When you're pregnant, it's a full-time job on its own.
You are navigating through major physical and emotional changes while trying to find the time to fit in medical tests, doctor's appointments, childbirth classes - and many stops in between to use the nearest restroom.
Baby
The problem is, you can't focus solely on your pregnancy each day. You also have to somehow fit in work, too, even with the growing demands that arise with pregnancy. If you're healthy, you will likely be able to continue to work while pregnant, right up until delivery.
There are ways to make your job easier while you're expecting. Here are some ideas to think about:
Be safe and comfortable. Your safety and comfort if you are working while pregnant is important. If you're experiencing a normal, healthy pregnancy and you're employed in a safe environment, you should be able to remain working until you go into labor. This is often a big financial concern for many working expectant mothers.
During the first trimester, you may suffer from extreme fatigue and nausea at work, which can be embarrassing. Keep in mind for most women the nausea will subside by the second trimester and you'll likely regain much of your energy back. The third trimester you'll begin to get tired more easily and it may be a good idea to use some of the sick or vacation time you've been holding on to if you need to.
It's always good to be cautious while pregnant. Don't do any heavy lifting and avoid any strenuous activities. If you have a desk job, it may not be a problem, but if you're on your feet much of your day, it's a good idea to talk to your supervisor and to arrange if you can spend less time on your feet.
Becoming pregnant will change your priorities. It'll also mean you'll have to make changes in your job schedule to accommodate the various doctor appointments and medical tests that you'll need to leave for while pregnant.
Try to schedule your doctor appointments at the start or even before your workday begins, if possible, since you may become too tired to go to appointments in the afternoons or after work. If you must leave your job to go to a doctor's appointment, make sure to tell your boss in advance, and keep a record of your appointments, just in case someone questions where you are going. If you need to, ask your doctor to give you a note that verifies your appointments and give these notes to your boss or someone in human resources at your company if it becomes a problem.
You are going to have good days and bad days while pregnant and working. You may find yourself energetic and happy, then a difficult conversation minutes later will cause you to burst into tears. It's important to try to stay calm and act professional on the job, even when those pregnancy hormones seem to have taken over.
In order to ensure your working life goes smoothly, take care of yourself. Get plenty of sleep, eat healthy meals and look your best. Don't take on too big of a workload; it will only cause you more stress. If you're feeling unorganized due to a foggy pregnancy brain, try to make lists to help you remember.
If your coworkers are willing to help you out when you're feeling under the weather, take them up on their offers. If you are feeling overwhelmed at your job, take a short walk or a trip to the restroom to collect your thoughts and keep your emotions in check.
Remember, being pregnant is a marathon, not a sprint. Try not to be too hard on yourself.
Juggling Pregnancy And Your Job
For your free "Healthy Birth Booklet-6 Steps to a Safer Birth" filled with six simple steps that support and guide your decisions for a safer and healthier birth, both for you and your baby, visit the link below.
http://www.birthclassathome.com the website for on-line childbirth classes
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader should contact a licensed medical professional regarding their own condition.