In olden days, women worked in the fields until their time came, had the baby, and went back to work. The equivalent today is the career-minded mom who calls the office from the delivery room. It really happens!

Most women can work throughout pregnancy. As long as your doctor says it’s all right to work, and you are reasonably comfortable doing so, it’s fine to keep going.

Of course, you may not want to keep working. If you’re just getting too tired, and you can afford to take some extra time off, ask for a doctor’s excuse. Seriously! Your doctor may very well be willing to give you a note, especially late in pregnancy. If this is a financial option for you, take advantage of it. Use the last few weeks of your pregnancy to relax, do some leisurely shopping, and enjoy being pregnant.

If taking time off isn’t an option – and it may not be – then look for ways to ease the burden of working. If you’re not taking all the breaks you’re entitled to, start taking them. If you’re supposed to work 40 hours a week, now’s not the time to work 42. Stop volunteering for extra duties. Stop saying yes when you should say no. The world won’t stop if some things just don’t get done. Honest!