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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Pregnancy and working!

22 replies

User0000011 · 01/09/2019 19:28

So, I'm early on in my pregnancy (8 weeks), but I am working, and it's a relatively new job. Only been working here for 2 months (give or take). Now, I am a dog walked and my midwife said it's quite risky being a dog walker as my back will get weak later on in the pregnancy and I may find it quite difficult.
Then there is after the baby is born. No way will I be able to afford childcare (i know, sounds silly), and, although I am allowed, it's just not practical to take a pram out dog walking with me.

What would you do? Terminate the employment, or what? I have only just got back into work the past year due to my other two children. Who are now both in full time education, and I have always wanted to work with animals - Especially dogs.

I'm so confused right now. I know I'm only early, but I tend to overthink a lot.x

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Kay1341 · 01/09/2019 19:34

Sounds like odd advice from the midwife, many pregnant women do active jobs and exercise up until later in pregnancy. Is there a pre-existing condition that is why she's recommended you not to walk dogs?

xTinkerbell · 01/09/2019 20:21

Not a dog walker here but currently 26 weeks and still walk my own very active dog at least once everyday. Sometimes more if my partner isn't around to walk her at night. If you are healthy I'm not sure what the issue would be.

Afterwards, what about trying a baby carrier while walking the dogs?

Original poster

User0000011 · 01/09/2019 20:58

No health issues here and previous pregnancies and labour/births were all fine with no complications.

I'm not sure why she said this then.

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HAB86 · 01/09/2019 21:14

I work with dogs, not only walking but cleaning kennels etc.
I worked right up until I had my baby, even after my waters broke, ha ha, I didn’t get contractions so thought working might bring them on!
I wore a support belt once my bump started getting heavy and just took things slower. I also limited which dogs I worked with towards the end (no naughty or super strong dogs).
I only put on 1 stone despite eating what I wanted and lost all that weight when he was born (I weighed myself the day after he was born) and put that down to staying active!
So it is definitely do able!

KatharinaRosalie · 01/09/2019 21:20

what an odd MW, does she think all pregnant women stop walking their own dogs?

eurochick · 01/09/2019 22:27

You've been pregnant before so you know that whilst some people suffer a lot in pregnancy, many are physically fine.

DustyDoorframes · 02/09/2019 00:05

Are you employed by a dog walking company? If so, you have the same rights as any other pregnant employed person. Maternity Action have all the info, but you have a right to adaptations if possible, and your job being kept for you.
If you are self employed it's trickier, but at least then you can pick and choose your clients, and dump any with excitable wolfhounds...

Steerpike902 · 02/09/2019 07:37

That's weird advice. I worked in a fish monger pregnant and I still did 90% of the tasks in until I couldn't bend over any more. It was quite physical too.

Cuppa12345 · 02/09/2019 07:41

Allowed, by whom? Get a sling.

Joyce2014 · 02/09/2019 09:01

Gosh every job is a risk. I worked all way through my pregnancy and I work in health care using heavy equipment, small spaces and even violence at times and my pregnancy wasn't the easiest at all. 🤷 If all women stopped working because they are pregnant we would be all unemployed. Just do a risk assessment if self-employed or if employed by a company get them to do one....one should be done every 6 weeks to 3 months.

manicmij · 02/09/2019 09:10

Are the dogs you walk the strong, pull on the lead a lot type and do you take several out at on time? If this is the scenario you have given to the midwife then that may have raised her concern. If just a general dog walk, don't see where she is coming from. You've had two children, you'll know what its like in later stages.

Marty93 · 02/09/2019 10:55

You could invest in a baby carrier/sling whilst you're walking the dogs?
my midwife has encouraged me throughout my pregnancy to be as active as possible. Even with back trouble, she says that trying to remain active will help rather than staying in bed as this can often make things feel worse.

RB68 · 02/09/2019 10:58

Baby carriers are more of a risk when walking a dog that might pull or lurch so personally I would get a all terrain type pram and d things that way.

firsttimemum30 · 02/09/2019 11:32

That's strange advice. I'm 28 weeks currently and still working 13 hour shifts as a nurse on my feet all day doing difficult duties. I would say carry on, exercise is very good for you while pregnant and only stop if you get problems or until you go on maternity

snowflakeeel · 02/09/2019 13:09

Everyones pregnancy experience will be different. If you feel strong enough then I would say continue. In my first pregnancy I worked full time and was on my feet all day. I got irritated with people telling me to 'stop' or to 'let me do it for you' as I didn't even feel it was causing me any discomfort or difficulties. The day I gave birth I went for a 5k hike. Now fast forward a few years and I'm on pregnancy 3 and have had no end of difficulties, need to lye down about 20 times a day and certainly wouldn't be able to carry on like I did with number 1. Enjoy your pregnancy. X

Jollitwiglet · 02/09/2019 14:30

I work with animals in a different kind of setting, but walking dogs does form part of my job. As part of my risk assessment I am supposed to avoid large dogs that have a tendency to pull in case they pull me over or cause me injury when they pull. But to be honest I struggle just as much with little dogs having to bend down to sort harnesses and leads. I will be taking quite early maternity leave because of this, but I am rather big and struggling massively with SPD.

Is it your employer that has said you can take a pram out with you when dog walking? I would be worried the impact on insurance if you took your baby with you. Plus I pay someone to walk my dog once a week, I wouldn't be happy if they had their baby with them. Some dogs need your full attention, especially while off the lead. You have to think about the practicalities. What if the baby needs a feed or a change while you are out with a dog?

But in the meantime, if you feel physically able to do your job, don't just give it up. Make sure you have a thorough risk assessment done and do the job as long as you feel able to.

Loopydizzylove · 02/09/2019 15:09

Can't help but feel a bit worried about the thought of using a sling whilst walking what could possibly be a very active dog that pulls a lot. Last thing I'd want is to get pulled flat on my face with baby attached to me. Or maybe I'm just being a tad over anxious...?
Op. Lots of women stay incredibly active until Labor. But you'll know your body, as long as you're not sprinting marathon lengths I'd say you would be fine 😊

maceratedstrawberries · 02/09/2019 15:19

My mum is a farmer and worked an extremely active job with all five (!!) of her pregnancies (and was straight back to work afterwards! She is a marvel!). I think it's all so relative to your personal situation and your individual pregnancy, so I wouldn't take too much notice of what your midwife has said, and base your decision on your own circumstances. Were you quite active and able to move around with ease with your previous pregnancies?

ArloRoo01 · 02/09/2019 19:11

Really!?!?!? Am confused, are you not just walking??

Puddingmum · 02/09/2019 20:01

I was a domestic cleaner and id be cleaning up to 7 to 8 houses a day and o worked up until 37 weeks. Your know your body and you'll be able to work until you know its time to stop. Maybe ease back into work after the baby take a pram/sling and only 1 or 2 dogs it will be good for botj you and baby to get out.

LeZa · 02/09/2019 20:28

There are lots of amazing baby carriers that you can get so that you can go on nice long walks...I don't have a dog but would regularly put my children in a sling/baby carrier and go on long country walks....loved it xx

Original poster

User0000011 · 03/09/2019 16:42

Thank you guys. You've definitely put my mind to ease.

Yes, literally just walking. And only really a maximum of 2hrs per day too. Also, the company specialises in off lead dogs. So they're not usually on the lead. Only the odd one or two have to be on the lead.

Midwife really worried me, as I do love my job.

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