Most pregnant women are able to continue working, frequently all the way until their due dates. However, bearing a child can be a demanding endeavor, and you're not alone if you feel that working and being pregnant are full-time professions.
You may need to adjust your workload or cease working if your job involves physical labor, you are exposed to hazardous substances, or you are experiencing certain pregnancy-related issues. (You may be eligible for disability payments and are protected from discrimination due to pregnancy by legislation.)
However, working while pregnant is generally safe as long as you take good care of both you and your unborn child. Continue reading for more details concerning pregnancy and the job, such as when (and if) you should quit, your rights at work, and how to handle (or disguise) pregnant symptoms.
Can you work while you're pregnant?
Depending on your particular employment, you could be able to continue working while pregnant or not. You can probably work until your due date if you're in good health, don't have a higher risk of pregnancy issues, and don't work in a physically demanding or hazardous environment.
Every job is different, and many non-traditional office jobs are probably safe to pursue during pregnancy. However, if your job requires you to stand for extended periods of time or if you perform a lot of heavy lifting, you might need to discuss with your manager about adjusting some of your responsibilities. There is no set time to start your maternity leave because every profession has varied physical, psychological, and emotional demands. To determine what's best for you and your child, you'll probably need to consider all of your alternatives, taking into account your health and financial status.
If you do decide to work through the birth of your child, give yourself some grace and make time to sit down or take a nap whenever you can. Consider utilizing the week or two before your due date to rest, get ready, and take care of yourself if you can afford to begin your maternity leave early.
If your job is strenuous:
If your work involves a lot of hard labor, you will probably need to make adjustments while you are pregnant. Research indicates that pregnant women who undertake physically demanding professions are more likely to experience pregnancy problems.
Tell your healthcare physician exactly what you do for a living so they can assist you in developing a strategy that works for your circumstances. You will need to determine how to adjust your physically demanding job if you have one during your pregnancy.
If you work a profession that needs you to stand a lot while pregnant, try to sit down as much as possible during your breaks. For improved blood flow when standing, try doing some light stretches or short walks in place. Try to choose a less taxing line of job to work on. If your manager agrees, you may, for instance, switch roles with a coworker, assigning them the walking and standing tasks while you work at your desk.
If you work around toxic chemicals:
You must immediately notify your doctor and make necessary adjustments to your work environment if your job exposes you to recognized reproductive dangers, such as radiation, organic solvents or other chemicals, heavy metals (including lead and mercury), some biologic agents, or organic solvents.
These compounds are known as teratogens, and they can result in aberrant fetal and newborn development, preterm delivery, miscarriage, and structural birth malformations if they are exposed to them during or even before pregnancy. Among other places, these risks are frequently observed in computer chip manufacturing facilities, printing presses, dry cleaners, rubber factories, toll booths, operating rooms, nail salons, and pottery studios.
Complications that might prevent you from working while pregnant
During your pregnancy, you might need to cut back on hours or quit your job if:
- Preterm labor can happen to anybody, including expectant mothers of twins or multiples.
- You are either at risk of preeclampsia or have high blood pressure.
- It has been determined that you have placenta previa.
- You have a history of late miscarriage, premature delivery, or stillbirth, or you have cervical insufficiency.
- Either you or your unborn child are experiencing intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
Your doctor may place you on pregnant bed rest, which limits your activity to some extent, depending on the specifics of your diagnosis and how serious it is. (Although it's generally not advised to spend all of your time in bed, there are times when it can be necessary.) Furthermore, tension and anxiety during pregnancy may be brought on by these diagnosis, potentially resulting in further difficulties.
What happens if I can't work while I'm pregnant?
Your healthcare practitioner will advise you to take safeguards at work or submit documentation to your employer proving your inability to work if they determine that working while pregnant is unsafe for you and your unborn child or could result in further issues.
There might be some workarounds. For instance, your manager and healthcare provider might be open to you working remotely if you have a desk job but are placed on bed rest. If working from home isn't an option, it's advisable to heed the advice of your provider and cease operations until your kid is born.
It might be really frightening to consider that you won't be able to work during your pregnancy and earn a consistent salary, especially when you're about to make some significant life adjustments. However, if your work provides health insurance, check with your HR department to see if you qualify for benefits related to short-term disability. A nonprofit like Planned Parenthood may also be able to provide you with affordable prenatal care. A Better Balance and other charity organizations can assist you in learning about your rights. (See other financial resources for expectant mothers).
Pregnancy discrimination: Understanding your workplace rights
Pregnancy discrimination laws shield you against being fired due to your pregnancy if your healthcare practitioner decides it is unsafe for you to continue working while you are pregnant. Federal laws in the United States help guarantee that your job is safe during the duration of your pregnancy as well as for a significant portion of the postpartum and recovery time.
Pregnancy Discrimination Act
According to the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), you cannot be paid less than your non-pregnant coworkers or fired if you are able to complete your job obligations. Furthermore, your pregnancy cannot be a reason for you to be passed over for a new job or promotion.
As required by the PDA, your employer must provide you with the same leave alternatives as other employees with temporary disabilities in the event that a pregnancy-related problem necessitates a leave of absence. That includes giving you the same amount of paid or unpaid disability leave.
Americans with Disabilities Act
While pregnancy is not regarded as a handicap, pregnant women who may be having difficulties are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The American Diabetes Association (ADA) covers a number of pregnancy-related problems, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, sciatica, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), your employer may be required to provide adjustments if a pregnancy-related problem makes it impossible for you to perform your pre-pregnancy duties, such as heavy lifting or prolonged standing. These include reducing your physical workload temporarily or, if it's feasible, enabling you to work from home, provided that the adjustment doesn't put your employer through undue hardship (serious trouble or expense).
Family & Medical Leave Act
According to the Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA), any private company that employs more than 50 people is required to provide eligible employees—those who have worked for the company for at least 12 months—with up to 12 weeks of paid time off in order to care for a newborn, adopted child, or foster child. In addition, many states and individual organizations have distinct family leave policies. Speak with your HR department to learn more about your possibilities.
How to handle pregnancy and work
Soon after the first trimester, a lot of women inform their boss that they are expecting. Inform your HR department as well; they can guide you through the maternity leave regulations of your firm and, if applicable, inform you of any additional family leave benefits that go beyond the FMLA.
If you have morning sickness at work:
Approximately 70% of pregnant women may at some point experience nausea or vomiting, particularly in the first trimester, and it's likely that you'll encounter it at work. Although many women don't find relief from morning sickness until well into the second trimester, discuss treatment options with your healthcare physician.
Make sure you have mouthwash and toothpaste in your "morning sickness kit" for the office if you're having problems finishing your meal. whether you notice yourself rushing to the restroom, be prepared for the possibility that some well-meaning colleagues will ask you whether you're okay. (It could be a little easier to hide your morning sickness if you work remotely.)
Informing your employer that you are pregnant sooner than expected can be helpful if your morning sickness is particularly bad and persistent, or if you have been diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum, which may necessitate hospitalization. This will allow them to understand the difficulties you are facing. Determine whether you need to make any special accommodations requests before breaking the news to your supervisor.
If you're afraid people won't take you seriously because you're pregnant:
Although being pregnant is a significant life event, you can still achieve professional success. Many ladies have overcome really trying situations as well as pregnancies. Pregnancy may generally help you prioritize and focus on the important things in life, even though there may be pregnancy-related issues that make it difficult to concentrate on work at different times.
At work, you are free to discuss your pregnancy as much or as little as you like. You'll discover what feels appropriate for your unique circumstances. But if your workplace is healthy, your coworkers will probably be encouraging and helpful, especially if you're having a bad day.
Recognize that taking a few moments of alone time during the day is acceptable, even vital, whether you need to attend a prenatal visit or answer a call from your healthcare provider.
If you have to travel for work:
Pregnant women who are in good health can travel without incident, but it's advisable to discuss your plans with your healthcare practitioner beforehand, particularly if you're planning a long-distance trip or are far into your third trimester. Having a duplicate of your medical documents on hand is a smart idea in case of an emergency.
Domestic travel by healthy pregnant women is normally permitted by airlines until approximately 36 weeks, while earlier cutoff times may apply to foreign travel. Request that the person booking your tickets confirm these policies with the airline.
If you have questions about being a working parent at your company:
If you work with other parents of young children or expecting moms, seek out their support and advice when appropriate. You might want to ask your more experienced colleagues questions that pertain to being pregnant at work, such as:
- What was your maternity leave proposal like?
- How did co-workers react when you announced your pregnancy?
- How did you stay productive when feeling tired or under the weather?
- How did you handle absentmindedness?
- Are there any support groups – virtual or in-person – for new parents?
- What's your approach to balancing work and family?
- Is your manager open to a flexible work arrangement?
How to stay comfortable at work during pregnancy
Take breaks. If you've been standing still for a while, sit and put your feet up or walk around. Moving the muscles can help with swollen feet and ankles during pregnancy.
Keep moving. If you work a sedentary job, stand up and walk around at least every hour (or ideally every thirty minutes). While you're up, do a few stretching exercises to help relieve or prevent any lower back pain, which is common in pregnancy.
Dress comfortably. Wear comfy shoes and well-fitting maternity clothing. You might also want to try pregnancy compression socks, which can help prevent or ease swelling and varicose veins.
Drink a lot of water. Keep a tall bottle at your work area and refill it often. This will also end up being a natural reminder to get up and take more bathroom breaks.
Eat regular meals and snacks. Consistent eating can help prevent morning sickness and dips in blood sugar. Choose balanced and nutritious lunches whenever you can, and opt for foods high in fiber such as cruciferous vegetables, beans, and whole grains to ease pregnancy-related constipation.
Request workplace modifications. If your workstation is causing you pain, prop your feet up under your desk or ask for help properly adjusting your chair or monitor. Don't hesitate to request wrist guards, splints, or other equipment that can prevent repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Reduce stress. If you can't eliminate a stress factor in your workplace, try to find ways to manage it elsewhere, such as stretching, deep-breathing exercises or prenatal yoga, or short walks to clear your mind. Counseling or therapy in your off-hours might help too.
Don’t give in to guilt. If you have to come in late once in a while for a doctor’s appointment or you’re working slower than usual, try not to be hard on yourself. You and your baby's health come first.
Accept help. If your co-workers want to baby you a little – and you don't mind – let them. This is a special time in your life, and it's nice to be able to recognize and celebrate big changes while at work.
If you are worried about your pregnancy, try Soula. Soul is AI assistant for Female Wellbeing.
Soula have been specifically designed for women, taking their unique challenges on their journey towards success and joy.
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