How Does Working Life Affect Prospective Mothers?

Prospective mothers can continue their working lives. However, being pregnant can also bring some difficulties in business life. You need to know what needs to be done to stay healthy and productive at work, and what situations can jeopardize your pregnancy. We asked our questions to Yeditepe University Hospitals Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist  Prof. Dr. Member Melis Koçer Yazıcı replied.

How Many Weeks Can Prospective Mothers Work or Drive?

Whether you can continue to work while pregnant actually depends on your current job and your condition. Although every job is different, it is probably safe for women working in many occupations outside of traditional office environments to continue their work during pregnancy. However, if you have a job that requires you to stand for hours or lift too much, you may first need to talk to your doctor and your manager about the change of duty. All jobs bring different physical, emotional, and mental burdens, so there's no strict rule about when to start your maternity leave. It may be necessary to consider all options, including your health and finances, to find out what is best for you and your baby. If you are healthy and not at higher risk for pregnancy complications, if your job does not involve exposure to harmful chemicals, or if it is not physically demanding, you can work until your 37th week of pregnancy if you wish. In order for the employees in our country to use their legal leave before and after birth within the scope of insurance, they must give the document from their doctors to the institutions they work in in the 32nd week of pregnancy.

Is It Safe to Drive When Going to Work?

If your doctor has not imposed any restrictions, driving is safe during pregnancy. Nevertheless, it is recommended to stop driving as soon as the steering wheel is too close to the hub and therefore to the baby (approx. 20 cm). You should increase the distance between the seat and the steering wheel/windshield as much as possible and ensure that the headrest is in the correct position to protect your head and neck. There is no need to deactivate the airbag when doing all this. One thing you should never do while driving during pregnancy is not get enough rest. Another common mistake is to use a cushion or pillow or clip on the car seat to loosen the seat belt. You should avoid doing anything that might loosen the seat belt or affect its operation in any way.

Going out for lunch or coffee breaks and taking small walks will help you move and relax mentally.

What are the Most Common Problems Faced by Working Pregnant Women?

Some working conditions are risky, especially for expectant mothers with a high risk of premature birth, and it is important to change these working conditions;

• Exposure to harmful substances

• Prolonged standing

• Heavy lifting, reaching up, climbing, or carrying

• Excessive noise

• If there is excessive heat, you can ask your employer or manager for help to change your working conditions.

What Precautions Can Be Taken Regarding Seating Position and Working Hours at the Workplace?

Many pregnant women experience some form of carpal tunnel syndrome, especially in the third trimester, which usually causes numbness, numbness, or pain symptoms toward the inside of the hands, which often awaken them from sleep at night. Carpal tunnel syndrome, which is usually the result of irritation of the median nerve caused by fine finger movements, can also be caused by swelling caused by water retention. Keeping your wrists in a neutral position, not leaning against your keyboard, and keeping your hands, wrists, and arms in a straight line while working will help reduce complaints. Moving throughout the day will maintain blood circulation, especially in the lower legs, and help reduce some common pregnancy problems, including sciatica, varicose veins, blood clots. Instead of texting or talking with your friends on the phone to increase movement, you can go to them, get up and walk to get a glass of water or a document. Going out for lunch or coffee breaks and taking small walks will also help you move and relax mentally. Using a footrest  or a large box to support your feet while sitting will reduce swelling in your feet and ankles. Keep objects you use frequently in the following weeks at close range. It can become increasingly difficult to reach objects with your growing belly. Bringing objects even an inch closer will increase back and shoulder comfort.

What Should Prospective Mothers Pay Attention to in the Office?

If possible, take regular breaks from work. Do 5 minutes of mindfulness or breathing exercises to increase your energy levels. Avoid standing all day,  wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Wearing compression socks is also thought to be very helpful and relaxing, especially at the end of the day to reduce  or relieve swelling and leg pain, which increases even more unbearably.

What Should Working Mothers Pay Attention to About Nutrition in the Workplace?

Working out, especially in the first months, can be difficult if you're experiencing morning sickness and feel really tired. Among the things you can do to manage these symptoms are eating small but regular, healthy meals and snacks, drinking plenty of water (an average of 8 glasses or 2 liters), and resting as much as possible.

Crackers and other snack foods can be a lifesaver in case of nausea. Candies containing ginger or ginger ale made with ginger tea can also help - be careful not to consume too much.

Vitamin B-6 is considered safe during pregnancy and can be easily obtained. In case of severe nausea and vomiting with weight loss, consult your doctor and choose the medication he or she recommends.

Eat foods rich in iron and protein. Choose lean red meat, poultry, seafood, green leafy vegetables, iron-fortified whole grains, and beans. It is normal to feel tired in the first trimester of pregnancy, but if your fatigue increases or does not go away despite the advancing weeks of pregnancy, you will need to be investigated for anemia and other diseases.

Choosing foods high in fiber, such as cruciferous vegetables, beans, and whole grains, can help relieve constipation, especially for more sedentary pregnant women.

Which Baby Complications May Mean You Should Reduce or Stop Working?

The risk of premature birth is much higher in expectant mothers with multiple pregnancies. Or if you have high blood pressure or preeclampsia during pregnancy, if the placenta of the baby is located near the cervix, that is, if you have been diagnosed with placenta previa, if you have a history of cervical failure / stillbirth/preterm birth in previous pregnancies, if your baby is not growing within normal limits, or if you have intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), you may be recommended bed rest during pregnancy depending on the severity of your current condition, which may restrict your activity to some extent. As a result, although it is not an absolute obstacle to your work, it may affect your working hours and your working time during pregnancy.