Many women are faced with a decision about whether they should continue working during their pregnancy. There are both pros and cons to this and it is important to make a decision after careful consideration. The benefit of working during pregnancy is that you will continue to gain financially. It will also serve as a distraction from the discomfort which is likely to occur during pregnancy. If your job involves sitting at a desk, then you will be forced to sit and elevate your feet. This greatly helps in reducing swelling and cramps in the lower body. You will also always be surrounded by people who can provide assistance if needed. Should you experience labor, they will be there to get you to the hospital. If you decide to work throughout your pregnancy, then you will also be able to save up your maternity leave for after childbirth. This will give you time to spend with your newborn before you go back to work.

Ginger tea

Working during pregnancy involves certain risks as well. In case you need to be on the move constantly, it can make you uncomfortable and tired quite easily. You may not get adequate time to rest. Stressful jobs can affect both yours and your baby’s health. In case your workplace is not close to a hospital, it can take a while to get there in case you go into labor. Many women cherish the ‘nesting’ phase which they experience just before childbirth. This is the time when they prepare for the baby’s arrival. Working women may not be able to experience this phase properly. Once the baby arrives, some amount of sleep deprivation is bound to happen and this means that you will not have much time to rest even after you give birth.

In case you decide to continue working during pregnancy, there are some precautions you should take. In order to manage symptoms of morning sickness, avoid any food triggers that may lead to nausea. Keep snacks such as crackers handy as this can be immensely beneficial in curbing nausea. Ginger tea is also known to be helpful. It is important to stay hydrated throughout the day and hence it is advisable to keep a bottle of water at your desk. Pregnancy can make you feel tired quite easily due to the huge demands being placed on the body. To keep your strength up and energy levels high, consume protein and iron rich foods.

Fatigue often occurs due to anemia and foods such as leafy green vegetables, whole grains and red meat are beneficial in preventing iron deficiencies. Also ensure that you take regular breaks from work during which you can take a walk or move around a bit. If you feel excessive tiredness, simply sit in a quiet place with the lights off and rest. Remember to keep your feet up. It becomes extremely difficult for pregnant women who work the entire day and then go back to household work. It is important to ease the strain by cutting back on some of the activity. Those who sit at a desk for most part of the day should make it a point to get some exercise in their daily routine. Simple activities like walking daily will do wonders for your fitness levels. It is imperative to get enough sleep every night as this is the only time when your body can rest and recharge itself. A minimum of 8 to 9 hours every night is a must. To relieve discomfort while sleeping, place pillows between the legs and beneath the abdomen.

Certain working conditions can be quite risky for pregnant women and can lead to adverse effects such as preterm labor. Exposure to toxins, heavy lifting, loud noises, vibrations from machinery, cold temperatures, standing for long periods of time and excessive stress are all conditions that can lead to complications in a pregnancy. In case any of these issues are present it is important to discuss it with your doctor so that special safety measures may be taken. You may also need to alter your job duties or even make a decision to stop working.

Most employers offer up to twelve work weeks of unpaid leave after the birth of a baby. Some companies may even give up to a year off. However you need to make sure that your job is still available when you return to work. In some cases, this may not be possible and employers may offer comparable employment. It is a good idea to speak with human resources once you become pregnant or even just before. You can inquire about the policies of the company regarding maternity leave. Different companies may vary in their policies. How long you have worked for the company, how much leave you have left and your position in the company will also make a difference.