Effects Of Working Long Hours While Pregnant

Effects Of Working Long Hours While Pregnant

11 Sep 2018 | 3 min Read

Babychakra

Author | 1369 Articles

Working women have the tricky task of balancing their pregnancy period with their occupation. While most women continue to manage work while pregnant, it is important for them to understand that the consequences of their activities will have an impact on the baby’s as well as their own health. 

Working long hours maybe alright before but doing so during pregnancy can have an impact on both baby and mom. Continuing this practice can be stressful for you to the point that it may result in you developing medical afflictions. The ill effects of working long hours include high blood pressure, unbalanced hormones, and exhaustion. Many of these can lead to premature birth and reduced body weight of the baby. In this article, we will help you know more about the effects of working long hours while pregnant.

working woman

Preeclampsia

One of the major effects of working long hours while pregnant is the risk of Preeclampsia. It is a condition which is characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organs, usually the liver or kidneys. A study reveals the definite link between continuing stressful work for long hours and an increased risk of pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia can result in swollen hands and feet, blood clots, and in some cases, it can be fatal.

Hormonal Stress Disorder

A study highlights that the pressure of working long hours while pregnant leads to an increase in the level of stress hormones. Hormonal imbalance can give rise to raised blood pressure which can result in a premature delivery.

Disruption of Blood Flow

Some women work in industries that may require hours of standing. For instance, cooks, nurses, waiters, and police officers are some occupations that keep women on their feet all day. Working through these kinds of jobs, especially during the last half of gestation can disrupt the flow of blood.  Therefore, it is advised, especially in high-risk pregnancies that women who work more than four hours a day on their feet, should take up a desk job or quit by the 24th week.

Exposure to Infections and Radiations

 

tensed lady

Long working hours in jobs like healthcare is a major concern. Working in the healthcare industry during pregnancy can lead to health complications arising from exposure to a number of biological factors like infections by a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite.

Balancing the Long Hours and Maternity

A few small changes at work can make a big difference to the health of your unborn baby. Wearing well-fitted shoes, rotating tasks, and resting once in a while with your feet up can help a lot. Plan a sabbatical if your work hours are really hectic. If you live in a place where the weather changes frequently and are concerned about how it may affect you, seek professional advice at the earliest.

Happy pregnancy!

 

Also read: Your List Of Do’s And Don’t While Working During pregnancy

 

#pregnancymustknow

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