Working While Pregnant is a Bumpy Road (No Pun Intended)
Before I found out I was pregnant, I thought I was dying. Literally. I’d never felt more nauseous or tired in my entire life. (Should’ve been a clue, right?) Yet, I never thought for even a second that I could be pregnant—let alone with twins! After finding out the truth, I was relieved to have an explanation for my symptoms. However, working while pregnant turned out to be no joke.
The first three months of pregnancy were hard. Like, harder than climbing Everest or finding the exact item you’re looking for at a thrift store kind of hard. I felt like a claw foot tub that had once been filled with gorgeous, warm, bubbly motivation and someone had abruptly pulled the plug. Every ounce of energy seemed to leave my body. Most days, I went from my bed to the couch. And more often than not, back to bed for a catnap.
Working while pregnant? What was that?
I could hardly get anything done. Although, I didn’t have much of a choice. I didn’t tell anyone about my baby bump news until I was in the second trimester, so I couldn’t even use my babies as an excuse! If I had a deadline, I had to meet it. If someone passed along an amazing opportunity, I had to take it. No matter how fatigued I felt even thinking about standing at my computer.
During that first trimester, I was honestly baffled by women who are able to continue going to an office. I couldn’t fathom putting on makeup, dressing in nice clothes, and making small talk in an elevator. I’d rather throw up. (Thankfully, I never did.) Seriously. I bow down to you pregnant mamas that are able to keep up a professional façade.
Flash forward a few months and I’m now comfortably in my second trimester. My energy levels have bounced back and I’m feeling a lot more like myself. I actually have drive! And motivation! And working while pregnant seems a million times more achievable than it did.
Tips for working while pregnant:
Take lots of breaks
Indulge in naps whenever you can
Wear comfortable clothes
Always have a glass of water on-the-go
Keep multiple snacks nearby
Alternate between sitting & standing
Learn to say no to too much work
Luckily, I’m able to work from home. I can get away with a naked face and an almost naked body and no one knows it. (Underwear + a tank top = my ideal working while pregnant ensemble.) Still, I think if I had to go somewhere for eight hours, five days a week, I might explode. But for now I’m making the most of my power woman situation. While also taking lots of breaks to catch up on Good Girls and 90 Day Fiancé. Because it can’t be all work, can it?
—ᴍᴍᴍ