Working During Pregnancy

I was running on a treadmill until I was 37 weeks pregnant. I had my baby at 38 weeks. Not saying that is as strenuous as working in a warehouse.

As long as you are doing physically fine and not over stressed it should be okay. My doctors have always told me that if you are doing that kind of job before you get pregnant, your body is already used to it and unless you have an extremely complicated pregnancy, there is no reason to stop working.

I would just take it day by day and if it becomes too much for you then request that your doctor take you out of work, or put you on job restrictions for lighter work. Just make sure you are drinking plenty of water or Gatorade when it is hot like that.

I know this is going to sound extremely cheesy, but when I read your question, it immediately made me think about the responsiblities of women 200 years ago. While pregnant, they were usually working over a hot stove in a house with no air condition while tending to multiple children running around. And also, they were typically out in the graden bending over planting or pulling weeds or picking veggies. Man, I'm glad I didn't live then.

But, like someone else said, if your body is used to doing it before pregnancy, it is usually fine pretty far into the pregnancy. But, if you get so uncomfortable that you are having trouble finishing the day, or you start swelling, etc., I would reconsider working there. In 6 or 7 weeks, it may get to the point that it will become very difficult for you.

I know it's awful, but I think as long as you aren't having any physical problems with it, then they will let you keep working. But you probably need to watch your blood pressure and swelling, which tend to get worse with the heat. And it may be that your dr says it's okay now, but as the summer gets hotter (especially next month!) your situation may change. I definitely feel for you...I'm 29 weeks with my third and I can't even stand to walk outside unless it's to go to the pool. Memphis is a horrible place to be pregnant in the summer! I wish you the best with the duration of your pregnancy and hope things get better for you!

I worked up until I delivered all four of my babies. If it is not working for you then you need to start exploring your options. Is there another job in the same company that you can do until after the baby is born? Talk to human resources or your boss and ask. Tread lightly though because you don't want them to fire you because you can't do your job. Is there another job with another company that you could apply for? It may be tough to find another job if you are visibly pregnant. Could you afford to take 16 weeks off--10 weeks of your pregnancy and 6 weeks of maternity leave? If you can afford to do it then do it. Did you explain to your OB exactly how rough it is on your to work, what your symptoms are, etc.? You are paying for your OB's services. If you do not think you have a good doctor then change doctors. It may be tough to do this late in your pregnancy. But, your primary care physician could give you a referral.

Good luck with your pregnancy! Take care of yourself. After 4 children I learned the only person you can really count on to take care of you is YOU!

well, as long as your drinking enough water...just kidding, guit!!! get out of there:) i am constantly nagging my sister who is 8 months pregnant for gardening and she has to bend at the waist, and reach up high, in the heat, etc.... I get really upset at her, i tell her, look, you are pregnant, not trying to prove anything to anyone, take it from someone who did NOT take it easy thru her first pregnancy, and i paid the price. i tell her she must do what is good for her baby, and NOT do what is NOT good for her baby. if she worked in a warehouse, I wouldn't let her out of the driveway!!!
thanx,

LJ:)

Hi, M.,

IMHO, I would seek another opinion.

Good luck, and, Congratulations!

B.

I think in the begining it would be no problem but at 30 weeks I would consider stopping the bending at the waist and the lifting and reaching for things. My doc had told me not to vacuum at the end, not to lift or reach for things. You want to be safe, I am sure if you expressed this to your doc he/she might give you a note to your work saying to have "light duty" for the next 8-10 weeks. My doc wrote me one so I could come in late and get off early. :o) I was sick my entire pregnancy so I needed to sleep in.

Good luck!

M.,
Your body knows when enough is enough. Don't wait for your doctor to tell you to stop working if you feel that it is time. It sounds to me like a very strenuous job, and you might save yourself and your child a bout of preterm labor if you listen to your gut. You are not being lazy. That baby needs you to take it easy at this point. Mention to your doc how you are feeling, but don't feel like you have to get permission to stop working. Listen to your instincts, they are there for a reason.
Good luck and congratulations!

My doc told me that doing what I was used to doing before the pregnancy would be fine, until I felt like it was too much. I waited tables up to about 32 weeks, then my work wanted me to do less and hostess, and that was when I started feeling bad because I wasnt as active. You said your doc "seems to have no problem"- does that mean he is just telling you to do what feels right to you, or he is telling you keep working when you dont want to keep it up? How do YOU feel? If you dont feel good, then you should get another opinion. But if you feel ok, then you should be able to work as long as you want to.

You have to make sure you are well-hydrated, that is most important. Don't bend, you shouldnt be doing that anyways, and you need to watch how much you lift. I cant remember the weight restriction, but it should be in preg books or your doc can tell you. The heat would be a definite issue for me, I feel for you. I had a winter baby so the heat was never a factor for me.

As long as you are listening to your body, and your doc is supportive of you and not just telling you to suck it up, I think his advice is fine. Every woman is different, and you know how you feel. And I don't believe your job is allowed to penalize you for needing light duty. If you have been employed for a year, you have rights under FMLA.

I worked up until I had my babies. I did get tired the last week or two (38-39 weeks) and made my doctor write a note to put me on light duty until I delivered. Most OBs cater to their patients so I'm wondering why your OB is being so difficult. Keep an eye on the swelling from the heat and drink lots of water. If you notice a change in the size of you ankles or wrists I would ask your doctor at the next visit to write a note for light duty. Many women ask their doctors if it's okay for them to work this late in pregancy. If you haven't told your doctor all of your job function he may not realize you want to be on light duty.

I would say that you should go with what you feel. Are you getting enough water? Should probably have extra in that type of heat. And do you get a few breaks to prop your feet up? Are you swelling at all? Instead of bending start squatting!! I am 36 weeks with my second and while I worked like a normal(crazy..lol) person with the first, I have not been able to do so with the second. I do not have the energy nor the physical capabilities this time. So I commend you on your being able to work like that! If you start noticing contractions or changes in your physical well being, and of course your baby's well being, then you should make the appropriate adjustments. Also, for the heat, try one of those bandana style things that will hold ice that you tie around your neck. It is a great item to have to keep your temp regulated. I certainly don't know how you are handling the heat. Anyway, good luck. To answer you question, though, I do find it odd that your Doc is totally okay with the heat and the bending. But you must be in really good health for him not to worry. People do it all the time. Maybe you are one of those:) Good luck!

I would just listen to your body. If you think it is too much to continue working then I would talk more to your doctor about it. Like someone else mentioned listen to your body when enough is enough, that is it. If you are not having any issues then I would continue to keep working, just don't overdo it. You have a beautiful little girl you have to keep in mind. Good Luck and go with your heart!

There is some evidence to suggest that working long hours especially on your feet all day may lead to preterm birth ("The association between occupational factors and preterm birth: A United States nurses' study." American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 173(3):849-862, September 1995.) and there may be more than what I cited -- you may want to ask your doctor what studies have been done in regards to maternal working and the effect it may have on pregnancy, preterm birth, C-section, etc.

But in general, exercise is good for pregnancy, so it might be fine. I'd be very concerned about dehydration, so make sure you take a big water jug with you to work and drink it empty every day. Listen to what your body says, and perhaps get a second opinion if you feel like you're putting yourself & your baby at risk and your doctor won't listen to you.

Of course, our ancestors worked the fields and had lots of hard, manual labor for millenia with no breaks for pregnancy, so it may be that we've just gotten too soft. ;-)

M.,

Please be careful to lift properly... squat and lift. Do not bend over from the waist you will throw out your back. Be careful to not overheat yourself or the baby. Do you have clearance from your OB/GYN to be working in these conditions. I would check with your doctor for sure. Especially late into your pregnancy. Be sure to stay hydrated!!!

I think YOU know your body better than the doctor does. On one hand, if you're used to it, it'll keep you in shape, but if you are 'over-doing' it, maybe your work load could be minimized by the other workers if they'd co-operate with you and/or go part-time for a while if you can afford to.

Hi M.,

I was 39 years old when I was pregnant with my daughter. I am a waitress in a steak house. I carried 3 gallon buckets of ice (2 at a time). Racks of glasses (2 at a time). I did not get breaks and was doing my full duties two days after my due date. I think that staying physical helped alot. Drink plenty of water. And unless it becomes a health issue, keep up the good work. Good luck and God bless.

S.

It's not a problem unless you're stressed, overworked, tired...etc. If it is making you uncomfortable, then that is unhealthy for you and the baby. Your body is very powerful and able to handle a lot. You're body, unless you're high risk, is almost always able to handle everything during pregnancy as it did before. Runners who get pregnant still run when they are pregnant with no problems.
However, you still need to look at all the aspects and how they affect you and the baby. Someone who is pregnant should be getting 96oz of water a day (normally) and adequate nutrition (I suggest the Brewer Diet). You, however, are working much harder than most expectant mommies, so you should be getting more water intake! And, especially during the last weeks, you need to be stress free and relax, but still active to keep up your physical strength - like walking 20 minutes (3) times a day. Stress can cause preterm labor - if it is high enough.
So, as long as you are getting enough hydration, and nutrition, and you're not stressed or overly tired, then there should be no harm to you or the baby.

Hi M.
Is "light duty" a possibility at your work? If so, you can ask your doctor to write you a note so that you can do light duty at your work. Can you do something in the office at your work? I think most doctors would be amenable to helping you out with that. I do agree with you that it is concerning that your doctor is "ok" with you working manual labor and in the heat. If that doesn't work, is your boss easy going? You may be able to work something out, like taking shorter, frequent breaks during the day. Whatever happens, just make sure you drink a ton of water and eat healthy snacks throughout the day to help prevent dehydration and low blood sugars in the heat. Good luck and I'll be praying for you.

P.

Although it doesn't sound like ideal working conditions, whether pregnannt or not, the only "problem" I see is you bending at the waist to lift things. If lifting things is part of your job description (and I assume it is) them you should have been given training on good body mechanics, which tells you never to bend over to lift things but rather squat, keeping your back as straight as possible. (Squatting by itself should be part of your prenatal exercise regime anyway)If you have not had this training,m the company should be resonsible for any injuries occurring as the result of incorrect lifting techniques. If you have had this training, use it, as using good body mechanics becomes even more important during pregnancy.
The heat may bother you more while you're pregnant, but is not a risk factor. Keeping well hydrated becomes a priotity in that kind of heat. Dehydration can cause constipation, fever and even contractions! Drink plenty of water and other healthy natural beverages. In extreme heat, wear a scarf or bandana dipped in cold water around your neck. Re-dip as needed to keep cool. This will help keep your core temp down. Ftal damage usually doesn't occur unless your body's core temp reaches 105 degrees for prolonged periods. SO even though 93 degrees is not pleasant, it's not harmful.

If you were doing this job before you were pregnant and your body is used to the physical labor and heat then it shouldn't be a problem. I worked full time through my entire labor as a zookeeper working with extremely large dangerous animals in high heat and very physical labor. I was used to it and didn't really think of it as being bad for the baby. Just keep hydrated and if your body starts to feel fatigued then talk to your doctor about other arrangements.

As an HR professional, I will tell you that my experience is that doctors want to stay out of work-related issues! My suggestion to you would be to listen to your body and share with your doc specifics about your job that you feel you can no longer do safely. If he writes an 'excuse', it will need to specifically address tasks you do and NOT say generic things like, 'light duty'...ask him to write something like, 'must be able to sit down for 10 minutes at least every 3 hrs' or 'unable to work in temperatures exceeding 90 degrees'.

Couple of other things to keep in mind. Your company cannot by law *make* you stop working even when conditions are such that they could harm a fetus. I am not saying this is your case, but they will not approach you, since it is illegal, but perhaps you can approach them. Chances are, they will ask you to bring something from your doc, but when your requests are small (an extra break to sit...not lifting the heavier boxes) some companies/supervisors will just work with you.

Also, remember that unless your company has special leave policies, ALL the time you take off related to your pregnancy count toward your 12 weeks of government protected Family/Medical Leave. I used to work with employees on this issue in a former job and always hated to be the 'bad guy' to tell them when they'd planned to take 6 weeks off before the baby came that they would only have 6 weeks left AFTER the birth. Some companies do offer more, so check with your HR office.

Best of luck to you and I wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy!