Making Your Work Space More Comfortable During Pregnancy

Many expectant mothers continue working throughout their pregnancy. If you make your work space as comfortable as possible, you will avoid many of the stresses of working while you are pregnant. Wear tennis shoes or other comfortable flat shoes while working to avoid discomfort in your legs and back.

Keep all of your necessary working supplies within reach. Arrange your equipment so that bending and stretching is kept to a minimum. Make sure to stock your desk within office supplies frequently so that you do not run out and have to find what you need. Slow down and pace yourself accordingly so that you do not get overly tired. This is not the time to be running up and down stairs or hurrying around the office.

Most pregnant women experience back pain during their pregnancy and working can add to the discomfort. You should sit in a comfortable chair that has a height adjustment, if possible. Ask your boss to provide a chair that makes working less stressful for you. Set the chair so that your knees bend at a 90-degree angle or rest your feet on a stack of books if you can not adjust the chair. Choose a chair that the back tilts forward and has a curved backrest that fits to the curvature of your spine. If your chair does not offer this comfort, use a throw pillow for added comfort. When rising from your chair, put one foot in front of the other and with a straight back, push your hips forward and up. Sitting and standing straight is very important to minimize aches and pains that women experience during pregnancy. Avoid slumping and maintain good posture.

Pregnancy will naturally raise your body temperature, so it is important to keep cool at work and home. If your office does not allow you to change the thermostat according to your needs, purchase a battery-operated fan that can attach to your desk to keep you cooler. If you find that you are getting overheated, take a break, get some water to drink and sponge yourself off with a cool cloth.

As you would in any other situation, avoid unhealthy situations. You should avoid smoke-filled rooms, chemicals and hazardous odors, lead and extreme temperatures. Not only is it unhealthy for your developing baby, it is unhealthy for you.

Take breaks when you need them. Pregnant women need to urinate more often and you should never hold it in when you feel the urge to go. Doing so can cause urinary tract infections or bladder infections. You should use the restroom atleast every two hours. Stand up and walk around the office after you have been sitting for a period of time. If you have been standing up for a long period of time, sit down and put your feet up for a little bit. If possible, lay down and rest during your lunch hour.

Ask your co-workers for help when you need it. If you can reach something, carry something or simply do not feel comfortable with certain tasks, ask for help. Most of the time, co-workers are more than happy to help out. Stop working when you feel fatigued. Pushing yourself too far can cause problems with the pregnancy.

You might want to consider keeping some comfort supplies at work. Supplies to consider are: ice packs, heating pads, breast pads, first aid kit with medications, antacids, gum, soft cushion, change of clothes, tissues, fruits and vegetables, healthy snacks, sanitary napkins and deodorant.