working at a fast food restaurant

I work in and also lift a lot and stand all day without breaks. I do what I can and no more, and if it doesn't work out, I step back a bit. They should be happy that you're there and doing what you can, otherwise they're out of luck.

I have it easy in this regard with an office job, but what generally helps is learning to lift ergonomically – which is of course important for non-pregnant people too – and doing specific exercises to reduce strain on your pelvis/lower back. For example, Zwangerfit, or you can get help with an individual plan at a good gym. I'm now 28 weeks pregnant and still go to the gym twice a week with my big belly to lift weights. It's going great, and I notice it right away if I leave a few more days between workouts; then I have much more pelvic pain.

By the way, there is legislation regarding the weight you're allowed to lift as a pregnant woman and the number of times you're allowed to bend over per workday. See http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/gezond-en-veilig-werken/vraag-en-antwoord/waar-moet-ik-op-letten-als-ik-zwanger-ben-en-werk.html These are, by the way, definitely not weights I stick to at the gym, but well, that's private (and is also much more controlled than when you're 'running around' on the factory floor)

That's really handy info, Edith. I'll read it in a bit.

Can they work