Working Through Your Pregnancy: Tips And Guidelines

Expectant mothers rarely have the luxury of staying at home for long periods during, and after, their pregnancy. Most mothers will need to continue working to earn a salary to support themselves and the new addition to their family. Working while you are pregnant is rarely easy, and sometimes trying to hold a job down during this time can lead to illness from emotional and physical stress. If you find that you will have to work through your pregnancy, here are some simple guidelines and tips to make things a little easier.

Bring Emergency Supplies To Work

One of the major complaints for new mothers to be that are on the job is morning sickness. If morning sickness occurred just in the morning it would not be so bad, but many mothers suffer from morning sickness well into the afternoon and late evening. To help combat morning sickness effects at work, bring light snacks to munch on that will settle your stomach. In case you do get sick, keep a toothbrush and toothpaste kit with you, and maybe some breath-freshener. An extra change of clothes is not a bad idea either, some mothers get unexpectedly sick and are not always able to make it to the bathroom on time. Fortunately, morning sickness usually fades away around the 12th week of pregnancy.

Stay Comfortable

To help combat work fatigue and exhaustion, keep yourself extra comfortable while you are at work. Bring layered clothes for any cold and hot flashes, and wear clothing that is not tight or restrictive. Retire the high heels for the time being, and invest in some supportive and comfortable shoes. You may even want to bring a pillow to give your back extra support, and a small lift for your feet to keep your feet from swelling.

Take Extra Care Of Yourself

Working while you are pregnant is not going to be easy, and you will need to take extra good care of yourself during this time. Stress from too much work can lead to high blood pressure, eclampsia, anemia, and fluctuating blood sugar levels. Combat work fatigue by eating the right diet, stay away from junk foods, and drink plenty of liquids at work and at home. Water is the best liquid to drink while you are pregnant, but all natural fruit juice can help to give you a nutritional energy boost while you are at work too. Get to bed early and take extra naps on the weekend.

Do Not Be Afraid To Ask For Help

Work is hard enough when you are pregnant, but some mothers to be have to run a household and finish errands on their off time as well. If you find yourself in this position, do not be afraid to ask friends and family for some help from time to time. Supportive friends and family can assist you with cleaning, babysitting, or even running errands so that you can get some more rest between your work days.

Be Aware Of Pregnancy Discrimination

Pregnancy discrimination is illegal and you need to be aware of your rights if you are a working expectant mother. Your employer cannot force you to maintain duties that are unsafe or hazardous to your health or the health of your baby, and your employer must give you days off and maternity leave for your pregnancy as well. Contact the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission if you feel that you have been a victim of pregnancy discrimination.