Working during pregnancy

Negotiating the challenges of morning sickness

While being pregnant may present challenges in the workplace, the majority of women can continue to work during pregnancy. To stay healthy and productive on the job it's useful to understand how to alleviate common pregnancy discomforts and know when work tasks might jeopardise your pregnancy.

It's called 'morning sickness' but pregnancy queasiness can hit at any time. To ease nausea at work, avoid the triggers. Remember that grande latte you drank every morning before pregnancy? The smell of reheated leftovers in the staffroom microwave? What once smelt great may now make your stomach do flip-flops. 

How to handle nausea at work

Snack often. Dry biscuits and other bland foods are lifesavers when you're feeling pecky. Keep a stash at work for easy snacking. Ginger ale and ginger tea are also great. Drink plenty of fluids - especially water, such as Workout Water stocked at Priceline, as this can help keep nausea at bay. Keep a water bottle at your desk or in your work area and take regular sips throughout the day.

Take it slowly in the mornings. Allow yourself extra time to get out of bed and get ready for work. Rushing around can contribute to nausea.

Enlist the help of Priceline - and your partner

Speak to your Priceline Pharmacist, because they'll offer some great advice on coping with your morning sickness. Such as Blackmores^¥Δ Morning Sickness tablets which contain ginger and vitamin B6. Take one tab three times a day until the feelings of nausea subside. Ginger works well, but it needs to be taken often for best effect. Intermittent waves of nausea can be checked effectively by using a safe and effective oral spray which can be carried in your handbag. Also, make sure you regularly take your pregnancy supplement each day to maximise your nutritional support. Priceline stocks a range of pregnancy supplements including Blackmores^¥Δ I-Folic, Elevit^¥Δ 30 and Blackmores^¥Δ Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Gold.

You partner can also help - after all, he was half responsible for this conception! Try and get him into the habit of bringing you a cup of tea and a couple of dry biscuits in bed before your feet even hit the floor in the morning. Lifting your blood sugar levels with a small snack may minimise morning nausea.

You may feel tired as your body works overtime to support your pregnancy and finding time to rest during the workday can be tough. Eat foods that are protein and iron-rich. Fatigue can be a symptom of iron deficiency anaemia and adjusting your diet can help. Foods such as red meat, poultry, seafood, leafy green vegetables, whole-grain cereals and pasta, beans, nuts and seeds are all terrific choices.

Take short, frequent breaks. Getting up and moving around for a few minutes can invigorate you. Spending a few minutes with the lights off, your eyes closed and your feet up also can help you recharge.

Cut back on activities. Scaling back can help you get more rest when your workday ends. Seek help for the usual household chores (your partner again!), so you don't have to concern yourself with routine stuff.

Keep up your fitness routine. Although exercise may be the last thing on your mind at the end of a long day, physical activity is a wonderful way of relaxing. Take a walk with the dog and/or your partner enjoy the fresh air and just being alive!
 
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