pregnant with physical job??

[stickytoffeepud123]

Hi, me again
Have any of you worked physical jobs whilst pregnant?
I work full time in a dog day care, which involves being on my feet most of the day, bending down a LOT (every time I pick up a toy), crazy dogs jumping up, etc

I’m currently 10 weeks but super nervous as my previous pregnancy ended in miscarriage. I know I will probably have to go on maternity leave earlier than I would like as i will probably struggle towards the end but is there a risk to my baby’s health until then or am I ok?

I’m super anxious about my job affecting my baby so if anyone has any advice/similar experiences I would be greatful :)

I’m aware that work have to do a risk assessment etc but as we are a small business I can’t be on office duty or anything as I have to be in with the dogs!

Please help!

I am a boat builder and I was working with chemicals, machinery, cranes, heavy lifting, etc. Lots of hazards. The main thing was the chemicals though. They did a risk assessment on me and I got moved around quite a lot. Never got given a job though because as you may guess it is mainly a male oriented area so I’m guessing they didn’t really know what to do with me lol. I got bored to the skull of sitting looking at a wall so I ended up taking maternity leave 2 months early. Haven’t minded too much though.
I’m not sure how things will work for you if you are a small business, but certainly they should offer you extra breaks and things like that. I’m sure they could accommodate you especially toward the end where you wouldn’t want giant dogs jumping up at you lol. Although saying that, many women have giant toddlers jumping up at them when they are pregnant and all is good lol. Depends how u feel. Good luck

I have a care job which involves moving and handling. I've really hurt my back at 27w and I've had to take time off. My employer never did a risk assessment for me.

Hi, following this as I'm currently 6 weeks pregnant and I'm a dog groomer so I've been worrying a bit about lifting dogs, dogs that kick, difficult dogs etc. Not had a risk assessment done yet but my work is very much of the "get on with it" opinion so a bit worried! Would be great to see others experiences😁

I worked as a community physio until 38 weeks. Very physical job at times and both me and my baby were absolutely fine throughout my pregnancy. I completed a risk assessment with my manager and took sensible precautions throughout.

I would also be interested in responses, as I've just found out I'm pregnant for the first time and I'm a fitness instructor, so I'm doing all lower options and not lifting heavy, but I'm still on my feet alot and already finding after a couple of hours my back is in agony and the cramps get worse. I'm worried I might be doing too much.

Your employer should do a pregnancy risk assessment for with you as soon as you make them aware that you are pregnant (don't let them tell you otherwise but they may want it in writing). They are to take all reasonable efforts to keep you and the baby safe, the HSE states that If the risk cannot be removed employers must take the following actions:

Action 1 - Temporarily adjust her working conditions and/or hours of work; or if that is not possible
Action 2 - Offer her suitable alternative work (at the same rate of pay) if available, or if that is not feasible;
Action 3 - Suspend her from work on paid leave for as long as necessary, to protect her health and safety, and that of her child.

Even small businesses must follow this, even though it may seem more difficult it genrally is easier than peopel think to make small changes to help you out.

Hope that your pregnancy goes well

Omg I would love to work in a doggy day care!! What an amazing job!

No advice though sorry I have a desk job!

I'm a personal trainer, also qualified in pre and post natal exercise. My job is also very physical but I also train myself (and countless pregnant women) Uk to days before giving birth. So long as you're not doing anything that you don't normally do you will be absolutely fine, and in fact you'll be doing yourself and your baby lots of good by staying active. Just listen to your body and take rest when you need to.