I am a firefighter/paramedic and have been doing it for a few years now and last year went through a very physically demanding fire academy so my body is pretty conditioned. I am going to work as long as I can in the field because I'm on the medic unit so hopfully I won't be doing anything too demanding. I'm just nervous to hurt myself or the baby although I have read many stories and blogs saying if your body is used to something it's okay to continue it. Anyone else in a similar delimma?!?
Re: Anyone else have a physical demanding job?
I'm not in this situation, but I would recommend that you talk to your doctor.
They do say you can keep doing your regular routine when it comes to workouts, etc. unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Obviously, I would stay away from any amount of smoke inhalation while pregnant (on the firefighting side of things) but I would think paramedic work would be okay as long as you are not exhausting yourself or trying to lift extremely heavy weights.
I was going to say yes, until I read your post. Teaching dance is no where near the same level as firefighting. ha
But I think if you are used to doing it, then it's fine to continue it as long as long as you feel comfortable.
Haha, I also thought that my job was physically demanding until I saw yours.
I work as a flight attendant and it's a lot of lifting and standing and usually 10-12 hour days. It's definitely become more challenging with my lack of energy, but I'm going to listen to my body, take it easy when I need to, and keep working as long as my doctor says it's safe to do so!
I teach baton twirling so it's a similar line of work. Definitely not as physical demanding as firefighting, but I do wonder how long I can continue. My last pregnancy I taught right up until about 32 weeks, but this time my due date is right in the middle of my busiest season, so I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to do.
My job is not quite that demanding, but I work as a nurse's aid in a hospital which requires a lot of lifting. I have heard of many women who continue to do their job normally, all the way up to the end.
I think if you have serious concerns it would be best to adress them with your OB, otherwise, I think you will likely be ok. Just don't push it farther than you think you are able.