Working a lot of hours bad for pregnancy?

I work full-time (40 hours) but usually pick up 16 hours a week of overtime. I have been doing this for a steady year now. DH & I both did it so we could save up a down payment for a house.

I don't need to work overtime. I just have gotten into the routine & the extra $$ has been great.

My job is half sitting at a desk & half walking around (more sitting & I can even put my feet up). It's not stressful & I love what I do.

I feel like if I have the energy then it's not a big deal. Everybody, including DH says I need to stop. Everybody says its bad for the baby etc. I think it's fine. My body is used to that routine.

Re: Working a lot of hours bad for pregnancy?

IMO I don't see anything wrong with it and you will know when it's time to rest. I plan on working up until my due date or up until my body allows me to. I don't see how you are causing harm to yourself or the baby by going as you are. It would be one thing if you were doing hard labor work or were in a very stressful environment because that is not good for either of you.

I am not doctor, but I say keep going

Re: Working a lot of hours bad for pregnancy?

If you were doing 40+hrs of manual labor than that might be a problem, but sitting and walking does not pose a problem in my eyes. I think there are many pregnant women who do a lot more than what your job requires, think about all the people who work full time and have other kids to run after and lug around.

I think you will be just fine, our bodies are made to protect our little ones

Re: Working a lot of hours bad for pregnancy?

As long as you are comfy and not stressed out I think its fine. Just get all the rest you need when you can and dont over do it. But like you said you are used to it!

My job stinks and I hate every second I am here so I would never work an hour of OT if it wasnt necessary!

Re: Working a lot of hours bad for pregnancy?

Working that many hours is only bad for getting pregnant if it interferes with your schedule.

I feel like working that amount of hours as a nurse is going to be exhausting once you're pregnant. (I'm 11 weeks, and have basically sleepwalked at work since April. I work 8-4). But if you've got the energy to do it and feel fine, that extra $ will come in handy once your baby arrives!

Re: Working a lot of hours bad for pregnancy?

i work in an ER, and I am on my feet sometimes for 13 hours a day. as long as you can tolerate it, you're fine,. just make sure you don't skip meals, have plenty of water throughout the day, and wear good shoes :O)

Re: Working a lot of hours bad for pregnancy?

I figure your body will tell you what you can and can't do. I'm 11 weeks and I am EXHAUSTED all the time..lol I work from home and wonder how some people do it, but if you can do it then why not right? But don't push yourself...personally I don't think it's worth it.

Re: Working a lot of hours bad for pregnancy?

I work 60-70 hrs a week. OB said its fine if I can sit often, but towards the end she may want me to scale back and take some more time.

Re: Working a lot of hours bad for pregnancy?

If you're used to it then I don't think there's anything wrong with it. It's important to stay active when you're pregnant.

Just make sure to listen to your body and when the time comes that it is too much, you stop. You'll know when to slow down because you'll feel it.

Re: Working a lot of hours bad for pregnancy?

In the beggining it should be fine.
Towards the end, as you get bigger, start swelling, your feet start hurting etc,. then you will know it's time to slow down- because you'll feel like poop!

Re: Working a lot of hours bad for pregnancy?

I think you are OK to do it until you finally physically cant anymore.. because that day WILL come! But it wont be TOO soon. If its mostly a desk job, you should be ok. My job is more physical than anything, and it definitely takes its toll on my body sometimes, and I'm only 14w..
So I say keep going til you drop! Youre gunna need that extra cash Your baby is just fine where it is, its in no danger at all

Re: Working a lot of hours bad for pregnancy?

I think it sounds fine as long as you FEEL fine. I teach yoga, about 10 classes a week. I'm not doing every class full out or anything. I generally speak students into the poses so I can watch and correct them and demo when I need to. That said, there are times when I do take intense classes, but I just watch myself and try to be safe. Point is, if you feel fine and your body is used to doing this, I think it's ok. Just stay hydrated and take time to rest.

Re: Working a lot of hours bad for pregnancy?

I think your body will let you know if it is too much. If this is what you have been doing for a while now I don't see an issue. Just don't over do it.

Re: Working a lot of hours bad for pregnancy?

I'm not a doctor but I think your body would let you know if it's too much for you to handle. I say if you feel fine...and I would mention it to the doc at your next appt and if he says its fine too...then keep working.