WHEN TO STOP WORKING DURING PREGNANCY?

 Posted on March 10, 2021 by Amanda

As your due date approaches, you might be wondering when to stop working and begin your maternity leave. This decision is based on several considerations, the most important of which are your medical, economic, and personal circumstances.

Some people like to keep busy at work nearly till their due date, or they have a financial commitment to work as much as they can. Others consider their due date to be a definite “end date.” Even if you intend to work as long as possible, health issues will make it impossible or dangerous to proceed beyond a certain point.

It is a good idea to keep the following factors in mind when making your decision.

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• Medical Points to Consider

You may need to take time off work earlier rather than later if you are pregnant with twins or have complications such as preterm labor. Even a safe pregnancy is physically demanding, so keep track of how you feel as time goes by.

Certain conditions during pregnancy can necessitate bed rest since you are not supposed to sit in a chair for more than 1 hour at a time when on bed rest; working is usually out of the question. Standing time should be limited to no more than 1/2 hour at a time.

The following are examples of situations that could cause your doctor to put you on bed rest:

• Carrying multiple babies: Carrying two or more babies puts the body under extra pressure.
• Cervical effacement: If the cervix is thinning, you might be at an increased risk.
• Concerns about fetal development: If your baby is not developing as predicted, you might need to take it easy at work.
• Complications in the past: A history of premature birth, stillbirth, or fetal loss can warrant bed rest.
• Cervical incompetence: A weakened cervix will lead to early labor.
• Preeclampsia: It is a condition that increased the protein in the urine, high blood pressure, and swelling; it is dangerous for both you and your baby.
• Premature Labor: Bed rest can help to slow the progression of early labor.
• Vaginal bleeding: This may be a sign of a problem with the placenta.

Even if bed rest is not needed, you can talk to your doctor about your everyday life demands. Give specifics on what you are expected to do at work and at home and how your job affects your stress level.

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Consider how you feel while making the decisions:

Before taking your maternity leave early, think of ways to make work more enjoyable if you are having sleepless nights, swelling, back pain, or other issues. If you can change your work environment or schedule, it could help.

Wearing more comfortable shoes, switching to a different chair, bringing a fan to your desk, taking more frequent breaks, or working an earlier shift are all possibilities.

How Does Your Commute Go?

If your commute involves a long car ride during rush hour, you might be adding to your day’s stress (and risk). As your pregnancy progresses, standing on the train or subway, or waiting outside for the bus, may become more difficult to handle. If you have no choice but to go to work and your commute is becoming too much for you, taking an early maternity leave could be the best option.

Monetary considerations

Your decision will most likely be influenced by the specifics of your maternity benefits and your family’s financial needs. If you are on unpaid leave, you may want to put off your last day of work as long as possible.

Saving up some extra money if possible, to allow some leeway at the end of your pregnancy is always a good idea. Nonetheless, you should never have to compromise your health for financial conditions.

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How Many Days Off Do You Have?

If you get six weeks off, leaving work on or before your due date will begin the countdown to the birth of your child. If you are two weeks late, you will only have four weeks with your baby. If your child is not old enough for daycare or other childcare options, you will need to take two weeks off without pay.

Career Considerations

If you are not yet ready to start maternity leave but are having trouble getting through your regular workday, talk to Human Resources or your boss about your concerns. Employers should be respectful of your medical and family needs because pregnancy is a human right.

Also Read: How To Talk To Your Partner About Fertility Issues

Prepare ahead of time and bring up ideas that highlight your value as an employee throughout the conversation. Describe how a flexible schedule would help your business. Some employers place a higher value on family than others. Consider the other choice if you are unable to come up with a satisfactory arrangement.

Working up until the start of labor is possible for a woman who is having a natural, healthy pregnancy. You may, however, decide to stop working whenever it is convenient for you.

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