Productive and Pregnant
By Erin Gifford Pregnancy is a full-time job, which makes it tough when you’re also working an actual full-time job. Juggling meetings and deadlines with doctor’s visits and morning sickness is a struggle, but you can get through 40 weeks and still make the most of your 40 working hours. Here’s veteran advice for managing your work life as an expecting mom. Soothing Symptoms Many women work right up until their due date. Unfortunately, this often means dealing with fatigue and discomfort out in the open-from your cube. If you experience any nausea, reach for whole-grain toast, which will fill you up more than a few saltines. Low-acid, high-fiber fruits such as pears and apples are also good bets. Steer clear of fatty foods; they take longer to digest and can make you sleepy and more queasy. Later in pregnancy, you’re often tired, so try yoga or taking a walk first thing in the morning to replace a cup of coffee. When your eyelids feel heavy, splash your face with cold water or brush your teeth. The cool, fresh feeling should pep you up. “I found that I had energy in the mornings, but by 4 p.m. I was wiped out,” says Jennifer Clarin of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, who was fortunate that her boss was flexible and let her start her workday earlier. “Not only did I get the rest I needed, my office also got me at my most productive.” By your third trimester, swelling and overheating make it hard to get comfortable. Dress in layers to stay cool and wear a supportive shoe with arches. Prop up your legs under your desk and take frequent breaks to walk around, which will help circulation and relieve pain. Handling Doctor Visits Toward the end of your pregnancy, you’ll spend more time in the doctor’s office and less time in your own. To minimize time out, call before you leave to make sure your doctor is in that day and not backed up with patients or delivering a baby. Also prep your boss beforehand with a plan that addresses your absence that week. “I always ask [the doctor] about what to expect next time,” says expecting mom Molly McMahon of Reston, VA. “That way, I can better gauge how long I’ll be out of the office.




Recent comments
11 weeks 3 days ago
26 weeks 6 days ago
31 weeks 3 days ago
35 weeks 6 days ago
1 year 11 weeks ago
3 years 8 weeks ago
3 years 11 weeks ago
3 years 15 weeks ago
3 years 16 weeks ago
3 years 17 weeks ago