Pregnancy is an exciting and transformative phase in a woman’s life. However, for women working in demanding corporate environments—especially in multinational companies—the experience can often be layered with additional challenges. Balancing a dynamic career, global work expectations, and personal wellbeing requires not just resilience but also the right kind of support.
In recent years, multinational organisations have begun recognising that supporting pregnant employees isn’t just a moral or social responsibility—it’s a strategic advantage. Yet, while many companies provide maternity leave and basic benefits, very few offer personalised pregnancy support that truly meets the needs of professional women in high-pressure work environments.
Let’s explore why such tailored support is essential, what it can look like in practice, and how both companies and employees can benefit from it.
The Unique Challenges Faced by Women in Multinational Workplaces
Working in a multinational company often means exposure to international standards, cross-border collaborations, and round-the-clock communication across time zones. For pregnant women, this can sometimes be overwhelming. The corporate pace doesn’t always slow down just because one is expecting a baby.
Some of the common challenges include:
1. Long working hours and virtual fatigue:
Even with hybrid or remote work models, many women find themselves spending extended hours in front of screens. Virtual fatigue, poor posture, and lack of movement can affect physical comfort and energy levels during pregnancy.
2. High performance expectations:
Many professional women feel compelled to “prove” their dedication, especially in competitive corporate environments. This can lead to overexertion and difficulty setting healthy boundaries during pregnancy.
3. Limited flexibility and understanding:
While HR policies may appear inclusive on paper, the practical implementation of flexible hours, work-from-home options, or reduced travel can vary greatly depending on team dynamics and leadership attitudes.
4. Lack of awareness and education:
Managers or colleagues—especially in multicultural teams—may not always be aware of what pregnancy entails. The physical and emotional shifts may not be visible but can significantly affect performance and wellbeing.
5. Navigating maternity leave and return-to-work:
Planning maternity leave and preparing for a smooth transition back to work can be complex. Many mothers feel anxious about being replaced or overlooked for opportunities during this period.
It’s clear that professional women in MNCs need more than just general advice—they require a personalised approach that understands their unique work environment and supports them holistically.
What Does Personalised Pregnancy Support Mean?
Personalised pregnancy support goes beyond the traditional antenatal classes or routine medical check-ups. It focuses on creating a tailored plan that fits a woman’s professional, emotional, and physical needs during pregnancy and after childbirth.
This approach considers her work schedule, stress levels, physical activity, nutrition, emotional wellbeing, and company policies—creating a balance that allows her to stay healthy and productive without feeling overwhelmed.
A well-rounded personalised programme often includes:
- Individual consultations to understand the woman’s lifestyle, job role, and specific needs.
- Customised pregnancy exercise and nutrition plans suited to her work hours and environment.
- Workplace wellness strategies such as ergonomic adjustments, posture correction, and stress management techniques.
- Labour and birth preparation sessions that fit into her schedule.
- Guidance for postpartum care and return-to-work planning.
Such programmes are not only empowering for expectant mothers but also reassuring for employers who wish to retain skilled talent and support their wellbeing.
Why Personalised Support Matters More in MNCs
Global organisations often have a diverse workforce, complex reporting structures, and cross-functional teams. Women may find themselves on calls with colleagues across continents or managing projects that require constant communication at odd hours.
Unlike traditional work settings, these environments demand agility and adaptability, leaving little room for the body’s natural need to slow down during pregnancy. Personalised support acknowledges this reality and offers solutions that fit seamlessly into a corporate lifestyle.
For example:
- A woman who travels frequently for work may need advice on managing jet lag, hydration, and safe travel during pregnancy.
- A woman leading international meetings late at night might need guidance on nutrition and rest cycles to manage fatigue.
- Those working remotely may benefit from personalised ergonomic and exercise recommendations to avoid back pain or swelling.
Every pregnancy is unique—and so is every work profile. That’s why one-size-fits-all pregnancy programmes don’t truly serve the needs of women in multinational workplaces.
The Role of Corporate Culture
While individualised programmes are important, they must exist within a supportive company culture. HR departments and leadership teams play a pivotal role in creating an environment that normalises pregnancy as a natural life stage rather than a professional setback.
Progressive organisations are beginning to integrate wellbeing policies that go beyond statutory maternity leave. These include:
- Access to antenatal education sessions led by certified experts.
- Wellness webinars and workshops on topics like pregnancy fitness, nutrition, and emotional health.
- Employee assistance programmes that include counselling and lactation support.
- Return-to-work planning with flexible schedules, transition coaching, and childcare support.
Encouraging open conversations around pregnancy and motherhood at work helps to dismantle outdated notions that women must choose between their careers and their families.
How Personalised Pregnancy Support Benefits Companies
From an organisational standpoint, offering personalised pregnancy support isn’t just about employee welfare—it’s a strategic investment in talent retention and corporate image.
- Improved productivity and engagement:
When women feel supported and valued, they remain more engaged with their work throughout pregnancy and after returning from maternity leave. - Reduced absenteeism and health-related issues:
Tailored support helps manage pregnancy symptoms, reduce stress, and prevent complications, leading to fewer sick days and disruptions. - Enhanced employee loyalty and retention:
Companies that actively support women during this crucial life stage are more likely to retain top talent, reducing turnover and training costs. - Positive employer branding:
In an age where corporate reputation is closely tied to inclusivity and wellbeing, supportive maternity policies help position the company as a progressive employer of choice.
What a Personalised Pregnancy Programme Might Include
A well-designed personalised pregnancy support plan can be comprehensive yet flexible. Here’s what such a programme might look like:
1. Initial Consultation and Assessment:
The process begins with an in-depth conversation to understand the woman’s lifestyle, work hours, travel commitments, and medical background. The goal is to tailor the upcoming sessions and recommendations accordingly.
2. Nutrition Guidance:
Working professionals often eat on the go or skip meals due to back-to-back meetings. A personalised plan focuses on easy, nutritious meals that fit into a busy schedule and support energy levels, digestion, and fetal health.
3. Pregnancy Exercise Routine:
Exercises are designed to be simple, safe, and effective—whether it’s chair stretches during meetings, short movement breaks, or guided prenatal fitness sessions.
4. Stress Management Techniques:
Mindfulness, breathing exercises, and relaxation strategies are taught to manage work-related stress, improve sleep, and promote overall wellbeing.
5. Labour and Birth Preparation:
Even busy professionals need to prepare for childbirth. Online or flexible workshops can help them understand birth options, pain management, and partner involvement.
6. Postpartum and Back-to-Work Support:
Guidance continues after birth with sessions on newborn care, breastfeeding, recovery, and adjusting to work-life balance. This ensures a smoother transition both physically and emotionally.
The Role of Digital Platforms
With today’s technology, personalised support is more accessible than ever. Online pregnancy classes and wellness apps can be integrated into a working woman’s lifestyle without disrupting her schedule.
At Baby360degrees, for instance, the Bump to Baby programme is designed to provide structured, evidence-based information in bite-sized formats—ideal for busy professionals. Women can access videos on nutrition, exercise, labour preparation, and newborn care at their convenience, while still receiving ongoing expert support through chat groups and consultations.
This hybrid model of self-paced learning and personal interaction makes it possible to stay informed and supported, no matter where in the world one is working from.
Empowering Women to Thrive, Not Just Survive
The modern workplace is evolving, and so should the way we support women through pregnancy. Personalised pregnancy support acknowledges that every woman’s journey is unique and that her professional aspirations are just as important as her maternal wellbeing.
When companies invest in such initiatives, they not only promote healthier pregnancies but also send a powerful message—that women don’t have to choose between being successful professionals and nurturing mothers.
It’s time to move from generic corporate wellness programmes to truly individualised, empathetic, and expert-led support systems. Because when women thrive during pregnancy, everyone benefits—the family, the company, and society at large.
About the Author:
Sonali Shivlani is a Pregnancy and Parenting Consultant with over 20 years of experience. She is the Director of CAPPA India and the founder of Baby360degrees, offering complete online solutions for pregnancy and parenting. Having worked with over 45,000 families, Sonali provides evidence-based guidance through her classes, counselling sessions, and expert programmes tailored for working parents.
