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.

Hazardous working conditions: If you're exposed to toxic substances, machinery, or x-rays at work, your doctor will ask you to request reassignment to an area that's safe for you and your baby. In the event that reassignment is not possible, your doctor might tell you to stop working.

Stressful work: Generally speaking, high levels of stress are not good for you or for your baby. There is still much research to be done on the actual effects of stress on pregnant women. But to be on the safe side, organize your work schedule to be less chaotic, and keep regular hours. If there are interpersonal problems at work, contact someone in human resources and try to work them out.

Pregnancy complications: Complications such as diabetes, kidney disease, back problems, or high blood pressure often require you to cut back or eliminate work altogether. Some of these conditions may require you to be on bedrest, in which case work would be out of the question.

Pregnancy history or multiples: If you had prior miscarriages or preterm births, or if you're pregnant with multiples, you may require special care during your pregnancy. Your doctor might recommend cutting your hours at work, or stopping work altogether if she feels your situation warrants it.

Work hours: Avoid working more than eight hours a day, five days a week. Take all available lunch and rest breaks.

What should I be cautious about during pregnancy?
Find out if there are any substances or conditions at your workplace that could harm your baby. If there are any teratogens (substances known to harm developing fetuses) at your workplace, take steps to prevent being exposed to them. Examples of teratogens found at some work sites include:

• Chemotherapy drugs: Health-care workers could potentially be exposed to these.
  
• Lead: Workers in industries that use lead and people who work on heavily traveled roads could have an increased risk of exposure to lead.
  
• Ionizing radiation: X-ray technicians and laboratory researchers in jobs that use instruments that emit ionizing radiation may be at risk. The ACOG recommends avoiding this type of radiation. Radiation from computers, microwaves, and color televisions contains another type of harmless radiation known as nonionizing radiation.

For most women, working during pregnancy is safe and enjoyable. But you are your own best health advocate. Make it a point to talk with your physician early in your pregnancy to determine if you have any medical conditions, or if there are work-related factors, that could raise concerns about your continuing to work.

Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Reviewed by Elizabeth Stein

The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.

Content courtesy of American Baby.