Continuing to work during pregnancy: how to organize yourself better

Most women can safely continue to work during pregnancy both because they are well and because the job they do allows it.

It is obvious that the sweet expectation poses new challenges in the workplace. Fatigue is felt in the first few months, while the bulk of the belly and movement difficulties are evident in the last trimester.

It is therefore important to know how to adjust, to know how to recognize one’s limits, to understand how to alleviate discomfort, and to recognize when work can become a danger to pregnancy.

In short, we try to adapt to the new situation trying to maintain productivity with an eye to the new condition.

1. Manage nausea

I continued to vomit in the first months of pregnancy, the nausea did not leave me. The only thing I could digest was the pizza. So before going to work, I took a frozen pizza from the freezer, cooked it, cut it into wedges, wrapped each wedge in the foil, and when I got stomach bites, I’d take a wedge out of the bag. I had a job that allowed me to take those 5 minute break to eat a little because if I didn’t calm the hole in my stomach, I’d get heaving and who worked anymore!

To manage nausea, therefore, try to avoid all situations that cause it. For me, pizza worked to make me feel a little better, while there are those who are happy with crackers, those with bread sticks, those still with ginger.

2. Manage fatigue

There are days in pregnancy when tiredness takes over and you would go to sleep anywhere. If you are at work this is not possible despite the strong temptation to rest your head on the desk or on any horizontal plane.

A diet suitable for pregnancy can be helpful, which includes all those nutritional principles that are most required during the nine months due to the new life that is growing in us.

For example , fatigue   can be a symptom of iron deficiency anemia, which must be addressed either with specific supplements or by increasing the consumption of meat, fish, whole grains, green vegetables and beans.

It is important to take small breaks to reactivate circulation if you have a sedentary job, or a few minutes with the lights off and your eyes closed if you have a chaotic job. Both methods are for recharging.

Hydration is also essential : always keep a bottle of water close at hand in your workstation to be able to continue sipping liquids.

3. Delegate

You cannot expect to do your 8 hours at work and then go home and load all of its management on your shoulders: cleaning, ironing, etc.

For this you must learn to ask for help despite the pride of always wanting to do everything alone. This exercise of asking for help will also be useful to you later when you have a small child.

Ask your partner, your mother, mother-in-law, or for this period hire someone to help you clean the house.

Shop online if possible in your area or send your boyfriend to stock up on food.

However, don’t give up your space and exercise. Take a daily walk especially if your job is sedentary. Or take a course for pregnant women: swimming pool, yoga, etc. (if your doctor agrees).

Go to bed early. Try to keep the classic 8 hours of sleep a night as a goal. Rest on your left side , and help yourself with pillows to find the best position.

4. Small precautions to get better

As the pregnancy progresses, sitting for a long time or standing for a long time can become uncomfortable.

Keep taking those anti-fatigue breaks, to stretch your legs, relieve muscle tension, and prevent fluid buildup in your legs and feet.

If you work seated , it would be important to have an adjustable chair or good back support available especially as your weight and posture change. If your chair isn’t adjustable, use a cushion to provide extra back support. And possibly keep your legs raised to reduce swelling.

If you work standing up, try to use a support to put one foot on: it can be a box, a stool… a footrest, and alternate the supported leg. Don’t forget the breaks to stretch your legs and reactivate the circulation.

It is also important to use comfortable shoes with good foot support.

Bending to Lift:

Even if you lift something very light, it’s important to do it the right way to protect your back.

Always bend your knees, keep the load close to your body by lifting it with your legs and not with your back.

Also avoid twisting your body when lifting.

Find the right approach to lifting and repositioning weights during pregnancy on wikihow .

5. Stress

Workplace stress can deplete the energy you need to take care of yourself and your baby.

Try to reduce stress like this:

• Take control of the situation by making a to-do list and setting priorities. Also consider delegating or eliminating unnecessary things to do
• Talk about your frustrations with your partner, friend or colleague.
• Try to adopt relaxation techniques. Consider enrolling us in a pregnancy yoga class if approved by your doctor

6. Precautions to be taken at work

Certain working conditions could increase your risk of pregnancy complications – especially if you are at high risk of working prematurely. Among these conditions we find.

• Exposure to harmful substances
• Prolonged standing position
• weight lifting,
• Excessive noise
• Strong vibrations due for example to large machinery
• Extreme temperatures

If you are concerned about any of these problems, tell your doctor to discuss if you need to take any special precautions or change your job duties or request early leave.