How are you staying comfortable at work?

khochanadel · March 2016

So, I'm in the last week of my 2nd trimester, but I am carrying twins that are a combined weight of almost 4 lbs right now. EVERYTHING is uncomfortable - sitting, standing, lying down, everything. I work a desk job so I am off my feet all day but after about 2 PM I can't stay comfortable for more than half an hour in any given position. Has anyone figured out how to stay comfortable and get your work done? Would a stability ball help or only exacerbate the problem?

yogahh · March 2016

My job is also mainly at my desk, but I try to get up every 30 minutes or so. Use any excuse to walk - bathroom breaks, water break, kitchen run. I also have a bin under my desk I use to elevate my feet.

I also try to do as little as possible now that I am in 3rd tri. Not the best way to get ahead, but I am comfortable!

TheThornBird · March 2016

Stability balls (you mean the giant inflatable exercise balls, right?) are AWESOME. I use one at work at its done wonders for me.

Like yogahh said, getting up and moving around as frequently as possible helps. I try to do some stretching or squats but that can be awkward....I try to at least do some squats and hold the bottom position every time I go to the bathroom.

cortney626 · March 2016

Same as pp's. I'm at a desk all day and I get up frequently. My coworker and I take an afternoon break and go for a walk. Definitely helps.

wsgjmw1 · March 2016

same as pp, desk lady here. I also get up as much as possible for breaks, bathroom, water etc.

Today I took my shoes off, sorry im not sorry!

slfezz · March 2016

I lean back in my chair a lot with my feet up and a rolled up towel as a lumbar support. I used a copier paper box as a foot rest most of the time until a coworker gave a foot hammock that hangs off of the desk. My shoes may or may not be on most of the day when I'm at my desk

Merciel · March 2016

Frequent walks, occasional stretches (I have my own office so I just close the door and act like a dork where nobody can see me), back support pillow. Also I prop my feet up against the back panel of my desk, which forces me to put some effort into holding my feet up rather than letting them rest passively and seems to be more effective for me.

JoMunson · March 2016

I'm a teacher, so I'm supposed to be on my feet a lot, but I've been mostly hanging at my desk/in my cozy office chair. I also take my shoes off when the kids aren't there!

katxattack1212 · March 2016

I wish I had a desk job. No... I'm up and down all day working with animals. And if I'm not on the floor in various positions, I'm standing. I've never made it past 32 weeks at work. I'm really holding out to make it to 36 this time.

MrsO11/24/2006 · March 2016

I am a nurse on a busy hospital floor..so what is sitting? I only work weekends so come sunday at 7pm I am ready to cry working 24 hours in a 48 hours period. My co-workers have helped but it is still hard..I am 32 weeks but measuring 36 so I am not sure how much more I can take!

TheThornBird · March 2016

katxattack1212 said:

I wish I had a desk job. No... I'm up and down all day working with animals. And if I'm not on the floor in various positions, I'm standing. I've never made it past 32 weeks at work. I'm really holding out to make it to 36 this time.

What do you do? I work with animals, too!

onislandtime · March 2016

I work at a desk for 12 hours a day, 4 days in a row. It is no walk in the park either to be sedentary. Often we do not have the option of getting up and walking around for hours at a time. We are not allowed a stability ball either, unfortunately. I have a short torso so sitting makes me feel like a can't breathe because baby girl is all up in my ribs. I try to stand when I can when it isn't busy but I don't last long because of sciatica. I have been wearinh compression socks. Not that they help all that much since by my 3rd 12 hour day I have putting edema

but they do help a bit at least for the first day or two.

kp90 · March 2016

I'M NOT! My feet and ankles are soo swollen, they hurt. I currently have them up on a stool but I constantly have to get up and go get patients so I feel like it's not really helping... worth a try though.

Spylon · March 2016

I also have a desk job. To echo PPs, it helps to get up often and take a short walk, stretch a little.

Thanks to this post, I am going to grab a box of copy paper to put my feet on!

kbrands7 · March 2016

I'm with those who just aren't comfortable. I'm on my feet most of the day, and by the time I can actually get my feet up for any length of time (which is at the end of the work day...sometimes for a little bit in the middle if I'm lucky), they've already swelled, so I'm in damage-control-mode rather than preventative-mode. Plus, with bladder space getting crowded and few bathroom breaks, it's getting more difficult to stay properly hydrated. I'm trying to force myself to sit more often, but classroom management suffers when I do.

swflJD · March 2016

I work at a desk all day, too. Our building is huge (about 250,000 sq. ft.), so just going to the restroom on my floor is a hike. We have a hallway that goes around the entire perimeter, so I try to walk it a few times a day. I also make a point to get up and move around at least once every 30-45 minutes - whether it's to refill my water bottle, go to the bathroom, or just walk around. Sometimes I can't if I have a meeting or something, but I've been good about it otherwise. Earlier on in this pregnancy, I was going downstairs to our gym in the afternoons and walking on the treadmill, which helped, but I haven't found the motivation for that lately.

I would like to try an inflatable ball, but my office is all glass, and I don't want to accidentally flash anyone! My back was hurting me from sitting in my desk chair too long, but I got one of these mesh lumbar supports, and it has helped some:
Kiss My Back Ergonomic Mesh Back Support

Kiss My Back Ergonomic Mesh Back Support

I also use an upside down waste basket to prop my feet on under my desk. That seems to be helping some with the swelling.

nerdymama15 · March 2016

I work from home on the computer so I am sitting most of the day. I'm not really comfortable sitting or standing to be honest. I think the days of comfort are over.

proudparent2b · March 2016

@nerdymama15 Same here! I had hoped that working remote would ensure a higher level of comfort, but since the start of Week 31, nothing seems comfy.

laurenmdrn16 · March 2016

I am seriously thinking of bringing in my Boppy to sit on during work. I feel like it would take pressure off my vagina and won't leave me quite so sore when I do need to spring into action. Also, I am making the kids and other staff do a lot of stuff like putting ice packs in the freezer or delivering notes to other classrooms. But really, getting up and moving is the best thing.

saraleigh2 · March 2016

It's difficult I keep getting up to stretch but I'm uncomfortable and not getting much done and it's starting to show

really hope I make it but 11 more wks is daunting

katiehopey · March 2016

I also work with animals as an RVT and as a first time mom I have no idea how long I'll make it! Still, at 28 weeks, doing a lot of restraint and getting on and off the floor. Seems harder every day!

That1didntcount · March 2016

Today was miserable. My fingers were so swollen, and my shoes just magically stopped fitting around 3. I was so uncomfortable! People are nice and accommodating but I could use the building's air conditioner to kick in anytime now!

doozer1345 · March 2016

I don't know what the word comfortable means anymore. I'm closer to being comfortable with only my underwear and a tshirt on and surrounded by pillows. So as far as working goes, I'm not comfortable. Although it's nice they've felt pity for me and have let me wear whatever is most comfortable (however I do have to have pants on).

angc4 · March 2016

Having to be standing and walking around is so bad! Last night trying to cook dinner and do dishes was just hell, but it was nice to be able to moan and groan about it. I've started taking nighty showers as a relaxer right before bed and it helps.

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