When a woman
becomes pregnant she may find the need to remain working. Chances are that if she
is working outside the home, she will continue working until the doctors orders
her to bed rest. However, new studies say that women who spend long hours (more
than 40 hours a week) on their feet during pregnancy may aid in the slowing of
their baby’s growth.
According to
a vitals NBC article written by Racheal Rettner, a study was conducted
that showed “women who stood for long periods at work during pregnancy had
babies whose heads were, smaller” than the average size. Although no
information has been disclosed about the affect the decrease in size has on the
babies brain, the heads of the affected baby are, “on average 1 centimeter
smaller in circumference than those of the average baby”.
Although
working long hours can slow a baby’s growth and increase risk of birth defects,
engaging in physically demanding work does not put women in risk for premature
birth.
However here
are a few things to keep in mind:
1. If working is absolutely necessary while pregnant monitor your
range of motion. Make sure you are walking, sitting and standing throughout
your workday. Remember that sitting for long periods of time can increase your
risk of blood clots, so range of motion is necessary.
2. If leave of absence is not available for you, speak with human
resources or management about standing on the job; sometimes a stool or chair
may be available for your use. There may even be a way to have the amount of
hours you world decreased or switched while you’re expecting.
Remember you
are no longer taking care of yourself, but of your little bundle of joy as
well. Think smart and ask the necessary questions. Happy working!
