From Bump to Boardroom: A Guide to Managing Pregnancy and Career Successfully
Pregnancy and career don’t have to be opposing forces, but unfortunately for many women, balancing the two can feel like an uphill battle. Between the maternity leave negotiations and the emotional and physical demands of pregnancy, it’s no surprise that women often feel torn between personal and professional worlds.
Yet across Pakistan and beyond, countless women are proving that it’s possible not only to manage both but to thrive in the process.
Planning Ahead: Setting the Groundwork
One of your strongest tools is foresight. Talk with HR or your manager early. Know the company’s maternity leave policy (currently, in many parts of the world, more than 120 countries require paid maternity leave by law). The first step is always to just ask. Talk about a phased return or managing a hybrid schedule. These policies in place are proven to ease transitions.
But the reality is not as simple for women around the world, for example, in India, extending paid maternity leave led to unintended pushback from smaller firms hiring women; approximately 22% fewer call-backs are expected after the legislation. Many women around the globe still struggle with this “motherhood penalty” where discriminatory practices mean mothers can be held to stricter standards regarding salary and recruitment.
That’s why the best advice is this: before you even join a workplace, take time to learn, negotiate, and understand the policies on the table. Preparation doesn’t just protect you, it empowers you.
The Art of Prioritization
Pregnancy brings an entirely new set of responsibilities, and time quickly becomes the most valuable currency. Learning to prioritize isn’t about doing less, it’s about doing what matters most for you and for your family.
For some women, that might mean tackling high-stakes projects before maternity leave. For others, it’s about carving out space for doctor’s appointments and rest without guilt. An organized calendar, realistic goals, and the courage to delegate can make all the difference.
Sincerely though, all moms out there, the one thing that should be highest on your priority list should be self-care! It’s easy to put personal health at the bottom of the to-do list when deadlines are looming. But ignoring rest, nutrition, or mental well-being only makes the balancing act harder. In national surveys, respondents cite self-care as boosting productivity (67%), happiness (71%), and confidence (64%)
Successful working mothers often frame self-care not as indulgence, but as a strategy.
Lean on Support Systems
No one does this alone — nor should they have to. In Pakistan, extended families often play an invaluable role in childcare, but support systems can take many forms: a partner who shares responsibilities, a trusted babysitter, or even workplace allies who step in during crunch times. Building that network before the baby arrives is critical, as it allows new mothers to juggle their dual roles without burning out.
Role Models Who Redefine Balance
Serena Williams won her 23rd Grand Slam during pregnancy. Beyoncé continues dominating music while raising a family. Their stories aren’t just glamorous; they normalize blending ambition with motherhood.
Closer to home, more Pakistani women are also stepping into leadership roles while raising families, serving as powerful reminders that ambition and motherhood can co-exist. Managing pregnancy, motherhood, and career isn’t about chasing perfection, it’s about creating balance through preparation, communication, and support.
The journey isn’t without its challenges, but it also comes with a profound lesson: success is not measured by choosing one over the other, but by finding a rhythm that makes space for both.
