Expecting mothers have a lot to worry about. Will the pregnancy be healthy? What kind of parent will I be? How will I manage work and motherhood? If you’re currently expecting and employed, you may be especially anxious about how you’ll deal with morning sickness while holding down a job. Rest assured, you’re not alone. Read on for some tips from working mothers who have been there, done that.
1. Talk to your boss or HR department.
Many employers are understanding of morning sickness and are willing to accommodate expectant mothers. If you’re worried about how you’ll handle mornings at work, have an honest conversation with your boss or HR representative. They may be able to offer flexible hours, allow you to work from home occasionally, or give you access to a private space where you can take breaks as needed.
2. Drink lots of fluids.
Staying hydrated is key when dealing with any type of nausea, morning sickness included. Keep a water bottle at your desk and take small sips throughout the day. Some women find that sucking on hard candy or drinking ginger ale also helps alleviate nausea. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy or greasy foods, as these can make morning sickness worse.
3. Eat small meals frequently.
Though it may be tempting to skip breakfast altogether when you’re feeling queasy, try to eat something small as soon as you wake up. An empty stomach will only make nausea worse. Throughout the day, continue to eat small meals or snacks every few hours instead of three large meals. This will help keep your energy up and minimize the chances of getting sick.
4. Get up and move around every few hours.
Sitting still for too long can make nausea worse, so take a short walk around the office every couple of hours if possible. If your job requires you to sit at a desk all day, try stretching or doing some simple exercises in your chair (such as arm circles or ankle pumps) to keep your blood flowing. And don’t forget to take deep breaths! fresh air can help ease nausea symptoms as well.
Expecting mothers have enough to worry about without having to stress about how they’ll cope with morning sickness while working full-time. If you’re expecting and employed, talk to your boss or HR department about accommodations that may be available to help you through this challenging time. In addition, staying hydrated, eating small meals frequently, getting up and moving around regularly, and taking deep breaths of fresh air can all help minimise the symptoms of morning sickness—so that you can focus on what’s really important: enjoying this special time in your life!
