228. How Long Expectant Mothers Can Stay on the Job

With more than half the women in the United States working full time, many want to know how long they can continue to work if they become pregnant. What’s safe? What’s wise? What’s right for you?

It depends. The Council on Scientific Affairs of the American Medical Association studied the effects of pregnancy on work performance and came up with the guidelines presented in the table below. (As you can see, some women can work until the day they’re wheeled into the delivery room with no ill effects.) Of course, you and your physician are the best judges of how work affects your pregnancy and vice versa.

1. Women’s Health Problems

How Long Expectant Mothers Continue to Work

SOURCE: Council on Scientific Affairs, “Effects of Pregnancy on Work Performance,” Journal of the American Medical Association, 251: 1995. Copyright 1995.  American Medical Association.

Week of Pregnancy

Sitting and light tasks

        Prolonged (more than 4 hours)

        Intermittent

Job Demands

40

40

24

32

40

20

28

40

20

28

28

40

20

24

40

30

40

Standing

        Prolonged (more than 4 hours)

        Intermittent (at more than 30 minutes per hour)

        Intermittent (at less than 30 minutes per hour)

Stooping and bending below knee level

        Repetitive (at more than 10 times per hour)

        Intermittent

          (at 20 to 22 times per hour)

          (at less than 2 times per hour)

Climbing vertical ladders and poles

        Repetitive (4 or more times per 8-hour shift)

        Intermittent (at less than 4 times per 8-hour shift)

Climbing up and down stairs

        Repetitive (at 4 or more times per 8-hour shift)

        Intermittent (at less than 4 times per 8-hour shift)

Lifting

       Repetitive

          (at more than 50 lbs.)

          (at 25 to 50 lbs.)

          (at less than 25 lbs.)

       Intermittent

          (at more than 50 lbs.)

          (at 50 lbs. or less)