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Here’s what prompted me to get a pregnancy test done. A puke show at work! Seriously! Now, how many ladies out there have had this experience? I am curious to know because I don’t want to think, let alone believe that I am the only woman or the rarest of the rare people who threw up at work because she was pregnant.
My only saving grace was that I managed to run to the washroom before the gag would stifle everybody around. But it happened. And after I came home, and figured out that I didn’t have any gastroenteritis related vomiting episode, I decided to go in for a pregnancy test.
Here’s what happened in the subsequent days after the test turned positive and what I did about it while at work:
1. Battling Drowsiness
With a few weeks in, I was battling untimely sleep and the drowsiness at work. I never understood what made me sleepy all the time. I would go for a walk at the work premises to ward off the drooling. But that would not be adequate. The workstation would have a good supply of mint so that would keep me up for a good amount of time.
2. When You Suddenly Don’t Like Anything
It was the weirdest things to happen to me. Suddenly I lost interest in everything – be it work, my hobbies, leisure, fun activities, people, or just about anything on Earth. I never knew why. It was an obvious extension of pregnancy blues which I had not realized until that point in time. So what did I do about it? Zen! The best way to get out of the boredom and disinterest is thinking about nothing and get your mind go blank for a while. I would have my eyes closed, relax the brain cycles, and calm down at my desk until I thought I felt charged to get back to what I was doing.
3. When Your Work Demands That You Move A Lot
Moving around a lot is not a bad idea during pregnancy in so far as you don’t feel stressed out. It’s ok to move reasonably well so as to keep your body flexible. But taking the staircases or doing things that are physically strenuous are to be avoided totally. I would always take the elevator even if it were for just one floor up. It might not be a bad idea to keep all the files and office load, stationary, or accessories that you need right at your workstation to avoid strenuous moving.
4. When Swollen Legs Or Backache Is Common In Pregnancy
Sitting for long hours at work can give you swollen feet or a backache during pregnancy. Ensure that you use a chair with height adjustment. You should be able to bend your knees at a ninety-degree angle or use a stool or pedestal to rest your legs on. The backrest should be curved to support your spine’s curvature. Otherwise, you could use a pillow to support your back.
5. When You Perspire At Work (Owing To Pregnancy)
The air-conditioning does nothing to make your body feel cool when you are pregnant. Pregnancy raises your body temperature, so it might not be a bad idea to have a battery-operated fan, anti-bacterial facial tissues, or sponge at your workstation.
6. When Coworkers Smoke
If you have coworkers who have their fag-times in the aisles, it’s ok to stay away from them. Avoid smoke and fumes during pregnancy. It’s ok to tell them that smoking could be injurious to the health of a pregnant woman and her baby!
7. When You Feel Fatigued
To feel fatigued during pregnancy is normal. If you feel stressed out due to work, let your immediate manager know and slow down a bit. You could ask for a next deadline, and you are most likely to get a thumbs-up for that.
8. When You Feel Out Of Place At Work
There is no need to be shy about coming to work during pregnancy. It’s always wise to let your immediate supervisor know that you are on the road to motherhood. To top it all, don’t hesitate to seek help whenever you need. Most of your coworkers would be happy to help you.
9. And Keeping Your Supplies Handy
It’s a good idea to stack in a pair of sneakers or flat slippers at your workstation. Have tissues, breast pads, sanitary napkins, wet wipes, lotion for itchy or dry skin, supplements recommended by your doctor, acupressure bracelet to control nausea, mouth-fresheners, deodorants, battery-operated fan, mouthwash, antacid, sweater, your doctor’s contact number and insurance papers, healthy snack handy among other things of the long list!
So now you know why showing up with a bump is totally okay at work and how you can be comfortable in a home away from home!
