This is one of those “everybody’s different” situations. Some moms choose to work up until the very last minute in order to save up their maternity leave days after baby arrives. Others choose a “last day” in advance in order to have a break before their due date, or make arrangements to work from home in the final days. There's no single answer to the question, “what are the signs to stop working during pregnancy?” But there are health guidelines that can help you plan for your maternity leave. Be sure you discuss the factors related to your work and your pregnancy with your healthcare provider.
Most women can physically handle their usual workload up until about 32 to 34 weeks of pregnancy. Around this same time, many women are also shifting their mental focus from their job towards being a new mother, and that can affect the decision on when to stop working. If you run a business, you're likely to want to wait till the end of your pregnancy to stop working. It is not bad, just that if you notice one or any of those signs below, stop work right away and visit the doctor.
Signs To Stop Working During Pregnancy
Some types of work can increase the risks of having a premature baby, such as jobs involving heavy lifting, excessive noise, or standing for long hours. Talk with your doctor about obtaining a medical order to alter your work duties. Women who have experienced a previous premature birth may also consider finishing work earlier.
Regardless of the work that you do, there are some common warning signs that it's time to reconsider your plans to continue working. Are sleepless nights affecting your work performance? Or you're worried about all the baby preparations still to be completed at home? It may be time to think about stopping work sooner.
1. You’re losing steam in the middle of the day.
Sleepless nights are affecting your daytime performance and causing you to be sluggish, grouchy or forgetful. Plus, you find yourself stressing about all the neglected preparations waiting for you at home.
2. Sitting and standing are uncomfortable.
Backaches, swollen legs and feet, and breathlessness are signs that you need more horizontal time, especially if your job requires spending a lot of time on your feet.
3. You’re having symptoms of early labor.
Gnawing lower backaches, cramping or spotting means you need immediate medical attention. It’s possible your care provider will recommend complete bed rest.
If you feel this during your initial days of pregnancy, then talk to your doctor because you are capable enough to work this time efficiently. But if this is happening during your later phase of the pregnancy, immediately stop working and start resting at home. Because a mummy's healthy brain can help the baby grow faster inside her.
As we said above, each of these should be individualized and discussed with your doctor.
Medical Conditions Requiring You To Stop Working Earlier
There are certain conditions where doctors recommend you to stop working altogether. Some of these require hospital admission and observation. Others allow you to stay ay home. Each condition should be individualized and discussed with your doctor:
Here are some examples of pregnancy and medical conditions where doctors may recommend decreasing or stopping work:
- Placenta previa
- Placenta accreta
- Premature rupture of fetal membranes
- Premature dilatation (opening) of the cervix
- Twins with a risk of preterm birth
- High blood pressure
- Prior preterm birth
- Fetus with intrauterine growth restriction
- Premature labor
- Decreased amniotic fluid
As we said above, each of these should be individualized and discussed with your doctor.
Benefits of Stopping Right before Giving Birth
For many women, working during their pregnancy isn’t a chore. You may enjoy getting out of the house and having something to do during the day.
Eventually, you will have to take the last few weeks of work off for medical reasons. But it will be worth it. Again, the decision on when to quit working is usually just a matter of personal taste and it’s one you should think about carefully when you become pregnant.
Also read: The Symptoms Of Stillbirth And How To Avoid Them
