Work and Pregnancy

Guidelines for working during pregnancy:

Many women work during pregnancy without any complications. Being able to work safely, in some cases, until the day of delivery depends on the type of work performed and the mother-to-be's medical condition. However, the workplace does pose certain risks, depending upon the occupation. Knowing what these risks are and minimizing them will help increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy. Be sure the discuss the following job risks with your physician at your first prenatal visit:

• Exposure to metals such as mercury and lead can lead to birth defects, miscarriage, and other problems.
• Exposure to solvents such as household cleaning agents and pesticides can lead to fetal deformity and other problems.
• Exposure to pharmaceutical agents, such as chemotherapy may increase the rate of miscarriage, low birthweight, and malformations.
• Exposure to infections on the job, such as hepatitis, rubella, and other diseases can cause multiple problems during pregnancy.
• Exposure to physical agents such as radiation and radioactive waste can lead to abnormal fetal development, miscarriage, and other problems.
• Exposure to extreme heat on the job early in pregnancy may increase neural tube defects in the fetus.
• Physical job demands, such as prolonged standing or walking, heavy lifting, working varying shifts, and job stress can adversely affect a pregnancy.

Taking proper precautions to avoid these risks on the job can help keep you and your baby healthy throughout the pregnancy.

The American Medical Association recommends the following for working pregnant women:

• take a break every few hours
• take a longer meal break every four hours
• drink plenty of fluids while on the job
• vary work positions continuously, from sitting to standing and walking
• minimize heavy lifting and bending

Proper lifting techniques during pregnancy:

Weight gain during pregnancy adds strain to the back. Proper lifting can help reduce the strain and prevent injury. When lifting, a pregnant woman should keep in mind the following recommendations:

1. stand with feet shoulder-width apart
2. tuck in the buttocks
3. bend at the knees
4. lift with the arms and legs, not the back
5. limit the amount and weight of the items lifted

Computer use in pregnancy:

Today, many occupations involve the use of a computer. Computers have also been associated with many complaints, such as neck, wrist, hand, shoulder, and back pain from prolonged sitting in the same position and eye strain. To alleviate these symptoms, the following may help:

• take frequent work breaks
• use detachable keyboards and adjustable chairs and tables
• use non-reflective glass on the screen, adjust the screen lighting and contrast, and install indirect lighting

The information on this Web page is provided for educational purposes. You understand and agree that this information is not intended to be, and should not be used as, a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. You agree that Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital is not making a diagnosis of your condition or a recommendation about the course of treatment for your particular circumstances through the use of this Web page. You agree to be solely responsible for your use of this Web page and the information contained on this page. Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and information providers shall not be liable for any damages you may suffer or cause through your use of this page even if advised of the possibility of such damages.