Working Through Your Pregnancy

Coming soon, maybe, but not quite yet! Learn how to remain cool at work through your pregnancy.

Congratulations - you're pregnant! You've told the boss, your co-workers and the delivery man. Everyone from your mother to the lady who makes your tuna sandwich every day knows exactly what you should do when it comes to balancing pregnancy and career. But do you?

It's up to you to decide what you can afford and what's best for your pregnancy, new baby and family. You have so many factors to consider, it can be totally overwhelming. True, it may be difficult to work while you're pregnant, but it's certainly not impossible. So take a deep breath, let it all out and read through these tips for making the most of balancing your pregnancy and job.

Expect Speed Bumps

Don't expect to transition into pregnancy flawlessly; there will be some major speed bumps. Open communication in the initial phases of your pregnancy will be your best bet. Let your boss know that you will need time off for doctor's appointments or that you may be required to work from home more often and ask what you can do to make this process as efficient as possible. This works out well for you - not only do you get the time off that you and your baby need, but your boss sees you as a team player.

Make Health Your Number One Priority

Just because you have chosen to work throughout your pregnancy doesn't change the fact that the pregnancy should be your number one concern. Keep in mind that your health and the health of your baby should be your biggest priorities. When you're healthy, you'll be more productive at work as well.

Do Your Homework

If you want to return to work after your baby is born, have a look at your company's maternity policy to find out how much time off you'll be given. The ideal situation is one that leaves you ample time to care for and bond with your new baby, but also safeguards your professional position. If you find your company's maternity policies conflict with either one of these factors, discuss this thoroughly with your boss or HR manager before taking any time off.

Start Searching for Child Care Early

In today's world, you don't have to choose between your pregnancy and your career. It's never too early to start looking for child care for your return to work. Many new parents wait to find child care until they are on maternity leave, overwhelmed and trying to adjust. Don't wait until it gets down to the wire, and you're not comfortable with the only person or place available. Take time for yourself and do research online about your options.

Manage Morning Sickness

Morning sickness can be a real pain during your first trimester. Be sure to have some nausea-friendly foods and beverages handy. Stash a can of Sprite and some crackers near your desk for easy access. Remember to eat six small meals a day to help with the nausea. Keep a travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste in your purse for times like these.

Drink Lots of Water

Keep water at your desk at all times and drink it as often as you can. Not only will it help reduce swelling and fatigue, but you'll just feel better overall!

Forget the Fast Food

Don't fall into the fast-food rut, even if you have a killer craving. If you don't have healthy options available near your workplace, bring healthy foods from home. You'll be glad you took the time when that baby weight comes right off!

Move Around

Try not to sit at your desk all day. Take a gentle walk on your lunch break. Offer to deliver that report down the hall. Movement will increase circulation and prevent nasty swelling, clotting and varicose veins. No need to train for a marathon, but make sure you keep relatively active during these nine months.

Keep Your Presentation Professional

Since you'll still be working while your belly's growing, it's essential to maintain a sense of professionalism while pregnant. Upholding your professional image is easy now with the ever-increasing number of maternity lines for professional women. And you don't even have to wait in line - you can order all your new clothes online and have them delivered straight to your door. Shopping will be easy because you'll be the same size in maternity clothes as you are in anything else.

Don't Reveal TMI

Pregnancy is exciting, and many of your coworkers will take a great interest in your new endeavor. It's great to share things like sonogram pictures and baby name ideas, but discussing every vomit, ache and pregnancy pain will start to wear on your coworkers. Too much information! You don't want people to avoid conversation with you just to steer clear of listening to another pregnancy woe. Call your sister or a close girlfriend - someone who will gladly indulge your grumbles!

Don't Overextend Yourself

You will most likely experience fatigue, confusion and absentmindedness throughout your pregnancy. If you find yourself having trouble focusing on your work, take a break. Get up and get a glass of water (movement and nourishment in one step!). Take a mental break, even if it's just one minute long, to help you focus on that report, conference or meeting.

Take a Break Before Birth

Make sure you arrange to have ample time off before giving birth. The last thing you want is to be rushing around trying to get things accomplished when you're nine months pregnant. If it helps you to organize things, make a list of everything you need to do before the baby is born. As your due date approaches, you can glance at your list and see what's left to do and how much time you need to take off work. Make sure you have adequate time to prepare your life, home and nursery for the new arrival.

Get Excited and Make Plans!

There are a lot of changes going on in your life, both professionally and personally. Take the time to enjoy these changes and make the most out of them! Make a plan (as general or specific as you like) involving your new motherhood as well as your career. Define your priorities. Remember that life is dynamic, and so is your family and career. You are surrounded by constant change and you never have to absolutely commit to one lifestyle over another. What you do have to commit to is your health and happiness, along with the health and happiness of your child. Finding the work schedule that will optimize these factors may be tricky, but once you have your career and motherhood balanced at a level that's comfortable for you, it will have been worth all the effort.