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 and 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.
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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. |
