Working and Staying Healthy During Pregnancy

With all of the physical concerns that pregnancy brings, you may wonder whether you ought to stop working. The vast majority of women can continue to work during pregnancy, even until their due date. If you’re unsure of when exactly your baby might arrive, our due date calculator can help.

Women whose pregnancies are high risk (like those carrying multiples or those with a history of preterm labor), however, may need to take maternity leave earlier than others so they can get the rest they need.

Tips for Going to Work While Pregnant

Even if your pregnancy is not high risk, follow these measures to stay healthy and rested during your workday:

• Take breaks and put your feet up several times throughout the day. Circulation slows down during pregnancy; raising your feet keeps blood flowing, which helps reduce swelling in the ankles and feet.

• Try to minimize stress at work. If you have a very stressful job, now is a good time to learn a stress management technique, like yoga or meditation.

• Get enough sleep at night. Some women find they are more tired during the day when they're pregnant. To help combat daytime sleepiness, increase your nighttime shut-eye.

Special Job Considerations

A few jobs might pose a risk to you and your baby, in which case you may have to scale back or modify your activities. If you have a job that requires heavy physical activity or if you work with chemicals, you may want to check with your healthcare provider.