Rest is Best

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!