During both of my pregnancies, there were days when I could barely get out of bed. Not only was I exhausted, bloated and hormonal, but I was also nauseated. My loving husband brought me crackers and water just so I could make it to the shower, where I would sit for 20 minutes, letting the water soothe my aching muscles. Unfortunately, the nausea did not end when I got to work. Getting through the work day while pregnant, especially when morning sickness is a problem, can be difficult, but it can be done.
Dealing with Morning Sickness at Work: Start the Day Right
If you can, start your day with a light meal. As hard as it may be to even stand the thought of food in early pregnancy, getting the right nutrition is absolutely essential to growing a healthy baby. In addition, getting a little something in your stomach, like a breakfast bar, a piece of fruit, or even some crackers, can help make the nausea subside temporarily. Eating will also give you the energy you will need to keep pace in the workplace.
Dealing with Morning Sickness at Work: Keep Healthy Snacks Handy
As contrary as it may seem to logic, keeping something in your stomach while you are pregnant will help stave off the nausea associated with morning sickness. Keep some healthy snacks, like dried fruits, nuts, or wheat crackers, tucked away in your desk for when you need something to munch on or the queasiness starts to get to you. You can also try sucking on sour candies or mints.
Dealing with Morning Sickness at Work: Get Moving
Taking walks and getting some fresh air, even if briefly, can help get your mind on something else and help you to feel better. Even a nice walk to the bathroom can help clear your head and take the focus away from your queasiness and onto something else. So go make some copies, get a cup of tea, or venture outside occasionally to clear your head.
Dealing with Morning Sickness at Work: Tell Someone
Even the best of us are sometimes unable to work during pregnancy when severe morning sickness hits. Having someone you can trust, like your supervisor or human resources director, on your side can help. Since you may not want to use sick time or Family Medical Leave if you are planning on taking time off after the baby is born, find out if your workplace will accommodate you in other ways. For instance, on days that you are having particularly severe morning sickness by letting you come in late in exchange for putting in extra time on the weekend or in the evening. If you need to leave early because your morning sickness is worse during the afternoons, perhaps you can come in earlier. If your workplace is generally understanding in other areas, seeking these accommodations may be worth a shot.
Dealing with Morning Sickness at Work: Give Yourself a Break
Pregnancy can take a toll on you both physically and emotionally. Morning sickness is a very real condition that can leave you feeling miserable and frustrated. Talk about your situation with your spouse or partner, ask your doctor about her suggestions, and most of all, take care of yourself. Dealing with pregnancy and morning sickness at work may mean that you cannot volunteer for the big project that is coming up or that you need to bow out of a business trip. Get the rest you need to have a healthy pregnancy, and give yourself a break. No one can do it all all of the time.
