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Women's Health
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This announcement may be the happiest statement of your life, but it can pose some perplexing problems if you're a working woman. Starting about 8 weeks after your last menstrual period, you may begin to roll out of bed with a queasy feeling that makes your mornings miserable and your evenings not much better. As the days pass, and your growing uterus begins to press against your bladder, you may become an instant expert on the location of every restroom in your office building. You may also feel exhausted, dizzy, uncomfortable and confused about whether you'll be able to keep up the pace at work. What's the answer? As soon as you know that you are pregnant, talk to your obstetrician or midwife about your specific work situation. Be prepared to discuss previous medical problems, the number of hours you work, the opportunity you have for rest breaks, any workplace hazards to which you might be exposed and the requirements of your job, including standing, sitting, lifting or carrying. If your work is rigorous, you may have to ask for temporary reassignment to less strenuous duties or have your doctor perform more frequent exams to help detect early signs of trouble. The next step is to decide when to tell your boss. Some experts recommend the beginning of the second trimester - just when you're beginning to show - as the ideal time. And as hard as it may be to keep the news to yourself for a while, they believe it may be best to inform your boss before you tell your co-workers. Why? Because you'll appear more professional if your boss hears the news directly from you rather than through the grapevine. You'll also have enough time to think about your future needs. If you decide to labor until labor begins, what do the experts recommend? Here is a list of tips to keep you healthy in the workplace. When the queasies attack To combat morning sickness, eat crackers or dry toast before getting out of bed and snack on bland foods several times a day. An accupressure band purchased from your pharmacy may also help. Other strategies: Sip on fruit juice or a carbonated beverage, but don't overdo it. Studies show excessive amounts of fruit juice may trigger gestational diabetes. Keep circulating If you have a desk job, get up and walk around occasionally. And don't sit with your legs crossed for long periods of time. Instead, periodically prop your feet on a stool or wastebasket. Wearing support panty hose helps, too. Easy does it If you work at a physically demanding job, make a point of resting at regular intervals. Munch a bunch Don't skip meals or snacks. Keep a supply of nutritious foods at your workstation. Raisins, nuts, fruit and whole grain crackers, skim milk, cheese and yogurt - they're just what the doctor ordered. Straighten up If you sit on the job, make sure you have a chair with armrests and proper back support. Take it easy at home Many pregnant women hold two jobs, the one at work and the one at home. Recent studies show that 90 minutes of rest each day helps protect unborn babies by increasing uterine blood flow. Make your own decisions Just because your best friend decided to work until she went into labor is no reason you must do the same. Each woman is a unique person with distinct capabilities and needs. When it comes to whether you're going to work full-term or not, there are no rules but your own. Source: UCI Medical Center. Toll-free information: 877.UCI.DOCS. |
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