Lots of working, pregnant women wonder how long they can actually continue to work for during their pregnancy and the answer is, probably until labor starts providing you are having a healthy pregnancy and your job doesn't present risk or strain.

Consider your needs and decide how long you wish to work. Some women like to work as long as they can so that they don't waste any maternity leave and can use more of it after their baby is born. Others get tired or uncomfortable and it becomes difficult for them to work, especially if they have a strenuous or stressful job or commute. Talk to your doctor about your situation. While you are working, you want to maintain your health and ensure that your baby has a healthy environment in which to grow and develop. Here are some tips:

Nausea can be a big part of pregnancy triggered by certain smells and foods. What you once loved may now make you queasy. Alleviate nausea by recognizing and avoiding the offending foods. Both hunger and an overly full tummy can cause increased queasiness so have a stash of crackers nearby to nibble on when nausea hits.

Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated. Stay dehydrated by drinking lots of water every day. Get plenty of sleep and allow yourself more time to get ready for work in the morning. Stress and tiredness will exacerbate nausea. You might feel tired much of the time, especially during the first and third trimesters and even more so after a long day at work. Try to get lots of fresh air and move around by taking regular breaks. . If your job is physical, try to take more rest periods. Concentration will be improved as a result of these breaks. You may want to close your office door, put your feet up and close your eyes for a few minutes during lunch or on a break.

Afternoon tiredness is common in early and late pregnancy. Schedule your day so that you are busiest in the morning while you still have energy. Depending on the demands of your job you may need to curtail personal, out of work activities so that rest is a priority thus helping you remain fresh for the workplace. Energy levels can be improved through light exercise. Speak to your physician about continuing your pre-pregnancy exercise routine. You should also seek his/her advice if you are looking to start exercising during pregnancy.

Don't be too proud to accept help at home and at work where you can. You can always return the favor after you and your baby are on a regular schedule and you are feeling like your old self again. Cleaning, mowing the lawn, or grocery shopping can be done by others or, if you have the financial wherewithal, you can hire someone to do these things for you until you can take on these responsibilities again. That way, you can get the extra rest you'll need to do your job every day. Go to bed when you are tired! You don't have to stay up until midnight to get that extra work done, just because you always did before. Your body is changing and you and your baby deserve a little extra sleep.

Move around frequently to ease the stress on your muscles and back. You may find that standing, lifting and even sitting for long periods of time will make you tired or sore now, so listen to your body. Many companies supply an ergonomic chair for office workers if you have a note from your doctor. Chairs with adjustable arms and height, and a firm back can help. You can also bring in a small pillow to support your lower back while you sit. Put your feet up on a box, wastebasket or stool to take the weight off your lower back and reduce foot and leg swelling. Plan for those extra trips to the bathroom. Don't try to hold it!

If your job is very stressful, you need to rest more and may need to stop working sooner. Stress can be much harder on a pregnant woman and her unborn child. Talk to your boss, your co-workers and others to see if you can reduce some of the usual stress. Talk to your doctor so she knows what you are up against. She may suggest an earlier leave or other options. Learn relaxation exercises, or take a Yoga class for pregnant women. You can use this to relieve stress and relax and you will feel much better. Be sure you talk to your doctor about the demands of your particular job. Some jobs will increase your risk of pregnancy complications.

Jobs that should be carefully evaluated include: %u2022 The aforementioned lifting especially heavy lifting (strenuous work has been shown to increase the risk of premature birth. Also, the likelihood of pre-eclampsia or hypertension and low birth weight babies is increased). %u2022 Jobs with lots of standing or strenuous climbing or walking (prolonged standing at work is also associated with increased incidence of premature birth). %u2022 Jobs in toxic environments (hazardous chemicals, gas, dust, fumes, radiation or infectious diseases). %u2022 Environs with constant loud noise or where machines are very loud or have lots of vibration. %u2022 Jobs that require long or intense commutes. %u2022 Jobs with very long hours or frequent shift changes (shift work and increased levels of work related fatigue are also associated with premature birth). %u2022 Jobs in very cold or very warm environs. %u2022 Jobs that require a lot of flexibility or balance.

If your job is high risk but you must continue to work talk to your boss and see if there is any way you could transfer or tailor your job somewhat until after the birth. Discuss any concerns or negative effects work may be having on your pregnancy with your doctor.

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