet on a small table. It helps to improve blood circulation.
- Adjust the chair height if usage of keyboard is high to make the forearms in the proper level with the keyboard.
- Never skip meals and drink lots of water.
- Have a short walk when you get up from your seat to go to the washroom.
Resting room for a nap
Organizations with resting rooms that have cot or bed help in a great manner. Nowadays, there are many office granting such a facility especially for pregnant ladies. If possible, prepare yourself with a pillow and blanket if these items are absent in a resting room. A nap time in-between your working hours will really support your health condition.
Avoid prolonged standing
Jobs that require prolonged standing is not be a suitable for pregnant women. As per the study issued in the journal of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, preterm birth is highly possible (35 to 37 weeks before) which would be a greater risk. Physically demanding work during pregnancy need necessary breaks with no heavy lifting and climbing, resulting in reduction of risk to mother and the baby. Consulting the doctor is mandatory before you continue such a job during pregnancy.
Taking an ordered precautions and measure will result in a healthy and productive pregnancy period even in your working phase.