How much is too much? A study of pregnant women in service industry jobs.

This qualitative study explored the broad aspects of stress and coping in the work and home experiences of pregnant women who worked in the service industry. The participants described home roles of mother, spouse/partner, and homemaker that were particularly valued and significant. Work provided income and a cultural setting for socialization, personal growth, and social support. The participants coped with the additional demands of pregnancy by adopting health promotion measures and scheduling routines at work and home in different ways. However, pregnant working women often are pulled in many directions at once, and their health eventually may be affected.