Many pregnant mothers maintain a full work week well into their pregnancy, either to take longer maternity leave or simply because they cant afford to stop working.
However, Dutch scientists at the University of Amsterdam recently published research that suggests mothers-to-be should try to avoid work-related stress, particularly in their first trimester.
The team revealed that women who worked 32 hours or more per week delivered babies that were on average 43 grams lighter and those who had high-stress jobs were more likely to have a baby whose birth weight was an average 72 grams lower.
According to the study in the American Journal of Public Health, the researchers concluded that ”high levels of job strain during early pregnancy are associated with reduced birth weight.”
However, women who work at stress-filled jobs have many health resources at their disposal that may help them relax.
Yoga, tai chi and breathing relaxation techniques are great ways to unwind. Some have also benefitted from aromatherapy using oils including lavender, jasmine , bergamot, sandalwood and cypress.