Working Whilst Pregnant – 5 Tips To Keep You Healthy
Provided you are generally healthy there is usually no reason not to continue working throughout your pregnancy.
You may want to put in place some changes to your normal routine. If you have a long commute, working from home can be an option on occasions. Or you may wish to avoid peak travel times, so you’re not travelling when it’s really busy. In the UK you are entitled to ask your employer to make reasonable allowances. Try to ensure an open dialogue and negotiate for what you want.
Eat well (and often!)
It is vital for you to sustain your body as you are working really hard to grow a brand new person! And it’s equally important to provide your baby with all the essential nutrients they need to develop healthily.
Make sure you eat a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Leafy greens and lean meat can help to prevent anaemia (iron deficiency) which can be common during pregnancy. It goes without saying that if you choose to take a prenatal supplement, then it should be of high quality and preferably in liquid form.
Morning sickness affects many pregnant women, particularly during the first trimester (the first 12 weeks). Remember that morning sickness can affect you at any time of day, not just in the morning! Keep plenty of snacks both in your bag and at work. Dry biscuits and crackers can really help.
Ginger can be useful to alleviate symptoms of nausea. Try sipping ginger in a tea or ginger ale. Aromatherapy oils such as peppermint can also help to dispel waves of sickness. You can listen to relaxing hypnotherapy downloads during pregnancy to help with various issues including morning sickness.
Stay hydrated
Always carry a small bottle of water with you and make sure you sip little and often throughout the day. If your job is office based, keep a larger bottle on your desk.
Keep moving
You may not feel like running a marathon, but keeping healthy through exercise and movement is important during your pregnancy and as preparation for labour.
Get out in the fresh air for walks during breaks and at lunchtime. And there are plenty of prenatal exercise classes such as yoga designed to be appropriate for pregnant women.
Whatever you choose, try to include some exercise on most days.
Rest
Being pregnant is a time of immense change both physically and emotionally. Be kind to yourself and invest in self-care. Take time to rest your body and recharge.
Literally putting your feet up (higher than your heart) can help reduce swelling in your ankles (this can be common especially during the later stages of pregnancy).
Get plenty of sleep and take it easy whenever you have the opportunity.
Be organised
Some expectant mums experience forgetfulness or absentmindedness, and this doesn’t always go down too well at work. Make sure you don’t forget anything important by writing it all down. Live off your to-do list and put everything in the diary. Plan your doctor’s appointments in advance so they don’t clash with important events at work.
You can also buy hypnotherapy downloads to help with anxiety in pregnancy or special music to help focus your fuzzy pregnancy brain.
Remember to listen to your body and don’t push yourself too far. Enjoy being pregnant, it’s an amazing time in your life.
And we think it’s a good idea to try not to work right up to your due date. If you can, stop working a week or more before, and enjoy the precious time to yourself before your baby arrives! It will be the last time for a while that you will get some ‘me time’.
Sources
http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-life/maternity-paternity-leave/working-while-pregnant/
