There is frequently a confused “you” in between these two opposing, contradictory, but well-intentioned suggestions, wondering where your career will go now. How can I be a good mother? Is it possible to balance motherhood responsibilities with your professional ambitions? Are you acting appropriately? After the initial elation wears off, you must begin making practical choices that will affect both you and the unborn child. After all, getting pregnant is already a 24-hour job that will last a lifetime. Should you work until you’re about to give birth or take a break? Let’s share our thoughts on how you can go through these incredible 9 months, while keeping yourself healthy, cheerful and fairly stress-free.
One day at a time:
The initial days are often beset with morning sickness, fatigue and insomnia. After speaking to your gynaec, give yourself the liberty to take each day as it comes. It is acceptable to not be okay. Fortunately, most businesses now operate in a hybrid mode, and if your workplace offers the option, you can work from home on days when you simply lack the stamina to leave.
Have faith in your superior:
Indian families have a long tradition of waiting until the first trimester to announce a pregnancy. However, since it is the most sensitive phase as well, it is sensible to confide in your boss so that s/he can help you tide through this by adjusting your work hours, schedules, leaves and accommodate your physical limitations.
Are you having nausea?
Certainly, managing pregnancy symptoms at work is challenging. Trying to rush to the washroom to throw up or pee every now and then, is quite embarrassing. Many pregnant mothers try to skip meals to avoid such scenarios, but feel worse due to acidity or nauseousness.
Typically, your nutritionist will advise you to take appropriate multivitamins and eat small meals every hour or two. Elders in India advise taking sweet, dried ginger candy with you and putting it in your mouth to ease the pain. The same is true for cardamom, also known as “elachi,” which is safe for pregnant women to consume and suitable for women with low blood sugar. Always drowsy: During pregnancy, feeling more drowsy is completely normal. However, to be constantly sleepy at work can affect your productivity as well as invite sarcastic comments from colleagues who may not yet be aware of your situation.
To tackle this, ensure that you get a full 8 hours of sleep at night. Stay in bed and just rest, even if you don’t fall asleep right away or wake up after about six hours. Keep your eyes off of devices during that time. If you can manage one or two short naps during the day, it will keep you feeling fresh throughout.
(I would like to make a small request to all organizations and institutions: please make a “rest & recovery room” at your workplace that can hold at least one bed. Women who work here will have a comfortable option whenever they need to take it easy for their health.
“Everyone’s asking questions. What do I say?”:
Any pregnant woman will tell you how annoying it is to be asked a lot of questions. Some might ask you about your due date or how you are doing, while others might ask you probing or personal questions that are very frustrating. You have every right, as a expecting mother, to set boundaries and politely decline by stating that you are uncomfortable answering. Another easy way out is to ask them about how they’re doing, and then diplomatically change the topic.
“I’m not good enough!” says:
When you’re a professional working professional, it can be very upsetting when you don’t feel your best or get as much done. This can make you question your self-worth every single day.
The simplest way is to breathe through this, with calming deep inhales and exhales. Remind yourself that you’re going through the most transformational chapter of your life, and pat yourself on the back for doing as much as possible.
It is acceptable that there will be mistakes and that you will need to revise or redo things that you have previously done effortlessly. You will pull it off.
“Excessive trips to the restroom. It’s so humiliating! Pregnancy’s urge to use the bathroom every few minutes is extremely awkward, especially when you’re at work. Simultaneously, it is important to stay hydrated. Start multitasking by doing something else to manage this. It could be as simple as using the water cooler on your way to the restroom or finishing a small task on your way back. Taking short walks in and around the office or try stepping out for a bit, to clock in a few hundred steps. This will keep you moving around and prevent the swollen feet that most pregnant women experience when they sit for too long.
Stiffness and pain in the back:
It’s possible that you’ll experience muscle stiffness and pain in your lower back as a result of changes in your hormones and physiological processes. You can minimize discomfort by consciously maintaining proper posture, performing light stretches throughout the day as directed by your doctor, and going for short walks. You shouldn’t ever compare your pregnancy to others because each pregnancy is unique. Simply follow your instincts, your body, and your physician’s recommendations.
Your rights as an employee who is expecting:
If you are pregnant, an organization cannot discriminate against you in any way. You are expected to receive the same conveniences and concessions as an employee who faces any other health risk. You can however refuse to perform any tasks that may be hazardous to your health and safety.
If a pregnant worker’s work is up to par and she is successfully completing assigned tasks, she cannot be denied a promotion or forced to quit. – A pregnant woman, who is a single mother, has the same rights, benefits and privileges as a married woman.
It is an incredible achievement to be both a working professional and a mother-to-be who is expecting. If you’re managing to do this, you deserve to be appreciated and admired. It is one of your most important times in life, and you need to pay attention to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being during this time. So, don’t doubt your worth or feel guilty about your choices.
