Staying Safe and Comfortable at Work

If you are a healthy woman having a normal pregnancy, you may be able to continue working throughout your pregnancy, right up until you begin labor. However, fatigue and general discomfort may force you to take it easy during your third trimester. Your ability to work during your pregnancy depends on three factors: your health, your baby's health, and the nature of your job.

Some professions may make it necessary for you to take special precautions, modify or cut back on your work, or take alternative assignments during your pregnancy. Studies have shown that women who work physically demanding jobs that require heavy lifting, standing for long periods, or excessive hours are more likely to deliver prematurely, have babies with lower birth-weights, and develop high blood pressure during their pregnancy.

Working with or around toxic substances such as heavy metals, chemicals, biologic agents, and radiation can also cause problems such as miscarriage, preterm delivery, structural birth defects, and abnormal fetal and infant development. You may be at risk for coming into contact with these substances if you work at a computer chip factory, dry-cleaning plant, rubber factory, hospital operating room, dark room, tollbooth, pottery studio, ship building plant, or at a printer.

You may also be at risk if your job exposes you to secondhand smoke; or bacterial infections, such as if you work at a hospital, animal hospital, or farm. Be sure to wear gloves and wash your hands frequently and well, and eat away from your workplace.

If you develop any of the following complications you will need to stop working or significantly decrease your hours.

• high risk for preterm labor (including women who are carrying multiples)

• high blood pressure or you are at risk for preeclampsia

• an incompetent cervix or a history of late miscarriage

• your baby isn't growing properly

For more information job safety, contact these organizations:

• OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

• NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)

• OTIS (Organization of Teratology Information Services)

Even if it is safe to work throughout your pregnancy, you might find it challenging, especially during your third trimester. Try to take an occasional sick or vacation day, or reduce the number of hours you work or spend on your feet - especially after the end of your second trimester. Here are some other tips to keep you comfortable, healthy, and productive while working during your pregnancy:

Morning Sickness

• Eat small meals frequently, instead of larger ones. An empty stomach or overly-full one can cause nausea.

• Avoid nausea-triggering odors as much as possible. You may have to politely ask a co-worker to avoid wearing a certain perfume or after-shave for a while.

• Drink a lot of water. Keep a refillable water bottle or tall glass at your desk and drink as much as you can. Take small sips every few minutes instead of trying to drink it all at once.

• Keep towels and mouthwash in your car, and figure out the quickest way to the bathroom at your office.

Fatigue

• Take frequent breaks. If you have been standing, sit down and put your feet up. If you've been sitting, stand up and walk around. Stretch frequently to ease back pain.

• Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing. To prevent varicose veins and swelling, wear maternity tights or support hose.

• Turn down overtime, especially in jobs requiring physical activity.

• Get plenty of rest. Go to bed at a reasonable hour and get up early enough to get ready for work without rushing.

• Try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day unless your doctor has advised against it. Exercise can actually boost your energy level.

Ergonomics

• Make sure your workspace is ergonomically correct. Adjust your chair so your feet are flat on the ground, your back is straight, and your arms rest at a comfortable 90-degree angle. Use a small pillow or cushion on your chair if it doesn't support your back as much as you'd like.

• Be careful when lifting anything. Check with your doctor for recommendations on how much you can lift - it can vary with each woman and her pregnancy. Always use your legs and not your back. Remember that your center of gravity is affected by your pregnancy so your balance may be off.

• If you must stand for long periods at your job, put one of your feet up on a box or low stool to take some pressure off your back. Switch legs periodically. If your job requires you to stand more than four hours a day, be sure to tell your doctor.

If you are working during your pregnancy, it is important to listen to your body and don't push it. If you can start your maternity leave a couple of weeks early, take advantage of that time to rest, prepare for the baby, and indulge yourself - it may be the last time you get to yourself for a while. Talk to your doctor early in your pregnancy about your job and any potential risks. If you develop complications, contact your doctor immediately and discuss your options with your employer.

For more information:

• Stress and Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Discrimination at Work
• Chat with other women who are Working Moms.