The realities of running a decorating business during a pregnancy

Mom-to-be Sarah Hughes shares some keen insights into the challenges of managing the physical demands of painting and decorating with the upkeep of a business while being pregnant. 

Being self-employed comes with a certain freedom. When you’re both pregnant and running a busy decorating business, that freedom quickly becomes a juggling act.  

This has been one of the most rewarding and challenging chapters I’ve ever faced, and I wanted to share a bit of what it’s really been like working through pregnancy in the trade. 

Surprise at the doorstep 

One thing I’ve had to get used to is the surprise when I turn up to give a quote and I’m visibly pregnant. I get the same look almost every time – raised eyebrows, followed by a polite smile, then the questions: “Are you still working?” or “Will you be doing the job yourself?” 

These are not unreasonable queries. For years, I’ve built my business by being hands-on. I’ve been the one up the ladder, sanding, cutting in, loading the van. But the reality now is different. I’m stepping back from the physical side and focusing on quoting, overseeing jobs, managing the team and running the business. I explain to customers that I’ve got a trusted team of decorators who’ll be doing the work, and that I’m still very much involved in making sure everything runs smoothly. 

Changing pace 

I’m used to long physical days, but during pregnancy I’ve had to really slow down. I can’t manage back-to-back jobs like I used to. Just getting through a few site visits, paperwork and a bit of admin is tiring, and I’ve had to listen to my body whether I like it or not. 

This has meant relying more and more on my team. They’ve been brilliant, but it’s still a mental shift—trusting others to do work I’d usually have done myself. Jobs sometimes take a little longer as I step back, but I’d rather they take a day longer and be done properly than risk burning out or cutting corners.

Looking Ahead 

I don’t know exactly how things will go once the baby arrives. I’m hoping to take a short break but keep one hand on the wheel. I’ve got people I trust in place, the admin support to stay organised, and a team who know the standard I expect. 

This time has made me step into a new role – less decorator, more business owner. It’s forced me to grow, to plan smarter, and to accept that I can’t do everything myself. And that’s okay. 

Final Thoughts 

Working while pregnant in the trades isn’t glamorous. It’s tiring, unpredictable and sometimes thankless. But it’s also made me more determined than ever to build something that lasts beyond just me. 

If you’re another tradeswoman going through something similar—whether you’re pregnant, planning for maternity, or just trying to make it all work— know that it’s okay to slow down, ask for help and still be proud of what you’re building.