Pregnancy - when to give up work

You’re pregnant and working – Christine Hill on when to stop and put your feet up

It’s only fair to let your boss know, as soon as possible, when you discover you’re pregnant, so she/he has time to plan ahead and work out alternative cover arrangements while you’re away. The problem is, you probably won’t want to tempt fate and announce your news until you know that your pregnancy is stable. The figures for early miscarriage in a first pregnancy are around 10% - 15%, and it is most likely to happen when you are between 8 and 12 weeks pregnant. (Calculate your pregnancy from the first day of your last period). Most women can relax when they reach 14 weeks, and this would seem to be a good time to tell people at work.

The downside to this plan is that if you have been throwing up and feeling like death, none of your work colleagues will have known why (unless they guessed) and by the time you tell them you’re pregnant, you’re beginning to feel very much better – but that’s another story.

When to give up work

You’re not going to like this, but it’s best for both you and your baby, if you plan to give up work at 34 weeks – six weeks before your baby is due.

I can hear you say it: ‘That’s ridiculous – I’m feeling absolutely fine; what on earth is the point of lying around at home for six weeks (or even eight weeks as first babies are always late). How stupid to use up all my maternity leave before the baby is born. It’s obviously much better to work [till] as late as possible, as apart from anything else, I’ll have more time afterwards to be with my baby. Anyway, it’s completely out of the question, because my boss has three children and, with each pregnancy, she was in her office until the head crowned – and back at her desk two weeks later.’