It’s not easy to work when pregnant, from the need for frequent bathroom breaks to finding appropriate work attire. Pregnancy presents unique challenges, but it’s definitely manageable with the right strategies.
In this blog post, I will share my five valuable tips to empower working pregnant women.
But first let’s me answer this…
Is it ok to work full-time when pregnant ?
It largely depends on your individual circumstances and the nature of your job. Many women do work full time throughout their pregnancies, while others may need to make adjustments due to various factors, such as their health, the type of work they do, and any pregnancy-related complications.
It is suggested that you should take it easy during pregnancy and be extra careful during the first and last trimester of your pregnancy.
Here are my five tips for working pregnant women.
1. Take breaks
I am a big advocate of 90 minutes rule for better productivity. I make a task list for the next day before warping up my work in the evening. Then cross off these tasks in 90 minutes focus slots. And take a 10-15 minute break in between two slots. I usually take a bio-break then go outside for natural light and fresh air and drink some water. Come back and focus on the next task with a refreshed mind for the next 90 minutes. As long as I can finish 3 major tasks and 3 minor tasks in a day I call it a successful day.
During pregnancy, I am very particular about taking physical as well as mental breaks.
2. Maintain good posture
Sit straight/upright to make room for your baby in your belly. And switch between sitting and standing throughout the day. Most offices have proper sitting guidelines in place these days. if not then checkout HSE’s seating at work guidelines.
3. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
This is a no-brainer. You need to feel comfortable to perform your best at work. For that feel free to choose flats over heels, or loose/stretchy dresses over tailored clothes. Most decent workplaces are quite forgiving/considerate in special circumstances, such as pregnancy. If not you will know you need to find a better work environment.
My go-to work outfit during pregnancy was flowy blouses with stretchy trousers. You can choose low-rise or maternity trousers. Add a blazer to hold together your loose outfit and look more professional. Knitted or shirt dresses also work well.
I recommend dress up everyday. It elevate your mood, boost your confidence and improves your productivity. A professional appearance conveys competence, reliability, and respect for the job, which can positively impact how colleagues, clients, and supervisors perceive you, pregnant or not.
4. Practice mindfulness:
Watch your steps when walking or using stairs, get up slowly, and maintain the right posture. Avoid strenuous activities and uncomfortable movements.
It also includes hydrating and nourishing your body. Pregnancy hormones can make you bloated. Watch what you are eating and how you are eating.
Just slow down and listen to your body.
5. Don’t stress, speak up
This is time to prioritise your health and your baby. Sometimes voicing your concerns is all you need.
If you’re facing challenges at work due to your pregnancy, whether it’s related to physical discomfort, workload, or necessary accommodations, don’t hesitate to speak up.
A few additional points-
Plan and budget in advance
Parents or not, I suggest financial planning to everyone. And now is the best time to start if you are not already doing it. In my opinion, financial knowledge is a life skill, everyone should gain credible financial education and have a saving strategy in place.
Here is my baseline rule, whatever is my in-hand salary I use 60% of it to live, 20% for rainy days and 20% for long-term investments. This works for my family, you decide what will work in your situation. Also, your financial plan will evolve as your life circumstances change.
You can start gaining financial knowledge from The barefoot investor – Scot Pape or Ramsey solutions – Dave Ramsey
Why would-be-parents should take a baby moon break?
When to inform your work?
Usually 10-15 weeks before the baby is due. Check your company policy.
Maternity leave and pay
Again, you need to check this in company policy documents. Because it varies company to company.
Also it depends on
- How long you have been working for them
- If you are working full time or part-time
- If you are on a contract or permanent role
- Size of company
Your rights as a pregnant women
Your rights as a pregnant woman should be available online on the government website.
When should I stop working?
This depends on your health, work and overall situation.
Even if everything is ok, I would be cautious about sitting long hours, physical work and travelling long distance (using public transport, driving) to work after 35-36 weeks of pregnancy.
How to manage the challenges of the third trimester?
During my first pregnancy, I was unemployed, thanks to covid pandemic.
Around the second pregnancy, I was able to work happily right up until my due date, thanks to my excellent health and the supportive environment provided by my workplace.
But it’s not the same for everyone, every pregnancy is unique and not everybody is lucky enough to have a supportive work environment.
Do whatever you need to do to keep yourself and your baby healthy.
Bottom line
As a professional woman and mom, I would give the following advice to every person out there, especially women who want to go through pregnancy and the postpartum journey at some point in life.
- Develop an unbreakable habit of savings early on in life. By ‘early’, I mean the day you earn/or receive your first penny. Work towards achieving financially security, and remain financially secure.
- Always make sure your workplace has decent employee benefits- including a reasonable maternity policy.
- If you are working/living in a toxic environment, move on. Even if it’s not directly affecting you today.
- Never stop investing in improving your knowledge and skills. Manpower is a replaceable asset. You can lose job anytime. But if you are good at what you do, you won’t struggle to find another.
How do you justify your new job as an upgrade?
- Desirable role?
- Senior position?
- Better salary?
- Convenient location?
- Useful employee benefits?
- Healthy work environment?
- Possible growth opportunities?
Once you are a mom, your children take precedence over everything else in your life. However, you should never take your physical, mental and financial health for granted. Because your little ones are watching and learning these important life skills from you.
Change, adapt and improvise. Set a good example.
Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Good luck