Strenuous work
Physical changes and work
Health considerations
Workplace considerations
Occupational health and safety
When it comes to making a decision about stopping employed work during pregnancy there are many issues to consider. Women today have very different circumstances from when their mothers or grandmothers were pregnant, with more working full or part-time and many couples relying on 2 wages to support their commitments and lifestyles. Single women also need to plan their income carefully so they can financially support themselves. Essentially, modern life has created increasing pressure on pregnant women to continue to work closer to their due date.
Each woman's individual situation will play a role in the decision she makes, because there are no specific rules. If you are feeling well and coping (or even thriving) with your work or study commitments and the pregnancy is progressing normally, stopping work will essentially come down to your own personal choice. However, bear in mind that some women are forced to finish working earlier than expected because of
health concerns (for herself or her baby) and others are disappointed when their planned 2 weeks off, turns out to be a couple of days because the baby came early! Therefore it is wise to factor these unforeseen circumstances into your plans.
Your decision may be based on work entitlements (such as maternity leave) and possibly government financial assistance you may qualify for. (These are discussed in
work considerations). Or it may be based on family reasons, such as arranging to leave work earlier to spend quality time with other children before the new baby arrives. Whatever your plans, try and remain flexible, because babies will come when
THEY are ready, not necessarily when you expect them. As a guide, most babies are born about a week either side of the due date, more likely the week later rather than earlier.