Finding a good job is hard as it is, let alone while growing another human inside you. However, despite all the obstacles, many women decide to keep working until the last days of their pregnancy – some because they need the extra cash, some because they simply want to feel productive and useful. If your pregnancy is preventing you from handling your daily work tasks, but you still want that paycheck, you need to look for an alternative solution. Whether you are unemployed or want to change your current job for a more suitable one, don’t lose hope. There are many jobs for pregnant women out there, and we have the technology to thank for most of them. With so many types of jobs available, finding one that suits your personality, lifestyle, and physical condition might be easier than you think.
The Challenges of Working during Pregnancy
While for some women going to their office and working their regular shift is no challenge at all even in late pregnancy, others find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning, let alone sit behind a desk or be physically active all day.
If you are looking for a brand new job during pregnancy, you might encounter some issues. Pregnancy limits one’s choice – a pregnant woman can’t just apply for any position she would normally be interested in.
Positions that are exceptionally stressful, dangerous or physically demanding are not an option. On top of all this, some employers are reluctant when it comes to hiring soon-to-be mothers.
Furthermore, when preparing for the baby’s arrival, future moms often deal with chores that aren’t work-related, such as preparing the nursery or even moving home.
If you don’t have enough help around the house, you need to find a job that allows maximum flexibility. If you already have kids, juggling it all becomes even more complicated.
Working during house renovation and/or relocation is challenging with the little ones and another one growing in your belly.
Considering all these challenges, the most ideal jobs for pregnant women are the ones they can do at home. Being able to work in your most comfortable clothes and take a break whenever you need one sure sound appealing even if you’re not pregnant.
Read on and find out how you can make money from the comfort of your home while preparing for motherhood.
1. Blogging Jobs for Pregnant Women
Blogging is one of the best part-time jobs for Indian women who are creative and enjoy writing. It is one of the most flexible work-from-home jobs for future moms that can also earn you a considerable income.
You have two main options here – blogging for a company or your own website.
a. Writing Content for Businesses
If you want to see what it’s like before you start your own blog, writing content for a business is the way to go. Many companies offer their bloggers flexible working hours and the ability to work from home.
Since there are so many companies in need of freelance writers, you will be able to find blog topics that interest you in no time. Depending on the company, you can be paid per article, per page views, or both.
b. Writing Content for Your own Blog
If you prefer being your own boss and setting your own deadlines, you can publish your blog posts on your own website or LinkedIn. The first step is deciding what you want to write about.
Bear in mind, though, that some topics are more likely to attract readers and provide you with the income you desire. So, before choosing the focus of your blog, do some self-analysis and some online research.
2. Editing/Proofreading
If you have an excellent knowledge of spelling, grammar, and vocabulary, you can put it to good use by working as a freelance editor or proofreader.
Whether you become an independent contractor or work directly with your own clients, this job is great for pregnant women since it gives you the liberty to create your own schedule, so long as you meet the deadlines.
Plus, the proofreading/editing assignments are typically brief, which makes it easier to organize your time.
3. Virtual Assistance
This work-at-home job is ideal for pregnant ladies because they can take as many clients as they want and have unlimited breaks. You also have the option to start your own VA business or work for an established VA company.
Moreover, you can choose from a wide range of areas of virtual assistance. This job requires proficiency in Microsoft Office and using various online tools, such as Google Calendar and Drive. You will be paid per hour or per task.
4. Transcription
The salary may be low at first, but you can gradually increase your earnings once you specialize in a certain field, such as legal or medical transcription.
This remote job requires a quiet working environment and the ability to type quickly and accurately (companies test the candidates’ typing speed before hiring them).
5. Online Teaching Jobs for Pregnant Women
Online teaching has revolutionized the world of education by connecting teachers and students from all over the world. The number of subjects you can teach is endless.
You don’t even have to be a professional teacher to land an online teaching job. The only condition is that you are good at it.
You can greet students from the comfort of your home office, without commuting or having strangers come to your house. Your schedule can be more or less flexible.
Still, whether you are the one who creates the schedule or not, you need to respect your students’ time and avoid sudden cancellations.
Alt: A woman wearing a headset using her laptop while doing one of the best jobs for pregnant women – teaching.
7. Social Media Management
Social media help businesses connect with customers, increase brand awareness, leads and sales. Every company that understands the importance of online marketing is constantly active on social media.
This is one of the best business ideas for women who spend a lot of time on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, and other social media sites.
The job of a social media manager includes managing a company’s social media accounts and posting content. If you sign a contract for a fixed monthly fee, you get a steady source of income. Most importantly, this is a type of job you can keep doing after you give birth.
8. Data Processing
Data processing is a perfect job for women who can maintain their focus while doing repetitive work and possess excellent organizational skills.
As a data processor, you will be responsible for processing recorded or written source data into a system. For instance, you may be asked to transcribe paper or audio files and enter the results into a database.
9. Corporate Recruiting
Corporate recruiting is one of the most suitable work-from-home jobs for women with a background in human resources and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Your responsibilities would include conducting phone and prescreening interviews, preparing job descriptions, and selecting candidates who fit the company’s needs.
10. Website Testing
Website testing is an easy job pregnant women can do even if they have a busy schedule. Many companies will pay you to test their websites, apps and user interface in order to improve their user experience.
You are asked to complete a number of tasks on a company’s website/app and give your feedback by either recording your speech or writing a brief report. Just twenty minutes of your time can earn you $10.
Alt: A woman testing a website on her laptop.
11. Search Engine Evaluation
As a search engine evaluator, your job is to evaluate whether the search engine results for the words you typed in are relevant or not. Depending on the company, you might be asked to do some other tasks as well.
This is another well-paid, stay-at-home job that allows you to manage your own time. You wouldn’t be required to sit at your desk without being able to take a break whenever you want.
In order to get the job, you may need to take a test. Don’t worry though – you will get a lot of study material containing everything you need to know.
The downside is that you would have to constantly renew your contract and track the time you spend working.
Tips for Creating a Comfortable Working Environment at Home
- Hydration is important no matter the circumstances. Always have some water by your side (do not use regular glasses around your computer to avoid spillage)
- Choose a desk and chair you feel most comfortable in
- If your feet are swollen, pillows may help
- Sitting on an exercise ball strengthens your back, which helps you prepare for labour
- Pregnant or not, hunger makes us nervous and less focused, which is why you should always have some healthy snacks at hand
- Make sure the room you work in has plenty of natural and artificial light
- Eliminate all distractions such as TV and magazines
