How long should a woman continue working for while she is pregnant?

Question

Would the stress of the office cause the baby harm? I've debated with friends long and hard about this one.

Answer 1

Everyones tolerance is different! I personally worked until I went into labor. Of course I'm a dance teacher and I had dances to teach! Plus it took my mind off of being miserably pregnant (In the ninth month) So do what you want when you want! If you can tolerate working till the very end then do so, but if you want to relax during your last month then do so (If you financially can) Good luck and congrats! P.S. The stress shouldn't have any effect on the baby, BUT it will hinder your state of mind!

Answer 2

I think the overall consensus by doctors is that "stress" is so hard to quantify from one person to the next, that we can't generalize too much and say, 'don't work'. BUT the research seems to show that stress most certainly has adverse effects on the embryo. Excessive stress, particularly. Low birthweight (despite being born full-term) and preterm labor are the most noted. Still being researched is the link to preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure, swelling, and protein in the urine). Psychologists are also releasing studies that it has definitive effects on the child's emotional health while being formed. Below is a great link with some tips on reducing stress at work and maybe evaluating if leaving is the thing to do. I worked until a week before I delivered (my body was absolutely sapped at that point-and I knew it was stupid to keep pushing it) and the stress was manageable because I took breaks to stretch on the floor infront of my desk and change positions frequently (walking, sitting, standing) BUT i still had terrible terrible swelling in my feet, hands, and face when I worked..but not at home relaxing. Just be conscious of your body's reaction, and it will let you know if the work is too much while you're pregnant. Here are a few links to help answer your question:
http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/681_1158.asp
http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/pwork/0,,midwife_3q37,00.html
http://www.marthajefferson.org/modules/pregnancy/work.htm

Answer 3

I think stress could harm the baby after all the baby can feel your emotions but as for working that's up to you on how long you can with out putting you or your work at risk of injury etc

Answer 4

Like everyone else says - it depends on the work you are doing. It also depends on the commute to work that you have - sometimes that can be the worst part of the day. I think stopping around 35-36 weeks is average. I really enjoyed the time off I had before my first child was born because I will never have time like that to myself again.
If you are not going back to work then there is no reason to push yourself to work as late as possible. If you are going back to work then you have to balance how much time you think you should have off afterwards.
I personally don't think that babies will suffer from the stress unless it is making you ill.

Answer 5

EVERY person is different I worked up until a week before I had my son. ALTHOUGH I was able to do so. Your body will let YOU know when it is time to give it up. At the time I was under ALOT of stress as well NO stress is NOT good on the baby yet we ALL have some kinda stress even at home.

Answer 6

Work up until you feel you need to stop. I worked up until the day before both my children were born. I work in an office so I'm sitting down and felt able to cope. In fact I think it helped not sitting around the house, wondering what the birth was going to be like. The most important thing is to do what feels right for you. Don't be pressurised into doing something you don't want to do.

Answer 7

as long as she is able to work physically. office stress wouldn't harm the baby and it not heavy work so i'd have though the longer the better then she has more time to spend off with the baby after the birth

Answer 8

You can work up until the time you deliver the baby unless you are having medical problems (such as high blood pressure) that would prohibit you from doing so. Women have been having babies for a very long time and working while doing so. It's just a pregnancy, not a terminal illness.

Answer 9

You can go on leave from 29 weeks, so really its up to you. Your lentgh of leave is the same, lots of women like to work on to spend more time with the baby. If work is stressful then you must speak to HR about adapting your duties or what ever. You have a lot of rights.

Answer 10

I will be at my desk until I go to the hospital. I should have just enough sick and vacation saved up to take my 6 weeks of maternity leave. I can't wait for temporary disability just because of the hold bills and such. I wouldn't go against medical advice but I need to work as long as I can.