Work and Pregnancy

In my previous post, I have mentioned that I was in a dilemma whether I should return to work. Well, I have decided to return and have been working for one week. The warm smiles from colleagues warmed my heart. Prior to returning, I have taken a year's break because I lost my third pregnancy on a day that was physically tiring and mentally exhausting. The break was worth it. Prior to it, I dreaded work everyday. I hated going to work because of politics and I was facing mid thirties crisis of losing my direction in life. This week, I did not dread going to work. It was a good start. I feel healthier mentally. I hope this mentality would last. What is your take? Do you think that work would affect pregnancy?

I also mentioned in the past that I developed asthma. After returning to work, my asthma is better (keeping my fingers crossed). To apply what I have written in my "Stress management" post, I formed a small clique of lunch time friends whereby we would prepare healthy lunch boxes and eat together. I also continued my new found hobby of key board playing. I also signed up for a month of unlimited California Fitness on Groupon. I also try to sleep before 11pm. I hope these steps would help to guard my heart against stress.

I returned to work because of my asthma. I had an instinctive feeling that it would go away if I return to work. Nevertheless, I have found some websites that have written on work and pregnancy. I once asked Physician Tan Siew Buoy whether I should tender my resignation. She told me to gauge my own body. If I constantly feel stressed and physically unable to meet the demands, then it is wise to quit.

Would work work for or against your pregnancy?

 Working increases pregnancies complication five times!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-110260/Working-pregnant-harm-mother-baby.html

Oh gosh, is this for real? Working will increase your risk of having pre-eclampsia five times!!!
Basically most of the articles that cited that work does affect pregnancies mainly because of the stress that comes with working such as meeting deadlines and long hours etc and stress affects hormones and thus affects your pregnancy.

There aren't many articles that support working during pregnancy. I shall give my two cents worth. The number one benefit would be preventing a sedentary lifestyle. When you have no work, somehow, your mind thinks slower and body moves slower. A sedentary lifestyle will lead to bad blood circulation to the baby and may decrease progesterone production. Working can also take your mind off your husband and your yet to arrive baby.

In conclusion, it would be best to find work that has no stress such as part time. It should preferably be something you enjoy. I have yet to take this step. Women at war also have babies. Recently, my mother-in-law's domestic helper came over to stay with us because my in laws were overseas. She told me that her siblings have five to six children. Her sisters were farmers and they continued to farm even when they were heavily pregnant. Simple life = Fertility











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