WORKING WHILE PREGNANT

Contrary to what others may think, a pregnant woman can still work unless the nature of the job requires strenuous activity and exposure to harmful chemicals. If you’re employed in an office and your pregnancy is not sensitive, you can continue reporting for duty until your third trimester. Some brave women still work a few weeks before their expected date of delivery! However, not all women have the same attitudes and physical capacities. If you’re sickly and your pregnancy requires special care, you can take a leave of absence. Pregnant women are entitled by law to maternity leave benefits, but you have to inform your employer in advance when you plan to go on leave and when you plan to return to work. Most women take a leave when they have reached the 8th or 9th month of their pregnancy. But everything depends on your physical capability to continue working until the third trimester. Working can also be considered as a form of exercise, which is necessary during pregnancy. Most pregnant women keep up their usual activities like driving (if the belly doesn’t touch the steering wheel yet), typing, writing, etc. However, you will have to make certain adjustment in your schedule. If you often feel tired, don’t force yourself to work because that would cause unnecessary pressure on yourself and on your baby. If you often feel sleepy particularly in the early afternoon, take a catnap. The best way to cope with work throughout your pregnancy is to set your priorities. If the pressure is too much, make arrangements with your employer so that some of your work can be delegated to others and your schedule will be lighter until you have given birth. After delivery, you can take comfort in the fact that you have a job to return to. However, your feeling may be affected by the fear of being away from your newborn during working hours. Again, you’ll have to make the necessary adjustments. If you are breastfeeding, you might have a hard time coping with both work and home. Remember that it is important for you to establish a bond with your child as soon as he or she is born. Even if you decide to return to work, try to spend quality time with your infant because at that stage he needs your constant attention and presence. Although your baby cannot speak, he will communicate his needs to you by crying or reaching out his hand. In deciding when you are going to return to work, be fair and practical, your new role may affect your outlook in life. If you choose to work because you have a rewarding job, good for you! As long as you manage your time well, working will have long-term effects that will ultimately benefit your family. One is career advancement, second is the ability to grow intellectually and to tend off boredom, and third is financial stability. If you live in an underdeveloped country, working is the best way to provide the needs of your family and to give your child a good future.

· ADVANTAGE OF WORKING

o Career advancement

o Increased independence

o Financial rewards

o Intellectual growth

o Maintained social profile

· DISADVANTAGE OF WORKING

o Fatigue

o Worries about your new born

o Feeling of guilt and negligence

o Pressure in doing multiple roles

· TIPS FOR THE PREGNANT CAREER WOMAN

o Take your time – Don’t rush, pressuring yourself will only cause unnecessary anxiety.

o Sit Comfortably – Put your legs up to reduce the pressure of carrying a heavy abdomen

o Squat from time to time – Whenever you have the chance to squat, do so because it will be helpful during your labor. It strengthens the tights and prepares you for a squatting position when you deliver your baby.

o Be careful – if you take the stairs in your office, don’t move briskly. Take a slow step so that you won’t slip or tire easily.


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