Besides environmental factors, the positions you assume
while working' standing, bending or sitting' can lead
to discomfort and complications. The up side of this
is, with simple modifications you can increase the
safety of almost any job activity in your pregnancy
term.
Risk # 1: Standing for long periods of time
If your job scope involves sales, nursing, cooking,
waitressing or any other situation which keeps you
on your feet most of all of your workday, you could
be compromising your circulation and in turn decreasing
your baby's nutrient supply.
What you can do: Reduce
time on your feet by swapping tasks with a coworker
for a couple of hours. Take a sitting break every
20 minutes, elevating your feet for 5 minutes. Take
a walk around the block to exercise calf muscles
and increase circulation, instead of staying stationary.
If none of these are possible, place one foot on
a low step stool; this will help relieve back pressure
ad promote circulation.
Risk # 2: Lifting, Bending, Climbing on the job
Heavy lifting is most dangerous in the 1st trimester
when miscarriage is most rife, and again in the
final trimester when the risk of premature labor
is greatest. Since balance is compromised during
the final trimester, any tasks involving climbing
using a ladder late in your pregnancy could risk
a fall.
What you can do: Avoid
tasks that involve lifting; if you can't, reduce
the load of what you lift by 25% or more each trimester.
More importantly, request for splitting or alternating
risky tasks with another colleague whose job is
comparatively lighter than yours.
Risk # 3: Sitting for long periods at your desk
Like standing in one spot too long, desk-bound jobs
where sitting in one position for an extended period
of time can cause back aches and circulation problems.
What you can do: Whenever
possible, elevate your feet while sitting using
a small step stool or a stack of telephone directories
under your table. Extend your legs, point your toes
and flex your feet. If your back feels stiff and
sore, use a pillow to support the lower back or
invest in an ergonomic pillow with a massage mechanism.
Also important, avoid crossing your legs while sitting
as this can decrease circulation.
