Do You Know When To Stop Work When Pregnant? Find Out Now!
One of the reasons why some women avoid getting pregnant is the thought of having to give up their career. This is especially true among workaholic women and women holding top positions in a company. In your case, you are pregnant and wondering whether working while conceiving your little one is safe.
I read some forums and encountered different responses when women were asked when to stop work when pregnant.
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What Some Women Have To Say
When should career women stop work when pregnant? Some moms said they worked until the day their water bag leaked while others worked up until the week before they were due to deliver their baby. Some used that week off for last minute shopping, running errands, getting a manicure and pedicure, and relaxing.
For other pregnant women, they used their work as a motivation to keep moving rather than just stay home and live a sedentary life. Still, other women quit working when they reached their six-month mark.
When To Stop Work When Pregnant?
The decision when to stop work when pregnant solely depends on the expecting mothers because they know their bodies better than anyone else. However, there are instances when pregnant moms have to stop working otherwise their baby’s condition will be at risk.
The Nature of Work
A lot of women are enjoying jobs that do not put their pregnancy at risk; hence, they can continue working even until they reach their full-term. Most of the time it will depend on the kind of work you do and how you go about your work. At times, some women are advised to rest because of possible complications including diabetes, hypertension or high blood pressure, miscarriage, or pregnant with twins.
You may continue working as long as you desire and choose when to begin your maternity leave. However, when you are sick due to an illness related to pregnancy during the last month before your delivery date, you may request a maternity leave from your employer immediately.
Mostly, towards the final week of your pregnancy, you will likely feel tired quickly. Thus, if you can begin your maternity leave at least a week or two before your due date, use that time to relax and get ready for your delivery date.
Pregnancy Health Condition
Most women experience smooth pregnancies that appear to just go well with life, in spite of the baby bulge that needs new clothes, more room, and nourishments. Whether you are someone who at high risk or low, prenatal, checking ups regularly is important.
By having check-ups, you will discover if you or the little one in your tummy needs more rest or just a mere change in routine. Sometimes, a normal pregnancy can be stressful. In this case, you may try changing your job or work schedule to ensure your safety and that of your baby.
You probably do not want to stop working because of your love for your profession, finances, and personal satisfaction, and you decide to continue to work until your water breaks or your contraction starts. While that is okay, it is still best to put your safety and that of your baby’s safety first. Whatever your plans are, consult your doctor, nurse, or midwife for health advice.
Other Signs that You Need to Stop Working When Pregnant
Sleepiness during the day
Sleepless nights due to pregnancy may impact your mood and performance during the day. You will typically feel grouchy, sluggish, and forgetful. With all these negative feelings taking a toll on you, there are times when relationships with colleagues are also affected. While your situation is understandable, your colleagues might not be able to tolerate it all the time.
Hence, conflicts arise. If you feel sleepy or grouchy, you may need to consider taking a maternity leave.
Exposed to uncomfortable positions at work
Your job dictates what you should do. Some jobs require standing for a long time while other jobs require a lot of bending and sitting. This stresses you, but you cannot just complain. It is part of your work.
However, you should also need to take into account the strain that you are causing yourself and your baby. Sometimes, when you fail to consider the workloads, you also become so stressed out, thereby resulting in miscarriage and other pregnancy-related illness. Rest when needed.
Early labor symptoms
You feel perfectly fine. That’s great! But because of the work stress and other work-related activities, you might experience spotting, cramping, and lower backaches. When this happens, you need to get alarmed and contact your doctor immediately. Surely, your doctor will recommend you bed rest.
How To Make Yourself Comfortable At Work
There are various ways you can do to make yourself comfortable at work:
- Sit in a comfortable position. Feet flat on the floor and keep your back straight. If your feet cannot reach the level surface of the floor, find a footrest. This will enable to blood to circulate properly.
- Place a ball on your lap while in a sitting position. The best position would be for the ball to roll down your legs. Adjust your chair when needed.
- Do you have a gym ball at work? Alternate your position. You may sit in your chair for 30 minutes or an hour, then, on your gym ball for another 30 minutes.
- Take a break when necessary. Get some fresh air and try to walk around.
- Consume lots of water.
- Avoid engaging in a stressful situation.
- Avoid positions that cause stress to your body.
Final Words
Every pregnant woman’s situation varies, and everyone tries to perform activities or decide on things that they feel would work best in their situation. Nevertheless, relaxation is free. So, enjoy it when you can and while you can.
Prepare for your delivery date and try connecting with your baby. When to stop work when pregnant depends entirely on you. But if you are carrying twins, taking a maternity leave is what most experts recommend.
When did you decide to stop work when you were pregnant? Share your story with us.
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