About Mineral Make-Up

If you are a working woman, if you are healthy during your pregnancy, and if your job is one you can continue without risk or strain, you can probably plan to work until your due date or until your labor starts!

Much depends on your individual needs and desire to work. Maternity leave is valuable and often best used when baby is born rather than eaten into before the birth so you may wish to continue working for as long as possible. However, you may find the demands of your job and travelling coupled with the physical difficulties of pregnancy too much and need to cease working some time before your due date. Take counsel from your physician and spend some time considering your decision. The welfare of you and your baby is paramount during pregnancy and you should ensure a healthy environment exists while you continue to work. Here are a few guidelines to that end:

Some foods and smells can trigger nausea during pregnancy. The sweet roll you used to love for your morning snack may now cause your stomach to churn. Recognize these changes and stay clear of these foods and smells so you don’t make your nausea worse. Keep crackers in your desk at work and use them to stave off nausea – a stomach that is very empty or very full will cause more problems.

Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated. Stay dehydrated by drinking lots of water every day. Get plenty of sleep and allow yourself more time to get ready for work in the morning. Stress and tiredness will exacerbate nausea. You might feel tired much of the time, especially during the first and third trimesters and even more so after a long day at work. Try to get lots of fresh air and move around by taking regular breaks. . If your job is physical, try to take more rest periods. Concentration will be improved as a result of these breaks. You may want to close your office door, put your feet up and close your eyes for a few minutes during lunch or on a break.

Afternoon tiredness is common in early and late pregnancy. In this case, change your work schedule if you can so that you can get the higher-energy tasks out of the way in the morning while you are feeling fresh. . Depending on the demands of your job you may need to curtail personal, out of work activities so that rest is a priority thus helping you remain fresh for the workplace. Regular exercise will help your energy level as well. Speak to your physician about continuing your pre-pregnancy exercise routine. If you want to start exercising during pregnancy talk to your doctor about what you can do to stay active.

Don’t be too proud to accept help at home and at work where you can. You can always return the favor after you and your baby are on a regular schedule and you are feeling like your old self again. Cleaning, mowing the lawn, or grocery shopping can be done by others or, if you have the financial wherewithal, you can hire someone to do these things for you until you can take on these responsibilities again. That way, you can get the extra rest you’ll need to do your job every day. Go to bed when you are tired! You don’t have to stay up until midnight to get that extra work done, just because you always did before. Your body is changing and you and your baby deserve a little extra sleep.

Move around frequently to ease the stress on your muscles and back. Your body will tell you, in it’s own language of tiredness and ache, when any of the mundane, simple daily tasks are too much, so listen attentively. Many companies supply an ergonomic chair for office workers if you have a note from your doctor. . A well supported back plus adjustable height and arms make for a wonderful pregnancy chair. You can also bring in a small pillow to support your lower back while you sit. Reduce pressure on your lower back plus minimize leg and foot swelling by keeping your feet elevated. Plan for those extra trips to the bathroom. Trying to ignore the urge is not good.

If your job is very stressful, you need to rest more and may need to stop working sooner. Stress can be much harder on a pregnant woman and her unborn child. Talk to your boss, your co-workers and others to see if you can reduce some of the usual stress. Talk to your doctor so she knows what you are up against. She may suggest an earlier leave or other options. Learn relaxation exercises, or take a Yoga class for pregnant women. You can use this to relieve stress and relax and you will feel much better. Be sure you talk to your doctor about the demands of your particular job. Some jobs will increase your risk of pregnancy complications.

Jobs that should be carefully evaluated include: %u2022 The aforementioned lifting especially heavy lifting (strenuous work has been shown to increase the risk of premature birth. Also, the likelihood of pre-eclampsia or hypertension and low birth weight babies is increased). %u2022 Jobs with lots of standing or strenuous climbing or walking (prolonged standing at work is also associated with increased incidence of premature birth). %u2022 Jobs in toxic environments (hazardous chemicals, gas, dust, fumes, radiation or infectious diseases). %u2022 Environs with constant loud noise or where machines are very loud or have lots of vibration. %u2022 Jobs that require long or intense commutes. %u2022 Jobs with very long hours or frequent shift changes (shift work and increased levels of work related fatigue are also associated with premature birth). %u2022 Jobs in very cold or very warm environs. %u2022 Jobs that require a lot of flexibility or balance.

If your job is high risk but you must continue to work talk to your boss and see if there is any way you could transfer or tailor your job somewhat until after the birth. Talk to your doctor and/or your midwife about what you are feeling and change your plans if your pregnancy or health is being affected by work.

Healthypregnancys.com is the only resource you need to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancyPregnancy Check it out now at: Pregnancy.

- Rene Sandan

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