Once you see the little pink line, your life becomes a whirlwind of choices that affect everything from your personal life to your professional career. Many women building lucrative careers try to balance their desire for children with the need to maintain professional opportunities. For some, pregnancy can feel like it disrupts years of hard work. It’s no secret that pregnant women are often discriminated against in the workplace. They’re commonly passed over for promotions and suddenly seen as “less serious” about their careers just because they’re carrying a child. Even with legal protections in place, there are still silent, judgmental looks, sideways comments, and situations that can make working while pregnant difficult. Sadly, women are often forced to “prove themselves” while pregnant—maintaining long hours and doing as much work as possible, all for fear of losing their professional integrity.
Realize that if your pregnancy goes smoothly, you should have no problems working while pregnant. Sure, in the beginning, you may experience some queasiness or lack of energy that could make things more difficult. However, during the first few weeks and months of pregnancy, there’s a good chance no one at the office will notice unless you tell them. If you have some sick time built up, don’t be afraid to take an hour or so here and there to rest. While your job is important to you, your baby is also depending on you to stay healthy and rested. If you’ve been a diligent employee, few will think anything of your sudden “illness.”
Legal Rights and Workplace Considerations During Pregnancy
The word “illness” brings up another point about working while pregnant. Pregnancy is not an illness, and while many employers may treat it as such, you have legal rights regarding your job security. There may come a time when bed rest is necessary or you have a medical condition related to your pregnancy that requires time off. While your employer may be disappointed, they must understand that there is nothing you can do about the situation. Legally, they cannot hire someone else for your position or discount your years of hard work just because your pregnancy is complicated. If they do, contacting an attorney or activist group may help you get the answers and solutions you need.
There are other factors to consider when working while pregnant. For instance, you need to maintain a schedule that allows you to eat at regular intervals. This might mean taking extra breaks to ensure you’re getting enough calories. Depending on your job, you may also need to consider environmental factors. If your job requires standing all day without breaks, it could jeopardize your health. The best approach is to talk with your employer to see if other options are available or if accommodations can be made. While keeping your job may feel crucial, it’s equally important that you’re working in a safe and healthy environment. Women in careers such as law enforcement or jobs requiring lifting may face situations where they cannot perform certain tasks due to pregnancy. Your employer is required to help you find a suitable position.
While working, it’s also wise to familiarize yourself with things like the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and any temporary disability insurance offered by your company. Knowing what’s available to you will help you relax and feel more secure in your job. Another consideration is how your boss might be feeling. If they’ve relied on you for years, they may wonder whether you’ll leave them “high and dry” once you give birth or if you’ll return to work afterward. Many moms, with the full intention of returning to work, are drawn by the call of motherhood and place their careers on hold. Be honest with your employer about your intentions. This transparency can give your boss ample time to explore telecommuting options or other solutions that may ease any conflicts you encounter while working.
Most moms with a healthy pregnancy choose to work right up until their baby is born, allowing them to take maternity leave and spend 2-3 months at home with their baby. Consider another important fact: This may be your last chance to spend time alone with your spouse before the baby arrives. Taking a little time at the end of your pregnancy to embrace the reality of motherhood can be a healthy way to de-stress before the baby is born. It also gives you time to prepare the nursery and leave your mark on things before the whirlwind of birth and delivery. If you plan to return to work, this could be the perfect time to explore daycares and other childcare options.
Working while pregnant is something millions of women do without issues. Once you learn to overcome the often insensitive comments, looks, and glares of those around you, you’ll prove that pregnancy is just a small “break” in a woman’s life. Today’s moms can work while pregnant and continue their careers afterward, beautifully balancing both motherhood and professional life without compromise. There’s no reason you can’t be one of them!
