Making Your Office More Comfortable While Pregnant

Becoming pregnant provides a wonderful time of anticipation and joy. At the beginning of your pregnancy it is important that you make changes in your office and work area, that will anticipate your need for comfort. These changes will need to be made in your office for maximum comfort while you are pregnant.

Your Office Chair

#1. Adjust the height of the seat so your feet are flat on the floor, but yet there is no pressure on the backs of your thighs. This will help in the circulation not being cut off.

#2. If it's possible, coordinate the height of the desk chair seat with the height of the opening of your desk, so that you won't be able to cross your legs. Again, this will help in the circulation not being cut off in your legs.

This may seem like a tedious point, but varicose veins can be caused from the circulation in your legs being cut off.

#3. Have a nice looking, decorative pillow in your chair. It will help with back support. As the baby grows, there will be more and more stress on your lower back; especially if you sit for long periods of time. It is so much more comfortable to have that support there.

Your Phone

#4. Place the phone at a place on your desk, so that all you have to do is reach your arm and hand to pick the receiver up. It should not be so far away that you have to reach with your shoulders. This will help prevent a stressed muscle in the shoulder.

Your Files and Other Necessities

#5. Place your files and other office necessities in a place where you do not have to bend to retrieve them. If it is necessary to have things in lower drawers or shelves, have a small table or chair for support, so you can squat to get what you need, and still have support for standing. This will help in preventing stress to your lower back.

Exercise

#6. As much as you can, and as much as is feasible, move things around so that you have to get up to get them. Things do not have to be close at hand to be comfortable. You need to have as much exercise as possible, and this is one way to achieve this.

Music

#7. As long as it won't be disruptive, bring a small stereo in so that you can play relaxing music. Music is one of the best ways I know of for creating an atmosphere of relaxation.

Computer Monitor

#8. Have your computer monitor adjusted so that you are looking straight into it. This way you are not bending your neck either up or down, while doing your work. This will keep your entire upper body from tensing up.

Good Lighting

#9. If it's necessary, get a good desk lamp to go on your desk that will provide adequate lighting without having to strain your eyes.

One thing you might consider doing, is getting a 'sun' lamp, especially if it is winter and you live in one of the northern states that do not get a lot of sun in the winter. You will get the light you need for better vision, plus you will be getting sun rays as if you were sitting in the sun. They are so therapeutic. They are not the same as tanning lamps, but if you question their safety; ask your doctor. The lady in the office next to mine, just picked one up at Rite-Aid for $20.00; cheaper than some desk lamps.

No High Shelves

#10. Do not have things on shelves that are so high that you need to use a step - stool. As the baby gets bigger it will be easier to loose your balance. I am 5'8" so I didn't have much of a problem with this when I was pregnant. My problem was stuff on the lower shelves. If you are shorter, make sure to keep things within reach. If you think you might need a step - stool, have someone else get it for you. I never minded when I was asked for assistance, and no one else will, either.

The most important thing that you can do for comfort in your office while you are pregnant, is to stay focused. The blessed event will come soon, and you can have baby pictures all over the place then.