Many people think that pregnancy is a fragile time for women, where they could break at any moment, and worse, that they can’t be productive or do anything. So here we’re going to clarify this misconception, to make it very clear that during this time, women can indeed continue with their normal routines—obviously without excesses or wildness, and except for some isolated cases of high-risk pregnancies when the doctor orders complete rest. But even when going through a healthy pregnancy, how long can you keep working while pregnant?
Stopping Work During Pregnancy?
There is no reason or medical recommendation for a woman to stop working as soon as she discovers she’s pregnant, unless there is some risk involved and a doctor advises her to step away from her activities. Likewise, if the work environment poses any risk to the health of the mother or baby. If you have doubts about the risks, it’s a good idea to check with your obstetrician and talk to your supervisors, who may be able to adapt your duties or transfer you to another department to avoid risks. Remember that every pregnant woman is afforded job security, and cannot be dismissed arbitrarily and without just cause1.
Prenatal Appointments
Throughout pregnancy, women have the right to attend their monthly prenatal appointments, as long as they provide their employer with a doctor’s note and, of course, also show up for the required prenatal tests. However, some women end up overusing this right and miss work for any minor discomfort. It’s important to note that a pregnant woman has the right to 6 justified absences, provided she presents a note saying she attended a doctor’s appointment or visited the emergency room. If this number is exceeded, the employer may deduct that day from her pay2.
A woman can perform her job as usual until the end of the third trimester if she feels up to it. Ultimately, you will be the one to decide your own limits and may request leave from your doctor. If you are feeling well and willing, you may continue your regular activities up to the day of delivery. By law, maternity leave can be taken up to 28 days before childbirth, and if necessary, you can request two weeks of rest in advance—you’ll need to provide a doctor’s note.
How to Take Care of Yourself During the Workday?
It is possible to stay strong, beautiful, and energetic at work, even while pregnant—which we already know—but how can you improve your well-being and maintain good health throughout this period, reducing the common discomforts of pregnancy?
Standing Jobs
Depending on your job and how you work throughout the day, there are a few precautions that can help you feel more energetic during this period3. For example, if you spend a lot of time standing, breaking up your day by sitting down every now and then and keeping your feet elevated is a way to avoid swelling and pain in your legs and feet, and also helps prevent varicose veins in your legs due to the extra weight of your belly.
Sitting Jobs
For those who spend long hours sitting, also take breaks every two hours—stretch, go for a short walk to help your blood circulate better, and reduce swelling, as well as the pain and heaviness in your legs.
If your workplace has a space where you can rest, take at least 15 minutes to recharge. And when it comes to eating, just because you’re away from home doesn’t mean you can’t eat well. Eat healthily at the right times and don’t forget to stay hydrated. One tip is to bring fruit to eat between meals, so you’ll stay hydrated.
Clothes and Shoes
When it comes to clothes and shoes, opt for the most comfortable possible, since you’ll spend much of your day without being able to change. In general, take pregnancy in stride—without excesses or negligence—and always remember to go to the bathroom whenever you need to, thus avoiding urinary tract infections, which are so common during pregnancy.
See also: Exercises During Pregnancy – What Can I Do?
Photos: Amber McNamara, Danny Cain
