There are a lot of different opinions when it comes to working during pregnancy. Some moms think that you should quit working when you first find out you’re expecting, and some moms work all the way up to labor and then go back to work right afterward. Besides, there are medical conditions that require you to stop working. There are pros and cons to both sides, and they’re worth looking at, especially if you aren’t sure what you should do.

Benefits of leaving work early

If you stop working shortly after becoming pregnant, you will definitely have more time to focus on your growing baby. Also, you won’t have to deal with the stress of work, which is especially true if your job is more stressful than average. However, there are some downsides to leaving work early as well. For one thing, you may become bored while also missing your regular paycheck.

However, some moms love leaving work early, and they happily spend their days getting the nursery together and nesting around the house. That’s why it’s really a matter of personal choice unless your doctor recommends leaving your job for health reasons during pregnancy. 

Medical conditions that may require leaving work early

There are certain conditions where doctors will recommend you to either decrease or stop working altogether. Some of these require hospital admission and observation, while others allow you to stay at home. Each condition should be individualized and discussed with your doctor:

Here are some examples of pregnancy and medical conditions where doctors may recommend decreasing or stopping work:

• Placenta previa
• Placenta accreta
• Premature rupture of fetal membranes
• Premature dilatation (opening) of the cervix
• Twins with a risk of preterm birth
• High blood pressure
• Prior preterm birth
• Fetus with intrauterine growth restriction
• Premature labor
• Decreased amniotic fluid 

If you have any of these conditions, they should be discussed with your doctor. Together you can come up with a plan for when you should stop working.