World Health Day 2025: Challenges Faced By Working Women During Pregnancy, Know Common Health Tips

World Health Day 2025: World Health Day is celebrated every year on 7 April to commemorate the founding day of the World Health Organisation (WHO). The day serves as a reminder of the need to address critical illnesses and work on overall well-being. This year, the theme “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures” highlights the importance of maternal and newborn health, which are the cornerstones of the future. This theme also highlights the need to support and listen to women and their bodies as they give birth to babies. 

In today’s time, working women are more prone to elevated stress, anxiety, and other common illnesses like diabetes, and thyroid. Adding to this, it becomes more difficult for pregnant women to manage work and simultaneously take care of their baby. In this article, we will talk about some common health tips and easy ways to keep your baby safe and healthy while balancing work and life.

Challenges Faced During Pregnancy

Balancing the needs of a growing baby and belly with professional duties is not an easy task. Despite increased knowledge of maternity benefits, many women continue to face barriers that jeopardize both their professions and their well-being. Here are some of the most common challenges that working women experience during pregnancy.

Physical Strain and Fatigue

Morning sickness, exhaustion, back pain, and swollen feet can make it difficult for women to remain active and productive at work, particularly in jobs that require standing for long periods of time, moving heavy objects, or working long shifts.

Lack of Flexible Work Arrangements

Many pregnant women suffer from demanding schedules, long travels, and strict deadlines, which can increase stress and negatively impact their general well-being. 

Stress and Mental Health Issues

Managing work performance while dealing with hormonal changes, pregnancy anxiety, and health raises concerns for the baby and can be emotionally exhausting.

Time Management

Attending routine prenatal checks, testing, and emergency visits frequently requires time away from work, which can be difficult in high-pressure situations. Scheduling visits during office hours and managing the tasks thereafter might be stressful.

Balancing Household Responsibilities

Many employed women additionally handle a significant amount of household tasks and childcare responsibilities. This double burden of work and personal responsibilities can leave little time for rest, leading to burnout during pregnancy.

Health Tips For Pregnant Working Women

Let us know simple ways to manage common pregnancy discomforts like nausea, fatigue, and body aches — especially while you’re at work.

Easing Nausea and Morning Sickness

Although nausea is commonly referred to as morning sickness, it can occur at any time of day.  Here’s how to handle it at work:

Avoid Strong Smells and Triggers

Office kitchens, strong scents, and certain foods may exacerbate nausea.  Try to avoid them as much as possible.

Keep Snacks

Plain crackers or bland snacks can help settle your stomach. Drinking ginger tea or ginger ale (including actual ginger) may also bring relief.

Consider Vitamin B6

This vitamin is safe during pregnancy and may help with nausea. Some ladies find that taking doxylamine or diphenhydramine at nighttime helps them feel better.

Speak to Your Doctor

If you are having severe nausea or losing weight, prescription medication may be required.

Managing Pregnancy Fatigue

Feeling fatigue is normal; your body is working hard to sustain your baby. Here’s how to feel more energized throughout the day:

Eat Well

Include foods high in iron and protein, such as leafy greens, beans, poultry, and whole grains, to avoid tiredness induced by low iron.

Take Short Breaks

A few minutes of stretching, walking, or resting with your eyes closed can help to revitalize both your mind and body.

Stay Hydrated

Drink water consistently throughout the day. Drink more early in the day to reduce overnight toilet trips.

Cut Down Extra Work

Save your energy use by streamlining your after-work routine — shop online or get assistance with household duties.

Stay Active

Light workouts such as walking or pregnant yoga can help you feel more energized but always consult your doctor first.

Prioritize Rest

Aim for eight hours of sleep per night. Sleeping on your side with pillows underneath your belly and between your legs can provide additional comfort.

Staying Comfortable at Work

As your pregnancy advances, you may find it more difficult to remain comfortable during normal activities. These minor modifications can make a significant difference:

Sitting

Use a supporting chair or position a small pillow behind your lower back. Keep your feet elevated whenever possible to prevent edema.

Standing

Place one foot on a low stool or box and switch sides frequently. Wear supportive and comfy shoes. Compression stockings can also assist in relieving leg swelling.

Bending or Lifting

Bend from your knees, not your waist. Hold objects close to your body and raise with your legs, not your back. Avoid twisting your body while lifting.