# 8 Pregnancy
emergency kit
Keep the kit in your desk drawer. It should contain
lemon hard candies to beat nausea, an extra pair
of undies or sanitary napkin for incontinence
accidents, an Evian face mister for instant cool-offs,
and a cache of crackers, pretzels, wafer cookies
for snacking.
# 9 Write notes
Maintaining a notebook at all times can offset
memory loss in the first trimester. Note down
important work reminders. Jot down anything you
consider important for you to remember or act
on.
# 10 Heroine
you are not!
If possible, start your maternity leave a week
or 2 prior to your due date to give yourself ample
time to rest before the big day.
The
Final Word
You will probably decide on discontinuing work
either on your doctor's advice or exhaustion.
There are certain guidelines you should follow
to minimize health complications that can worsen
if you are working.
• If your job is more rigorous in nature
entailing heavy lifting, climbing or bending below
the waist you should stop work by week 20. But
if you have moderate load to tackle with rest
periods in between, you can continue working till
about week 28. However you should consider giving
up your job after conception if you are carrying
more than one baby, had a previous miscarriage,
or premature birth. Cut back on your work hours
if you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes
or high blood pressure. Bottom-line: listen to
your doctor's advice on when to quit your job,
how many hours you can afford to put in and the
nature of job you can continue with. Don't ignore
your doctor's recommendations, no matter what
your financial status.
• If your job requires you to be on your
feet all day, you should consider switching to
desk job or stopping work beginning in your 24th
week. If your job requires you to spend more than
30 minutes out of every hour on your feet, consider
shifting to something sedentary by week 32.
Returning to work after
baby: Much of this depends on how you feel
and the health of your baby. If all is well then
returning to work is a personal choice. Whether
you decide to take 3 whole months, less or more,
some workday precautions apply as when you were
pregnant.
• Avoid fatigue by taking short naps.
• Try to arrange to work from home sometimes.
• Go back part time rather full time until
your body readjusts to your previous schedule.
• Push for a flexible work routine in order
to accommodate to your baby's needs.
Above all, don't be afraid to enlist your husband's
help with household and baby chores. Make certain
to visit your doctor for a complete checkup before
returning work. Take time out if despite your
leave you still feel you need a break.
