With all the sickness, aches and pains pregnancy can feel like a full-time job in itself. So coping with the day job as well can be a challenge. Just how do you mange it all successfully?
Dr Carol Cooper, a GP and mum of three, says: ‘When you're pregnant it's important not to get too stressed. It's bad for a growing baby as it can reduce vital blood flow to the placenta.'
Make it work for you
The key to a stress-free pregnancy is a balance of work and rest, says Dr Cooper: ‘You'll need to lower your standards when the baby comes anyway, so pregnancy is a good time to start!'
* Ask if you can work from home sometimes and change your hours so you don't travel at peak times.
* Take a full hour for lunch and use it to relax or sleep.
* Keep a bottle of water and some healthy snacks to hand - try dried fruit or cereal bars.
* Don't stay late or do overtime.
* Don't take work home,
* Don't stand or sit for a long time; change position frequently.
Make it work for them
You can't expect your workmates to find your pregnancy ailments as fascinating as you do. Say if you need help, but don't bore them with your leaky boob story every time they ask how you are.
* Wait until your 12th week before telling your boss.
* Choose an appropriate time to tell them - preferably when they're not rushed off their feet.
* Tell your boss about antenatal appointments well in advance.
* If you wear a uniform point out you'll soon need a bigger size!
* Don't leave it too late to tell your boss as they'll need to find maternity cover.
When should I stop work?
Many women are happy working up until their due date. But some experts say you shouldn't work beyond week 32. Your heart, lungs and other vital organs have to work harder from this point, which will put added pressure on your spine, joints and muscles. If you're still keen to work, take plenty of rests and always put you and your baby's health first.
You, your bump and the law
Worrying new research found that 7% of working mums-to-be are forced out of their jobs each year - because they're sacked, made redundant or leave their jobs due to discrimination.
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), which commissioned the research, found 45% of working pregnant women or new mums say they've experienced unfair treatment, ranging from missing out on promotion to being stopped from going on training courses. This sort of treatment is illegal, so if you have a bad experience or need any advice or legal information contact the EOC. The good news is you have lots of rights. Your boss has to provide a safe environment, give you paid time off for antenatal classes and give you back your old job if you return within a year. What's more, mum-friendly policies are a hot topic with political parties and the Government's recent ‘mumifesto' proposed to extend paid maternity leave and increase paternity pay.
For more help
* Contact the National Childbirth Trust - 0870 444 8707; www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com.
* EOC helpline; call 0845 601 5901 or visit www.eoc.org.uk.
* The Maternity Alliance exists to improve rights and services for women and their families. Call 020 7490 7638 or visit www.maternityalliance.org.uk
What real mums say...
Michelle Parry is a sales assistant from Falmouth and mum to Thomas, now 4
‘I had morning sickness for the first couple of months. I'd ring in but I was normally in by 11am. Fortunately, my boss and colleagues were very understanding.
‘Working actually took my mind off my pregnancy. I always left on time and put my feet up at lunchtime. I also carried little bottles of water and made sure I had healthy snacks for when I felt weak. I left work 8 weeks befire I was due even though I felt well.
‘I went back to work when Thomas was 6 months, but just for two days a week. It was nice going back into an environment I knew, and no eyebrows are raised if Thomas is sick and I have to look after him.'
Claire is a duty manager in a gym. She lives in London and is eight months pregnant with her first child
‘I told my boss at 6 weeks as I had really bad morning sickness. He was really supportive - but some of my work colleagues weren't. Gradually I noticed I was being sidelined. I look after all the conferencing, but colleagues started doing my bookings without telling me, or I'd see a memo in someone's in-tray addressed to everyone except me.
‘One day I confided in a workmate who said, ‘They have meetings without you, They think they have to carry you because you're pregnant.' She added that one said I shouldn't still be working and another said pregnant women shouldn't be in positions of authority.
‘I came home in tears and considered packing it all in, but I'll be on maternity leave soon so I've decided to stick it out. My boss doesn't know what's happening - I don't want to cause trouble by telling him'
Risky business
Make sure you're doing everything you can to protect yourself and your baby at work
| OFFICE WORKER | FACTORY WORKER | HAIR STYLIST | NURSERY WORKER |
| Walk around regularly, as your circulation will be more sluggish than usual. | Bend your knees when lifting heavy objects. Get someone else to do it or help you if possible. | Make sure your client is at the right height when cutting. | Take care when lifting or carrying children – bend your knees and pull in tummy muscles. |
| Don’t slump – it won’t help your aching back. Sit up straight and use a footstool if you need one. | Follow health and safety guidelines on toxic chemicals such as paint, fertilizers, pesticides and solvents. | Use gloves when applying hair dye – the jury’s still out on dye but you’re handling a lot of it so best to be safe. | Try not to expose yourself to infections such as chickenpox or rubella if you know it’s going around. |
| Keep away from cigarette smoke. | Don’t be shy about speaking out if you’re exposed to hazards. You have the right to be moved into a less risky job if necessary or suspended on full pay. | Don’t stand in one position for too long. Keep transferring your weight from foot to foot and make sure you have regular breaks. | Don’t ignore symptoms of any illnesses, even if no spots have appeared. It’s always best to get checked out by your GP. |
