Making Pregnancy Comfortable at Work

If you're pregnant and planning to work up to your due date, you may be facing some challenges. However, there are a number of things you can do at work to remain healthy and comfortable. Here are some tips for making the most of your pregnancy at work.

Eat regularly. Eat three meals a day along with two snacks. You can keep a stash of nutritious snacks at your desk so you can grab some quick snacks throughout the day. Eating regularly can also help with nausea and dizziness for some pregnant women.

Watch your weight. Eating regular snacks and meals will help to ensure that you are gaining enough weight. You can also work on avoiding extra stress to help make sure you're getting enough calories for your baby.

Drink plenty of water. Water is important even when you're not pregnant, but it's especially important when you're pregnant. Plus, water can help out with many side effects of pregnancy, like headaches and dizziness. Water has also been show to help prevent urinary tract infections, which can cause preterm labor.

Take regular bathroom breaks. Along with drinking plenty of water, emptying your bladder regularly can help to prevent urinary tract infections. It will also make you feel better throughout the day.

Dress comfortably. Avoid tight, restrictive clothing, and invest in comfortable shoes. If you still want to wear heels, you can select lower, wider heels for extra comfort while on the job. There are also supportive pantyhose which are designed especially for pregnancy for comfort.

Stay off your feet. If you have a job that involves a lot of time on your feet, take breaks to sit down and put up your feet whenever possible. You may even want to keep a low stool that allows you to place one foot on it, if possible. This will alleviate some pressure from your back.

Take a break if you need to. If you sit a lot, take walking breaks. If you stand a lot, take a break and sit down. You can also do stretching exercises for your back, legs, and neck to feel more comfortable.

Breathe in fresh air. Avoid fumes, chemicals, and smoke-filled areas. Go outside for a breath of fresh air if possible.

Be careful when lifting. Avoid placing strain on your back by following proper lifting techniques. If you don't know what the proper lifting techniques are, you can ask your employer. Most employers offer guidelines on lifting that is safe. In short, squat to lift and lift with your legs and not your back.

Brush your teeth at lunch. Pregnant women can be at increased risk for problems with their teeth and gums. Brushing regularly can help to keep your teeth and gums healthy, as well as freshen your breath if you have morning sickness.

Make some workspace adjustments. Many pregnant women suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome and backaches. Making adjustments to your chair, computer screen, and other workplace equipment can help to alleviate some of the discomforts associated with these conditions. You can ask your Human Resources department for more information on how to make these adjustments.

Relax. Stress is never good for you, but especially not when you're pregnant. Take time to clear your head or take a walk if necessary. You can even use relaxation techniques on your breaks like meditation or listening to soothing music.

Following these tips will help to make your pregnancy a comfortable one, even when you're at work.