Are you working during your pregnancy? If yes, you're not alone. Many women work during at least some portion of their pregnancies. But is it really safe to continue working? What about workplace hazards? Are there factors that could possibly harm your developing baby? Get the answers to these questions from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Can I keep working if I'm pregnant?
Your ability to work during pregnancy depends on three factors: your health, your baby's health, and the nature of your work. In general, it's likely that you can continue to work as long as you're healthy, your baby is healthy, and your job poses no serious risks. Here are some factors your doctor will weigh in determining whether you need to stop working:

• Your general health
• How well you feel
• How the pregnancy is progressing
• Your age
• Any problems you've had in prior pregnancies
• The type of work you do
• How many hours you work
• Risk factors associated with your work

According to ACOG, barring any pregnancy complications, many women are able to work up until they give birth. But each situation is unique. You should discuss with your doctor how long you can work at your job. She will consider your physical condition, your baby's condition, and the nature of your job, and give you the best recommendation.

Why might I have to stop working during pregnancy?
There are some scenarios that might cause your doctor to recommend you reduce your hours or stop working:

Physically demanding work: If your job requires heavy lifting, standing, walking, or physical exertion, your doctor may advise you to cut back on your hours, and possibly stop working altogether in the last few weeks before birth. Because you might have trouble with balance as your pregnancy progresses, tasks involving this responsibility could become difficult or even dangerous. It's also not advisable to climb during pregnancy because a fall could seriously harm your baby.

Also keep in mind that during the first trimester especially, you might experience dizziness, nausea, and exhaustion. This could increase your risk for work-related accidents. If you're having trouble at work because of these symptoms, tell your doctor. If you do physically demanding work, you should discuss it with your doctor so she can recommend a sensible plan.