Safety At Work During Pregnancy

Safety At Work During Pregnancy

27 Apr 2022 | 4 min Read

Sayani Basu

Author | 607 Articles

Some women continue to work throughout their entire pregnancy journey. However, sometimes it might present challenges at the workplace. To stay healthy and productive on the job, you need to understand how to alleviate the common discomforts of pregnancy.

While an expecting woman having a normal, healthy pregnancy can work until the start of labour, some choose to stop working several weeks before their due date.

Working during pregnancy isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Here’s everything you need to know about coping with the symptoms and staying healthy while working, and also know when the work may affect the pregnancy.

Easing Nausea And Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting due to morning sickness can cause discomforts at work. It can strike at any time of the day. Research shows that it is common in 70% of pregnancies.

To help nausea due to morning sickness during pregnancy, avoid having an empty stomach. | Image Source: freepik

Tip:

  • To help relieve nausea, it is advisable to avoid having an empty stomach. Eating in small amounts every one to two hours can be helpful.
  • Ginger ale or ginger tea might also be helpful.

Handling Fatigue

You might feel tired as your body works overtime to support this crucial phase and resting during the workday may not be feasible.

Tip:

  • Eat foods rich in iron and protein: Fatigue can be a symptom of iron deficiency. Hence, it is advisable to choose iron-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, leafy green vegetables, iron-fortified whole-grain cereal and beans.
  • Take short, frequent breaks: Getting up and moving around for a few minutes can help you to reinvigorate. Spending a few minutes closing your eyes and your feet up can also make you feel charged up.
  • Drink plenty of fluids: Keep a water bottle at your desk and sip throughout the day. It is very important to stay hydrated during this crucial time.

Staying Comfortable

As your pregnancy progresses, activities like sitting and standing can become uncomfortable.

Moving around every few hours can ease muscle tension and help prevent fluid buildup in your legs and feet. You can also try these strategies:

Tip:

  • Sitting: Try using an adjustable chair with good lower back support that can make long hours of sitting much easier, especially as your weight and posture change.

If your chair isn’t adjustable, you can use a cushion to provide extra support for your back. Elevating your legs at frequent intervals can also be a good idea as it would decrease swelling.

  • Standing: If you need to stand for long periods, you can put one of your feet up on a footrest, low stool or a box. Try to switch feet often and take frequent breaks.

Opt for comfortable shoes that provide good arch support.

  • Bending and lifting: Try to bend at your knees and not your waist. Keep the load close to your body, lifting with your legs and not your back. Try to avoid twisting your body while lifting.
All pregnant mums are entitled to maternity leaves. | Image Source: freepik

Your Rights

All pregnant mums are entitled to be moved into a safe job, if it isn’t safe for them to do their usual job during pregnancy. They are entitled to the same pay package and working hours as in their usual job.

All pregnant mums are entitled to maternity leaves. However, the entitlement to parental leave and flexible working arrangements depends on your agreement or contract, and how long you have been in the job.

Expecting mums are also entitled to take time off for appointments related to your pregnancy.

Certain working conditions during pregnancy might increase your risk of complications, especially if you’re at high risk of preterm labour including exposure to harmful substances, prolonged standing, excessive noise, extreme temperatures, heavy lifting and heavy vibrations such as from large machines.

Working right through your pregnancy is a great way to stay active, as long as you have a safe pregnancy and your doctor gives you the green signal. 

If you are experiencing any discomfort, you can discuss the same with your healthcare provider. Take a decision together and accordingly modify your work duties, while taking special precautions for a safe pregnancy.

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