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Working during pregnancy
So you are pregnant and you still continue working and plan to do it until you can. If you're like most pregnant women, it's perfectly safe for you to continue working during your pregnancy. However, just being pregnant can present challenges. After all, your body works nonstop for nine months to create and nurture a baby. Factor in the demands of your job with all the related effects of pregnancy - from nausea and fatigue to back pain and swollen feet - and you can easily feel worn out. After visiting doctor work out a scheme of all the symptoms and effects of pregnancy that you already feel or might feel in the nearest future. Try to determine time they occurs and anticipated factors. Stay healthy and productive on the job by learning how to alleviate some common discomforts of pregnancy and understanding when occupational duties might put in danger your pregnancy. Easing nausea and vomiting It may be called "morning" sickness, but the queasiness you feel during pregnancy - especially during the first trimester - can hit at just about any time of the day or night. Chalk up these promptings about how to help ease nausea when you're on the job:
If you experience severe, prolonged bouts of morning sickness, and simple measures such as these don't help, tell your doctor. Handling fatigue Being pregnant, you might feel tired much of the time, especially during the first and third trimesters and even more so after a long day at work. Don't forget that it's pretty normal as you are carrying another inceptive life inside. Fatigue is your body's way of telling you to slow down, but this can be tough during the workday. To make it through the day, try the following:
And don't forget to go to bed at a reasonable hour!
Staying comfortable Do everything possible to make your working day easier for you and more relaxed. Carrying around a growing baby can make everyday activities like sitting, standing, bending and lifting uncomfortable on the job. Moving around every few hours can ease muscle tension and help prevent fluid buildup in your legs and feet. Empty your bladder frequently to help relieve pressure. Sitting If you have an office job, the chair you sit in is important. While the weight in your body is increasing and shifting your posture, it helps to have a seat you can adjust for height and tilt. Adjustable armrests, a firm seat and back cushions, and good lower back support can make long hours of sitting much easier. If your office chair doesn't have these adjustment options: use a small pillow or a specially designed cushion to provide extra support for your back, put your feet up on a footrest to take pressure off your lower back and help reduce swelling in your feet. Standing During pregnancy, increased dilation of your blood vessels can cause blood to pool in your legs with prolonged periods of standing. This can lead to pain, dizziness or even fainting. Standing also puts pressure on your back. If standing is part of your job, put one of your feet up on a box or a low stool to take pressure off your back and decrease blood pooling. Switch feet every so often. You also might find it helps to wear support hose, which can improve the circulation in your legs. Wear comfortable shoes and take frequent breaks to rest your legs. If your job requires that you stand four or more hours each day, tell your doctor. Bending and lifting To prevent or ease back pain, follow proper form when bending and lifting. Even if you're lifting something that's not too heavy, keep in mind that there's a right way and a wrong way to lift. Check with your doctor you might be advised to avoid heavy lifting during your pregnancy.
Keeping stress under control Stress on the job can inspire you to push hard and achieve many goals. But it can also exhaust you and take away the time and energy you need to care for yourself and your unborn baby. It may be impossible to get rid of work-related stress, but you can do your best to minimize it. Talk out problems. Maintaining a positive outlook also can help. Surround yourself with positive, not negative people. When you feel yourself getting angry or upset as a result of stress, stop and ask yourself if you can do anything to change the situation. If not, you may just need to let it go. Learning and practicing some relaxation exercises also can help you release pressure that may build up during the course of a day. Yoga classes designed for pregnant women offer a unique chance to practice relaxation along with strengthening exercises. Taking proper job precautions Certain working conditions may increase your risk of complications during pregnancy, especially if you're at risk of complications for other reasons. These activities and conditions include: * Heavy, repetitive lifting * Prolonged standing * Heavy vibrations, such as from large machines * Long, stressful commutes to and from work * Exposure to harmful substances Other job conditions also may be cause for concern. Frequent shift changes, for instance, may make it hard for you to get the proper rest. A hot work environment may decrease your stamina and ability to perform strenuous physical tasks. Activities that require agility and good balance may become more difficult later in pregnancy. If any of these issues apply to you, mention them to your doctor. He or she will be able to tell you if you need to take any special precautions or modify your work duties. Your doctor can also make specific recommendations throughout the various stages of your pregnancy and, if needed, provide documents for your employer explaining any work restrictions you might need.
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