Pregnant and Working? Here’s How to Find the Balance

Juggling work and pregnancy can be overwhelming, and you need a supportive environment to excel in what you do. Pregnancy can sometimes lead to a rollercoaster of emotions that can pressure and challenge your productivity and performance. 

It is essential to have supportive management that will give you fair treatment in the workplace. This section will focus on finding some balance while pregnant and working.

Understand Your Workplace Rights

If you are a parent to be, you are entitled to fair treatment by your employer. It is important to understand your various legal rights and highlight them for easy reference if the need arises. 

Pregnancy should be treated as a temporary medical disability, and you can sue your employer if you encounter pregnancy-based discrimination in the workplace. Understand that the law protects you, and you can seek the guidance of specialists in pregnancy discrimination.

Inform Your Employer

To establish a balance when pregnant and working, telling your employer about your current condition should be the first step. It symbolizes acceptance and awareness of your emotional and vulnerable state. This can also help your co-workers decipher how to converse with you without aggravating your emotional instability. It will enable the employer to assign duties that cannot interfere with or harm your pregnancy.

Prepare Post-Maternity Options

Figure out your post-maternity options and submit a proposal to the top management. State your requirements clearly, for example, when you will be anticipated to resume work and work expectations. Pregnant women should have a preliminary plan since it helps them be aware of the job options early in advance, thus, getting rid of later stress. 

Remember to update your employer with every progress to aid in decision-making processes.

Work in Comfort 

Develop factors that will result in comfort in your work environment. For instance, you can ask your human resource for a better supportive chair and lumbar cushion. Besides, if you are working remotely, inform the employer of your situation. Working remotely will enable you to take regular breaks from the office and catch a break from workplace pressures.

Take Safety Precautions

Avoid situations and conditions that can put you in harm’s way by adopting pregnancy safety precautions. If your employer wants you to work outdoors in an unsafe ecosystem or in unfavorable weather, ask for a position that offers safer conditions for your general wellbeing. 

Prepare for Bad and Good Days

Understand that you are going to experience both bad and good days. There will be difficult days when you will have morning sickness and struggle to carry out your duties. However, there will be others where you will be energetic and ready to squash your career goals. It is advisable to be efficient and work on your projects during the good days and go slow on the days that are not great.

Enjoy Your Pregnancy

Give yourself time to enjoy the pregnancy to the fullest. Being strict at the workplace can deprive of the excitement of being pregnant, which is a temporary and precious experience. Additionally, eat healthy foods while pregnant since it will help you feel good and overcome fatigue. 

Conclusion

Pregnancy is a delicate experience, and you should ensure that you take the right precautions while working. Tell your employer and announce it to your co-workers to establish a favorable working environment. Moreover, a helping hand from your colleagues and family goes a long way.