According to statistics one out of every five pregnant women will not return to work. Quitting abruptly after childbirth could wreak havoc on your finances, your career and even your relationship with your partner.

How can you determine if you are vulnerable to quitting your job abruptly after having your baby? Below are some elements that can contribute to leaving your job:

1. You hate your job-Babies have a way of forcing true feelings to the surface. This means that if you hate your job now, while you are pregnant, you might find it physically impossible to leave your baby to return to it afterwards. If this is the case in your life, admit it now and start planning to find a new job, start your own business or take a leave of absence. Now is definitely better than later.

2. You are a perfectionist- Being a working mother means trusting others to do things for you but not necessarily like you do them. Practice letting things go around the house a little bit and delegating more at home and at work. Women who insist on doing it all may end up quitting abruptly due to the stress caused by impossibly high standards.

3. You are 100% sure that you will be returning to work-Women who refuse to even allow themselves the thought of quitting are prime candidates for leaving abruptly after giving birth. This is sometimes due to feeling cheated by a short maternity leave or simply repressing true feelings about their dual roles. Pregnancy and babies are not about certainties. It is wise to take some time and consider all options including what you (and your partner) would do if one of you decided not to return to work.

The bottom line is that whatever you choose will be the right decision for you as long as you are making the decision consciously and not out of stress or unacknowledged feelings. The benefits of knowing, for the most part, what your actions are going to be after the birth of your baby are numerous when you think about finances, planning at work and not burning future bridges.

Notes:Cigna insurance company estimates that for every woman who quits her job after childbirth, four return. Source: Wall Street Journal, 1998 Work & Family Column, Sue Shellenbarger.

Brenda Abdilla is the president of Management Momentum, a Denver-based company which helps companies accomplish success by improving thier performance strategies. In her 15 years as a professional speaker and trainer Brenda has delighted audiences around the world. Brenda authored two books in the 90's (Sales and Marketing) and is now working on a book especially for women in business.