How To Deal With A Full Time Job While Pregnant
by Aaron Nimocks
If you are a working woman and discover you are pregnant, there
are some things that you have to consider. Most of the time, it
is perfectly ok to work while you are pregnant. It also may
depend on your job and whether or not you are considered a
high-risk pregnancy. High risk can be anything from a mom to be
over the age of 35 or women who live with diabetes or other
conditions. If your doctor allows you to work, follow their
instructions to the tee. If they don't recommend it but you may
feel the need to work, then you really have to start to listen
to your body.
The first three months of a pregnancy are crucial, as every one
knows. You will start to experience fatigue in the first
trimester as well as some morning sickness. But you also have to
work at keeping your stress levels way down. Stress is not good
at all through a pregnancy but in the first three months it is a
taboo. You may want to consider cutting back on your work hours.
Start with a few hours a week. Many women can successfully work
up to their ninth month but that is not ideal for everyone.
After you are past the three-month mark and you start to tell
everyone, you have to tell your boss. Most places are very
accommodating but you still have to tell them. Ask them about
reducing your hours or if you have a certain job function that
is physically demanding, then ask about removing that task from
your workload.
You want to be able to work to your fullest capacity, but it
doesn't always work that way. It is ok to slow down and start
taking care of your self. If you are one of those workers who
would eat and work at the same time because there was no room
for lunch. When you are pregnant, make the time to eat without
any distractions. Your job is important to you but the baby is
more important. You really have to make conscious changes to
your lifestyle when you are pregnant.
It can be hard because you are so used to doing things a certain
way that you forget to slow down or stop doing something because
you are pregnant. Most women start their morning off with
coffee. While experts say that one cup of caffeine a day is ok.
Try to keep it simple, have a simple cup of coffee instead of an
espresso. You may find yourself working slower but too much
caffeine can be harmful to your baby.
Discuss working with your doctor and your partner. See if it
something that can be changed to accommodate your situation. Ask
your boss to speak to the doctor if there are any questions
about your limitations or have your doctor write a note.
Remember, the most important thing is your health and the health
of your baby.