Home » Pregnancy & Parenting  » Pregnancy » Pregnancy & Work Life So you are pregnant for the first time and there is palpable excitement all round in the family. Well meaning phone calls and emails from the near and dear ones flood you. Your mom wants to know when you will be coming home for the much needed rest and recuperation. The general tone points toward an early sabbatical that is emphasized as most essential in order to have a safe pregnancy. And of course you are in a fix. While you don't want to jeopardize your pregnancy, you do want to work for some more time. So how do you go about it?

To begin with, learn all you have to learn about being pregnant, all the precautions you will have to take, the things you have to give up - even sacrifice, and most essential, how to cope with your job in your condition.
Your body will tell you most of what you want to know. It is the body which first begins to adapt to the new condition and begins to work harder to support the pregnancy.

• At your work place, try to rest as much as possible - by taking short breaks. Move around whenever possible - don't be chained to your seat. This will prevent the fluid retention in your feet.
• Learn to reschedule your day according to your fitness levels. Finish your heavier jobs in the morning if you are a morning person able to tackle demanding tasks. If not, schedule them for the afternoon when you are better charged. Time management is essential if you want to maintain good health throughout the difficult months.
• Ask for a comfortable ergonomic chair in the office. Company management these days is very understanding of employees requirements and will go out of their way to pamper a good employee. As your pregnancy progresses, you will find it difficult to do even the simplest of things like sitting or standing for a stretch of time. Have support back cushions and a footrest for added comfort.
• If your job involves long standing hours, remember to wear comfortable shoes that will support your back. Sit down whenever possible.
• If you do have to take out heavy files and no help is available, remember to bend at your knees when lifting up something heavy. Lift with the pressure on your legs and not on your back. You don't want to land up with a bad back that may turn chronic.
• Do not take up too many outside activities that might drain you of all your energy. Hire people to do the menial jobs that involve physical strain at home. This will give you a little more energy at work.
• Never forget your exercise regimen. Even if you don't have time in the morning, go for it in the evening instead of thinking up ways of avoiding exercise. It will help to recharge your tired batteries especially if you have been sedentary at work. At least take a brisk walk to rejuvenate yourself.
• Make it a point to sleep early and no watching those late night horror movies you are addicted to.
• Always make a To-do list to make sure you don't get stressed out. Once your list is ready, learn to prioritise for the day. Try and delegate as much as possible. Be clear about what you can and cannot do.
• Never spend time with depressing people who will give out negative energy that can stress you out.
• Never bottle up emotions. At work confide in a friend about your frustrations - this way, it is out of your system. At home, who better than a supportive husband with whom you can discuss your problems
• Learn to let go if you can do nothing about it. There is no point in mulling it over and over in your mind when you know you are helpless. This way you save up on energy.
• Meditation is a great way of relaxing anywhere. Simply close your eyes and imagine you are in a beautifully relaxing place. You will be amazed at the difference those few minutes make to your psyche.
  

Tags:Work life, sabbatical, ,fitness levels during pregnancy ,meditation