Balancing pregnancy and work is never easy for most women. You need to stay healthy, battle the pregnancy symptoms, and meet deadlines. Being pregnant can as well present challenges at the workplace, and working is an issue you need to consider. If you plan to continue working, below are vital things that you should know.
1. Pregnancy comes with discomfort.
Your body experiences various changes during pregnancy, and you’re likely to experience discomfort most of the time. Although you can work while pregnant, you need to set limits to avoid overexerting yourself. Also, look for a high-risk pregnancy do’s and don’ts guide high-risk pregnancy do’s and don’ts guide, and it will help you understand the tasks to avoid. There are various strategies to help you balance pregnancy and work and become more comfortable.
Dress comfortably– What you wear determines your comfort level. Avoid tight clothing and opt for loose clothes and low-heeled shoes. If your office doesn’t restrict casual dressing, consider leggings, boots, and warm cardigans during winter. For warmer months, flowy maternity dresses and sandals or flat shoes are ideal.
2. Meal planning is essential.
No matter your work schedule, you should plan your meals and ensure that you take a well-balanced diet. If you don’t like drinking water, then it’s time to change that. Hydrating yourself reduces the chances of urinary tract infections and promotes healthy skin and hair. A healthy diet consisting of fruits, proteins, vegetables, and carbohydrates will keep your baby healthy, keeps you energetic, and helps in dealing with nausea.
Plan appropriately and set time for at least five meals daily, even in your busiest days. Moreover, have some snacks in your bag or drawer and munch them as you work. These will boost your energy levels and are a sure way of dealing with cravings. Examples of great snacks are nuts, dried fruit, and whole wheat crackers.
Take breaks– Take regular breaks, walk around, and avoid sitting or standing for too long. Jobs that require you to stand for long hours can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure and premature birth. Luckily, there are many pregnancy and work laws that guide employers, and your supervisor shouldn’t allocate tasks that necessitate long hours of standing.
3. Work-related stress can affect your pregnancy.
Pregnancy can significantly stress your body, and you don’t want to worsen this worrying about work. Although most jobs are stressful, avoid worrying about what will happen to your career once the baby is born. You can rebuild it after your child grows.
Love what you do, and this will make you happier. Have time for yourself, and always set time for fun. When should I stop working during pregnancy? If you’re not unwell, you can keep working. Balancing your work and family life is essential at the same time. But, if your job stresses you a lot, discuss this with your doctor.
4. Simple exercises go a long way!
Exercises are beneficial for both you and your baby. Exercising alleviates stress, boosts blood flow, and lifts your mood by lessening the usual discomforts experienced by pregnant women. Simple things like walking, Kegels, or pelvic floor exercises are all great, and you can do them while at work.
5. Traveling can be risky!
It’s okay to travel during the initial stages of your pregnancy. But, it can be risky as your pregnancy progresses. For instance, most airlines prohibit pregnant women from moving when over 36 weeks pregnant. If you have to make work-related trips, talk to your doctor, and take the necessary precautions. In some instances, you may require a doctors’ certificate when traveling.
The bottom line
If you have to work while pregnant, it’s critical to care for yourself and the baby avoiding stress, exercising often, and planning for healthy meals. Moreover, dress comfortably and seek advice from your doctor on issues regarding pregnancy and work.
