“Is It OK To Work During Pregnancy?”

Is It OK To Work During Pregnancy?

The short answer to this question is “yes”. Some women however, may find they prefer not to work during pregnancy. Still others may find they have to adjust their work schedule, especially if they work in a strenuous position, to accommodate their pregnancy.

Many women find work more challenging during pregnancy. This often results from the increased fatigue associated with pregnancy. Working during pregnancy is challenging. During your first trimester you may find you are battling not only fatigue but also nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Later in your pregnancy, you may find back pain and swelling contribute to your fatigue and discomfort both on and off the job.

Coping With Morning Sickness During Pregnancy
If you have to work during pregnancy you may find it challenging coping with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. This typically is worse during the first trimester. There are steps you can take to help reduce your nausea and vomiting at work during pregnancy:

•  Avoid strong smells, which often trigger nauseous feelings.  These may include coffee.
•  Keep plenty of small snacks and light meals handy. You’ll find eating several small meals each day helps quell nausea a lot better than trying to eat three squares each day. Keep some crackers and ginger ale on hand at your desk or place of work to help ease nausea during the day.
•  Drink plenty of fluid during the day. Dehydration can make nausea worse. Good alternatives to water include ginger ale or other light, carbonated beverages.

   

• Be sure to get plenty of sleep the night before a busy day. Exhaustion can contribute to intense morning sickness during pregnancy.

Coping With Fatigue During Pregnancy
While working you will find you are tired more often than not. Follow the strategies below to help cope with fatigue while working during pregnancy:

•  Be sure to take several breaks during the day.
•  If you can get outside and walk around for a bit. The fresh air will help invigorate you and the exercise will help boost your circulation.
•  Avoid sugary sweets at the office including donuts and chocolate. Opt for fruit and yogurt snacks instead or nuts, which will provide you with longer lasting energy.
•  Consider working flexible hours if this is possible.
•  Avoid taking on extra projects at work and extracurricular activities after work if possible.
•  Delegate work tasks when possible. If this isn’t possible, delegate tasks at home including cooking dinner so you have more time to rest up for work the next day.
•  Make sure you get enough sleep at night so you feel more refreshed at the beginning of the day.

Relieve Work Stress During Pregnancy
It is important you keep your stress levels low during pregnancy. Increased stress during pregnancy may contribute to pregnancy complications including premature rupture of the membranes, low birth weight babies and premature labor.

When at work, always be sure to wear comfortable clothing. If you sit at a desk most of the day, take frequent breaks to stretch your legs and hands. If you can, elevate your feet during the day. This will help reduce swelling.

Consider a prenatal yoga class or meditate for a few minutes during lunch every day. This will do wonders to help relieve your stress and anxiety and help rejuvenate you during the day.

Last but not least, try laughing as much as possible during the day. When all else fails, humor really is the best medicine. When at work, surround yourself with positive people. Keep a favorite quote nearby to brighten your day when things are looking glum. Ultimately this will help reduce your anxiety and make work a much more pleasant environment throughout your pregnancy.