Pregnant and Working? Here's What You Need to Know to Keep Your Baby Safe and Your Career Thriving

Working during pregnancy can be tricky. You're growing a little human and getting ready to meet your new family member! But it can also be stressful, especially if you're worried about how your pregnancy will affect your job. You may be wondering what tasks you can or cannot do at work.

You want to follow safety precautions while at the same time remaining productive. As with any job, there are things your employer expects from you, and you should expect of yourself.

Working During Pregnancy: Is It Safe?

Working while pregnant is a personal decision.

There are many different opinions on the safety of working while pregnant. You need to think about your health and well-being. Make sure you are getting enough rest.

Unsafe Working Conditions for Pregnant Women

When pregnant, there are certain working conditions that should be avoided to ensure the health of both the mother and the baby. Here are 5 such working conditions:

1. Heavy lifting: Heavy lifting can put excessive strain on the body, causing complications like premature labour and reduced fetal growth.

2. Standing for long periods: Standing for prolonged periods can cause blood to pool in the legs, leading to swelling and varicose veins.

3. Exposure to harmful chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as lead and mercury, can cause birth defects and developmental delays.

4. Working with infectious patients: Pregnant healthcare workers should avoid working with patients who have infectious diseases, which can cause serious harm to the fetus.

5. High-stress environments: High-stress work environments can cause complications like preterm labour and low birth weight, and may also increase the risk of postpartum depression.

Physical Changes During Pregnancy that May Affect Your Work

• Fatigue: Many pregnant women experience fatigue during the first and third trimesters, which can make it difficult to maintain productivity.

• Nausea and vomiting: Morning sickness can make it difficult to concentrate and may make certain tasks, such as working with strong smells or flavours, challenging.

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• Back pain: As the uterus grows, it can shift the center of gravity, leading to back pain and discomfort.

• Swelling: Swelling, particularly in the feet and ankles, is a common occurrence during pregnancy and can make it difficult to stand for long periods.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: Pregnant women may be at higher risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, which can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands.

Working While Pregnant

First Trimester

If you're in your first trimester, you can still function at work pretty well—but you'll want to take it easy. You should avoid doing any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise. Make sure you drink plenty of water, so you don't get dehydrated.

Second Trimester

If you are in your second trimester but have not started to show yet, you should not have problems working as usual. This is assuming that you are doing something desk-bound or sitting down (and not lifting anything heavy).

Third Trimester

But if you're in your third trimester—or starting to show—you'll want to take extra precautions. You should talk to your doctor before continuing with any strenuous activities. The person will be able to advise you about the kind of work that is safe for someone who works outside the home.

If you're unsure about your safety in working outside, it is best to take your maternity leave, stop working until after the baby is born and you have had time to recover. This can be a difficult decision, but it's a good idea to err on the side of caution.

Tips While Working During Pregnancy

Working while pregnant isn't easy, but it's doable and worth doing. Here are some tips for making the transition a little easier:

• Set your priorities. It's okay to take it easy during pregnancy; remember, it's for the baby.
• Be careful when lifting things up; something may be too heavy for you.
• Make sure to have comfortable clothes and shoes on.
• Try to have someone walk around with you on work days.
• Bring lots of water and snacks with you.
• Bring a small pillow with you.
• Know the signs of preterm labour.
• Make sure you take scheduled breaks throughout the day.
• Talk to your boss. If you have any concerns, talk to them immediately before it escalates into a problem.
• Talk to your doctor about how to stay safe in the workplace.
• Take care of yourself and your baby. Remember that even if you are still working, make time to relax and rest.

The Health Risks Of Working During Pregnancy

When deciding to work while pregnant, be diligent with your choices as they can come with risks.

• Miscarriage

One of the leading health risks associated with working while pregnant is miscarriage. If your doctor worries that working during pregnancy will aggravate complications and lead to a miscarriage, taking time off from work is best.

• Preterm Birth

Another health risk associated with working while pregnant is preterm birth. Working on your feet all day or lifting heavy objects can make you more likely to have a baby early.

• Gestational Diabetes

If you can't help but snack on sweets and junk food in the office, working during pregnancy can put you at higher risk for gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Both affect your baby's health and make it more difficult for you to have a normal birth.

• Varicose Veins

Working at a desk for long hours can cause varicose veins in your legs. This is because your circulation isn't as good as it should be. And it's worse during pregnancy (but it will go away after childbirth).

• Toxins

If you work in a place with chemicals and toxins, they can get into your bloodstream and hurt the baby.

Signs To Stop Working During Pregnancy

When you're pregnant, your body is going through a lot. So it's only natural that you'll feel weird things and get strange sensations. But some symptoms are worth paying attention to—and some you can ignore.

Here are some of the signs that you should take a break from work:

• Extreme Fatigue

Fatigue is a prevalent pregnancy symptom, and it's normal for your body to feel tired during this time. If you feel tired or have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, it might not be because you're tired. It might be a sign that something else is going on.

• Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is also very common during pregnancy. But if it lasts longer than expected or gets vicious, it could harm both mother and child. If you notice any nausea or vomiting at all especially when you're already in your second trimester, call your doctor right away.

• Headaches

Pregnant women sometimes get headaches. But if they're bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, it may be a sign that there's something else wrong. Again: call your doctor!

• Faintness Or Dizziness

If you feel dizzy or faint, try to sit down and drink some water. If possible, put your feet up and rest for a few minutes. If your symptoms persist, it is best to stop working and see your doctor. Taking a few simple precautions can help ensure a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby.

• Shortness Of Breath

If you're feeling exhausted or experiencing shortness of breath, do not hesitate to take a break. It's also essential to ensure you're working in a safe environment. If your job involves lifting heavy objects or standing for long periods, talk to your superior about delegating lighter tasks in the meantime.

• Pain In The Chest Or Back

If experiencing chest or back pain beyond normal aches and pains, talk to your doctor. You may need to take a break from working. The added stress of working can put extra strain on the heart and lungs. They're already working hard to support both the mother and the baby.

• Palpitations

Stress, dehydration, and caffeine can cause palpitations. All these are more likely to occur when working. Also, working during pregnancy can lead to a lack of sleep. There's also a feeling of exhaustion, which can contribute to palpitations.

• Blurred vision

During pregnancy, the body goes through many changes. The increased levels of hormones can cause the blood vessels in the eyes to swell. This can lead to blurred vision or even temporary blindness. So, take note of this risk and take breaks often to give your eyes a chance to rest.

Reasons To Stop Working During Pregnancy

Working during pregnancy is something that a lot of women feel they need to do. Yet, there are plenty of reasons why you should stop working during your pregnancy. Here are some of them:

• You deserve a break - you've been working hard growing a human!
• Pregnant women need time to rest and relax to prepare for labour.
• Working can be stressful, and pregnant women should avoid any unnecessary stress.
• You'll likely have plenty of time to work after the baby is born.
• Taking a break will allow you to spend more time with your partner and family.
• It's good for your mental health - you'll be less stressed and happier.

Take Note of These 5 Warning Signs 

Working while pregnant can be challenging, but it's important to know when to stop to protect the health of both mother and baby. Here are 5 warning signs that pregnant women should not ignore when working:

1. Vaginal bleeding: Any amount of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy should be taken seriously and medical attention sought immediately.

2. Contractions: Contractions before the 37th week of pregnancy can be a sign of preterm labour and require immediate medical attention.

3. Dizziness or fainting: These symptoms can indicate a drop in blood pressure or dehydration, which can be dangerous for both the mother and baby.

4. Severe abdominal or pelvic pain: This may be a sign of serious complications like placental abruption or ectopic pregnancy.

5. Leakage of amniotic fluid: Any leakage of amniotic fluid should be reported to a doctor immediately, as it may be a sign of premature rupture of the membranes.

Maternity Leave In Singapore

Pregnancy can be both exciting and stressful for working women in Singapore. On the one hand, they look forward to welcoming a new life into the world. But at the same time, they may worry about how they will manage work and motherhood.

The good news is that Singapore has one of the world's most generous maternity leave policies. Employees can have 16 weeks of government-paid Leave or 12 weeks of maternity leave. It depends on whether your child is a Singapore citizen and other criteria.

The best way to determine how your pregnancy will affect your job is to talk with your doctor and employer. Your doctor can help you determine if there are any safety issues you might face in your workspace. Your employer can tell you about things you can do at work to help you adjust.

If possible, schedule an appointment with your doctor before starting work if you have concerns about whether it will affect your pregnancy. Ask him or her for some ideas on how to do your job and feel comfortable at the same time.

Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it's important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn't serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.