Last Updated on September 1, 2023 by Lori Pace
Your pregnancy might seem like it’s going well, but you never know when your limit is met. Difficulty in walking because of having an inevitable pain in your hips and pelvic bones is one of signs that you should probably stop working during pregnancy.
However, many mothers decide to use their maternity time after their baby is born. They prefer this because it means they’ll have more time to take care and bond with their baby. This also gives them more time to recover from birth.
Be honest to your doctor when he/she asks you about your pregnancy and how you are feeling. This is because your doctor will be the first one to tell you to stop working for your wellbeing and your baby’s wellbeing.
Sometimes, it’s more a gut check and listening to your body. When should a pregnant woman quit working? These are the signs that a pregnant woman should stop working and whether or not they apply to you.
5 Signs To Stop Working During Pregnancy
1. Preterm complications
Preterm birth is something every mom wants to avoid during pregnancy. If you are experiencing preterm complications, talk to your doctor. You might have unusual swelling, high blood pressure or Braxton Hicks contractions.
If you have symptoms such as dilation or mucus plugging, your doctor may also ask you to leave work. Although you might not be suffering from preeclampsia yet, your levels may be high enough to warrant monitoring your urine for several days.
2. You have a high-risk pregnancy | Signs To Stop Working During Pregnancy
Many moms are “lucky” that they were able avoid many complications during pregnancy. Others have many complications, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and anemia. Your pregnancy is at high risk if you have multiples or twins.
High-risk pregnancies can bring on more complications. If you are unable to walk or can only be placed on bedrest, it may make it difficult to work until your due date. High-risk pregnant women tend to quit sooner than those who aren’t.
3. You physically can’t perform well at work
Certain jobs are more demanding than others. Bartenders, pharmacists, or nurses and doctors, waitresses, and hairdressers are all examples of people who work hard. Some are more physically demanding than others, such as loading merchandise at a store. Others pose dangers you wouldn’t consider if you were not pregnant, such as training dogs.
Each decision is both personal and pragmatic. You wouldn’t leave your job if you had a headache. However, you should weigh the impact on your health against the potential for losing your job. You should consider whether you are able to continue working in these conditions.
4. You can’t keep up with work demands and pressure | Signs To Stop Working During Pregnancy
Even “desk jobs” are not easy. It can be difficult to sit all day, or if you have trouble staying awake. Maybe you are finding it difficult to focus or dread going to work every day.
Even though your job may not be physically demanding, it can cause anxiety and stress to an already stressed body. These “invisible” pressures may be a warning sign that you should quit working if your workplace is filled with drama at work or stressful duties.
5. You still have a lot to prepare
Some people are not able to plan ahead. Others may be unable to do so. You may need to take the time to prepare for the final few weeks of pregnancy if you are not ready to welcome your baby.
If you are feeling unprepared, the countdown to the big event could be adding pressure. If you don’t feel overwhelmed by your plans, it is a smart decision to stop working for the last few weeks.
Conclusion about Signs To Stop Working During Pregnancy
Ask moms in a group about their plans to quit working and you’ll get many answers. Some mothers choose to work up until they give birth (either by choice or necessity). Some choose to take time off to rest and prepare for the arrival of their baby, ranging from a few days up to several weeks.
These signs will help you decide when to stop working during pregnancy. Doctor’s orders are the most common reason to stop working. Preterm complications could make it necessary to stop or you might be in a high-risk pregnant situation that requires more rest than work.
Sometimes, it is important to weigh the benefits of your work against any potential health risks. You might find your job is not suitable for you or that you are unable to perform at work. Yet, it can still feel personal. You might want to take those final weeks off to prepare for your baby.
