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.

Much depends on your individual needs and desire to work. Maternity leave is valuable and often best used when baby is born rather than eaten into before the birth so you may wish to continue working for as long as possible. However, you may find the demands of your job and travelling coupled with the physical difficulties of pregnancy too much and need to cease working some time before your due date. Take counsel from your physician and spend some time considering your decision. The welfare of you and your baby is paramount during pregnancy and you should ensure a healthy environment exists while you continue to work. Here are a few guidelines to that end:

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. Dehydration will make your morning sickness worse. Get plenty of sleep and allow yourself more time to get ready for work in the morning. Fatigue and stress will also increase 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. Take regular breaks, take a short walk (outside if you can) and move around. If your job is physical, try to take more rest periods. Rest periods will also help you concentrate. 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. Your body will tell you, in it's own language of tiredness and ache, when any of the mundane, simple daily tasks are too much, so listen attentively. Many companies supply an ergonomic chair for office workers if you have a note from your doctor. . A well supported back plus adjustable height and arms make for a wonderful pregnancy chair. You can also bring in a small pillow to support your lower back while you sit. Reduce pressure on your lower back plus minimize leg and foot swelling by keeping your feet elevated. Plan for those extra trips to the bathroom. Trying to ignore the urge is not good.

A stressful job may necessitate time off. Neither you nor your baby need the grief. Discuss options for alleviating stress with your boss and coworkers. Seek the advice of your doctor also. They may have suggestions and advice. Yoga and other forms of relaxation classes can be hugely beneficial for pregnant women. Physical and mental relaxation are achieved via these methods and will help you cope much better with the stresses of work. Fill your doctor in on pressures within your job. The risk of pregnancy complications are higher in some jobs than others.

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 you must continue to work throughout your pregnancy and your job is high-risk, talk to your employer about taking a temporary position elsewhere until after the baby is born. Talk to your doctor and/or your midwife about what you are feeling and change your plans if your pregnancyor health is being affected by work.