Pregnancy at work

Re: Pregnancy at work

• caramel2024 member

  September 2023

  The first trimester is always difficult. I would let your employer know by the time you hit your second trimester but not before then. I work 10-16 hour shifts and a minimum of 40 hours on my feet without a break or the ability to sit. Honestly I drink 1-2 cups of coffee a day and a lot of water. Hydration is very important. It'll give you some energy; plus fruit for a natural boost in energy. I know caffeine is frowned upon, but with me it's a bit of a necessity; plus coffee is better than soda. Sleep is important when you can, I personally only get 6 hours at the most, but you just gotta push through it. Ginger helps with nausea. It's all natural, I put a little in my coffee. It's a struggle, but hopefully things just ease up a bit when you progress into your second trimester. Hope this helps a little. 

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• meggyme member

  September 2023

  Can you schedule a break in your afternoon sessions when you can take a quick catnap to get you through the rest of the day?

  DD1: June '16 DD2: March ‘19 :::: Married since 2011 :::: USN Wife ::::

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• knottiebf44256394af10df member

  September 2023

  Fellow therapist here but working in a hospital setting, I personally told my chief during my first trimester (at 7 weeks I think) because I was struggling bad with all day sickness…but I’m covered by FMLA, I don’t know that a small group practice (if less than 50 employees) is covered.
  
  If you could financially afford to see less clients, I would talk to your director about the minimum number of clients you can see and still be eligible for health insurance/benefits.

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• knottiebf44256394af10df member

  September 2023

  Sorry I didn’t leave any advice for dealing with the nausea or exhaustion…I simply haven’t found anything that works for me 🫠

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• eeshanivf member

  September 2023

  It sounds like you're sharing some advice and tips for someone who might be going through their first trimester of pregnancy while working long hours and dealing with fatigue and nausea. Your insights and suggestions can be valuable for someone in that situation. Here's a breakdown of your advice:

  1. Timing of Pregnancy Announcement: You recommend waiting until the second trimester to inform your employer about your pregnancy. This is a common practice, as the risk of complications tends to decrease after the first trimester.

  2. Managing Long Shifts: Working 10-16 hour shifts, especially while pregnant, can be challenging. Staying hydrated, taking short breaks when possible, and finding ways to manage fatigue are essential.

  3. Caffeine Intake: You mention consuming 1-2 cups of coffee a day, acknowledging that caffeine is generally advised against during pregnancy. Many healthcare providers recommend limiting caffeine intake during pregnancy, so it's essential to discuss this with a healthcare professional to ensure it's safe for the individual.

  4. Hydration and Nutrition: Staying hydrated and consuming nutritious foods, like fruits, is crucial during pregnancy. Fruits can provide natural energy and essential nutrients for both the mother and the developing baby.

  5. Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for overall health, but you acknowledge that getting enough rest can be challenging during pregnancy. It's important to prioritize rest whenever possible and find ways to manage fatigue.

  6. Ginger for Nausea: Ginger is a well-known natural remedy for nausea and can be helpful for managing morning sickness during the first trimester.

  7. Hope for Easing Symptoms: You offer encouragement that things may improve as the pregnancy progresses into the second trimester, as many women find that their symptoms lessen during this time.

  Your advice is based on your personal experiences, and it's always a good idea for pregnant individuals to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance and support throughout their pregnancy journey. Every pregnancy is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.

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• gwhatmore member

  September 2023

  Thank you so much for your suggestions! I think I’m going to have to have a budgeting chat with my husband and cut back my clinical hours until this daytime nausea and exhaustion goes down. We have FMLA but apparently only kicks in after a year with the company and I started in June we were not expecting to conceive so quickly!

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