Want to feel like a gold medal Olympian? Survive the work week while pregnant. With morning sickness, fatigue, hormone fluctuations, mom brain and more working against you, getting through a day at the office can seem like an impossible task. Here are a few tips to get you through it all – without sacrificing job quality:
Grocery bags
This is totally disgusting, but invaluable advice: Keep a stash of plastic grocery bags in your car's glove compartment. There's never a good time for nausea to strike, but I'd wager one of the worst is while stuck in traffic. Keep your work clothes clean and get to the office stress free by knowing you have a place to ralph if you need to.
Toothbrush
Keep an extra toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash in your desk drawer. While dentists advise against brushing immediately after vomiting, it's reassuring to know you can walk into your next meeting with minty fresh breath.
Snacks
This one's a no-brainer. Not only are you more likely to be ravenous while pregnant, eating small snacks throughout the day can help you ward off morning sickness. Keep a package of bland, tummy-soothing foods on hand, such as crackers, ginger chews or dried apple slices.
Reusable water bottle
Drinking enough water is crucial to a healthy pregnancy. You'll maintain proper levels of amniotic fluid, help ward off nausea and even improve your energy for the day. Health care providers urge moms-to-be to take in 64 ounces each day – the equivalent of eight 8-ounce glasses. Bring a reusable water bottle to work with you and fill it up every time you pass the water cooler.
Flats
Stash a cute, neutral pair of flat shoes under your desk. Your feet, knees and back may not need them now – but rest assured, some day you'll want to thank me. As your pregnancy progresses and your bump grows, you may find your lower back takes a lot of pressure. You also may discover your sense of balance is off-kilter. These are situations when kicking off your high heels makes good sense.
Reminders
Growing a baby has a special way of encasing your brain in a heavy fog. Some days you can't think clearly and the simplest items on your to-do list go forgotten. This can negatively impact your relationships and reputation at work, but there are solid ways around it. Whether it's a day planner, series of color-coded post-it notes or an application for your phone, find a way to track the day's responsibilities and keep yourself on task.
Are you fighting to survive the work week while pregnant? What tips and tricks have you found useful? Share them with other moms-to-be in the comments below!