Is My Work Strenuous Work?

Work, during normal pregnancy, is not usually a problem.  However, certain types of work carry risks that may lead to miscarriage, small or premature babies.

Read the following questions.  Do any of these apply to your job? 

Do you ...

•  stoop or bend over more than 10 times per hour?

•  climb a ladder more than three times in an eight-hour
   shift?

•  stand for more than four hours at one time?

•  climb stairs more than three times per shift?

•  work more than 40 hours per week?

•  work shift work?

Will you be ...

•   expected to lift more than 23 kg (50 lbs.) after
    the 20th week of my pregnancy?

•   expected to stand for more than four hours and
    lift more than 11 kg (24 lbs.) after 24 weeks?

•   expected to stoop, bend or climb ladders after
    the 28th week?

•   expected to lift heavy items after the 30th week?

•   expected to stand still more than 30 minutes of
    every hour after 32 weeks?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, your work may be too strenuous during pregnancy.  Discuss with your doctor and employer if temporary adjustments to your job are necessary.

Reproduced from Healthy Beginnings, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada with their permission.