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September 2015 Moms
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Intro and Work Predicament

booksandcleverness81booksandcleverness81 member
in September 2015 Moms
Hi guys, I can't believe how active this forum is already! I'm 8 wks today, FTM, 33 yrs old. Hubby and I have been married for 8 yrs but were not on the same page about kids until recently, and since I just finished my master's it felt like a good time so we decided to see what happened... and after only 1 try, it happened! I'm very excited, but also kind of terrified. I know I'm "older" but I still feel like I'm not entirely ready for this yet. But I know that it's a good thing, and that sometimes doing things that scare us is what forces us to change for the better!

Not sure if anyone else has touched on this here, but does anyone else have a physically demanding job that they are going to continue during pregnancy? I am slightly worried about this, but feel like as long as I'm smart there's no reason I shouldn't be able to rock my job into my later months. I am an archaeologist, and at the moment I'm working on a project that goes until early June and is 100% outdoors in the New Mexico sun. I hike over some uneven and challenging terrain all work day, usually about 10km a day, on a survey of a huge land parcel where we look for archaeological sites and cultural materials. There may be some light excavation in the spring, which involves shoveling and hauling buckets of dirt around. I am aware of the risk of heavy lifting, and I think I will be able to avoid doing a lot of it. What I am worried about is too much exertion, time on my feet, and hours in the sun (with a big hat and camelback, I promise!). Especially if I am not feeling well. Thankfully, I have had almost no morning sickness so far, but that could really really suck in the field! But I don't want to be a  bad team member, I want to be a respected member of my team and I do NOT want to be treated like an invalid because of my "condition." So I am determined to make this work. Thoughts? 
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Re: Intro and Work Predicament

  • rablissfulrablissful member
    Congrats!

    I would talk to your doctor often about what you can and can't do or how to modify. Usually in the first trimester they say "keep the same regimen" when it comes to exercise (or work related exercise like hiking). Later on they will be able to guide you much better. I'm sure all will be fine though :)

    My SO constantly says my "condition". I hate that word. I want to smack him every time he says it. 
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  • vjlaniervjlanier member
    I had a physically demanding job with my first pregnancy.  I went out on maternity leave 13 days before delivering and just slowed down a little.  I didn't do any heavy lifting and took breaks more often but I was like you and didn't want to feel any less of a worker to my employees.  Listen to your body, you will know when enough is enough!
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  • kaylaefkaylaef member
    You have a super cool job! Haha. I think your fine for now :-)
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  • GingerPop79GingerPop79 member
    Welcome and congratulations! I would definitely talk to your doctor and see what he/she thinks. You'll be fine!
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  • mrscate88mrscate88 member
    @booksandcleverness81‌. Congrats on your pregnancy! First off, can I just say that you're seriously awesome?! An archeologist, what an exciting job! According to my doctor and all the personal research I have done, you can continue to be as physically active throughout pregnancy as you were before. So if you were running marathons and lifting weights, it would still be safe if your doctor didn't see any possible complications. In that sense, I wouldn't worry too much about the physical aspect of your work (of course you should check with your personal doctor). Just tell your team the news when you're ready and they will all understand. You're still a hard worker and respected team member, but with slightly different limitations for a few short months. You might get tired and nauseous etc, and your doc can also help to minimize morning sickness with a variety of remedies. Ultimately, I think you're going to do just fine and don't have anything to worry about, at work or as a parent. You sound like you've really got it together. Great to have you with us and can't wait to hear more from you on your pregnancy journey!!
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  • bonniecouturebonniecouture member
    You're job is wicked cool and I'm jealous. And you're not "older" lol that made me laugh. Like others have said, as long as your pretty active already, I think you'll be alright- just talk to your Dr. I highly doubt anyone will expect you to tote around buckets of dirt if you're pregnant, but the sun would kill me! Props to you for being so ambitious :)
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  • booksandcleverness81booksandcleverness81 member
    Thanks guys, feeling better about it already! Now when to tell my boss.... :/ 
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