Pregnancy & Work: My Vlog Journey!

Hey everyone! Welcome to my vlog journey documenting my experience working while pregnant. I'm so excited (and a little nervous!) to share the ups and downs of balancing work and pregnancy. It's definitely a unique chapter in my life, and I hope this vlog can offer some insights, support, and maybe even a few laughs for other expecting mamas out there. I will share my experiences working while pregnant and how it has affected my day to day life.

First Trimester: Fatigue and Finding Balance

Okay, guys, let's be real – the first trimester was rough! The fatigue hit me like a ton of bricks. I'm usually a pretty energetic person, but suddenly, I found myself struggling to stay awake past 8 PM. Juggling work and the constant need for naps was a challenge. I really had to prioritize my tasks and learn to say no to extra commitments. Listen to your body! That's the biggest piece of advice I can give you. If you need to rest, rest. Don't push yourself too hard, especially during those early months. Communicate with your employer. Let them know what's going on and see if there are any accommodations they can make to help you manage your workload. This could mean flexible hours, remote work options, or even just understanding when you need to take a break. It's crucial to have open communication to ensure both your well-being and your job performance. Plan your meals. Eating healthy is always important, but it's especially crucial during pregnancy. Try to pack nutritious snacks and meals for work so you can avoid unhealthy cravings and keep your energy levels stable. Think about things like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and yogurt. Small, frequent meals can also help with nausea. Stay hydrated. Dehydration can worsen fatigue and nausea, so make sure you're drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Keep a water bottle at your desk and sip on it regularly. If plain water isn't appealing, try adding some lemon or cucumber slices for flavor. Gentle exercise. Even though you might feel tired, gentle exercise can actually help boost your energy levels. Try going for a short walk during your lunch break or doing some prenatal yoga at home. Just be sure to listen to your body and not overdo it. Find support. Talk to your partner, friends, or family about how you're feeling. It can be incredibly helpful to have people who understand what you're going through and can offer support and encouragement. You might also consider joining a pregnancy support group or online forum to connect with other expecting moms. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Self-care is essential. Don't forget to take time for yourself to relax and de-stress. Whether it's reading a book, taking a bath, or getting a massage, make sure you're doing things that make you feel good. Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is just as important as taking care of your physical health.

Second Trimester: Energy Boost and Baby Prep!

Thankfully, the second trimester brought a much-needed energy boost! I felt like I could finally tackle my to-do list without collapsing on the couch afterward. This was a great time to catch up on work projects and start preparing for the baby's arrival. Now is the time to think about maternity leave. Start researching your company's maternity leave policy and figure out your plans for after the baby arrives. This includes how long you'll be taking off, whether you'll be getting paid, and how your job will be affected. Talk to your HR department and your manager to get all the information you need. Set up your workspace. Make sure your workspace is comfortable and ergonomic. This might mean adjusting your chair, adding a footrest, or getting a wrist support for your keyboard. If you're working from home, create a dedicated workspace that's free from distractions. Plan your baby budget. Babies can be expensive, so it's a good idea to start planning your baby budget early. Figure out how much you'll need to spend on things like diapers, formula, clothes, and baby gear. Look for ways to save money, such as buying used items or signing up for baby registries. Start baby proofing. As you get closer to your due date, it's time to start baby proofing your home. This means covering electrical outlets, securing furniture, and removing any potential hazards. It's also a good idea to take a CPR and first aid class so you're prepared for any emergencies. Stay active! Continuing to exercise during the second trimester can help you maintain your energy levels and prepare for labor. Try activities like swimming, walking, or prenatal yoga. Just be sure to listen to your body and not overdo it. Attend prenatal appointments. Make sure you're attending all of your prenatal appointments and following your doctor's recommendations. These appointments are important for monitoring your health and the health of your baby. They also provide an opportunity to ask any questions you have and get advice from your doctor. Start planning the nursery. This is a fun and exciting time to start planning the nursery. Choose a theme, pick out furniture, and start decorating. It's also a good idea to start gathering essential baby items like a crib, changing table, and car seat.

Third Trimester: Nesting and Nearing the Finish Line

Okay, guys, here we are in the third trimester! The nesting instinct is definitely kicking in, and I'm feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation. Work is getting a little more challenging as I get bigger and more uncomfortable, but I'm trying to stay focused and productive. Prepare for labor and delivery. Take a childbirth education class to learn about the stages of labor, pain management techniques, and what to expect during delivery. Pack your hospital bag with essentials like comfortable clothes, toiletries, and snacks. Install the car seat. Make sure you install the car seat correctly in your car. You can usually get help from a certified car seat technician to ensure it's installed properly. Finalize your maternity leave plans. Double-check your maternity leave plans with your employer to make sure everything is in order. This includes confirming your leave dates, pay, and benefits. Stock up on essentials. Stock up on essentials like diapers, wipes, and formula so you're prepared for the first few weeks after the baby arrives. You can also order these items online to save time and effort. Practice relaxation techniques. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help you manage stress and prepare for labor. These techniques can also be helpful during labor to manage pain and stay calm. Prepare for postpartum recovery. Prepare for postpartum recovery by stocking up on essentials like pads, pain relievers, and comfortable clothes. You can also ask your partner or family members to help with household chores and childcare so you can focus on resting and recovering. Create a postpartum plan. Create a postpartum plan that includes things like who will be helping you with childcare, how you'll be managing household chores, and how you'll be taking care of yourself. This plan can help you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed during the postpartum period. Slow down and rest. As you get closer to your due date, it's important to slow down and rest as much as possible. Listen to your body and don't overdo it. This is a time to focus on yourself and prepare for the arrival of your baby.

Tips for Thriving While Working During Pregnancy:

So, throughout my pregnancy journey, I have developed strategies to help me thrive and maintain work during pregnancy. I will be sharing these so that you are also able to thrive while working during pregnancy.

• Prioritize Tasks: Make a list of your most important tasks and focus on completing those first. Don't try to do everything at once.
• Take Breaks: Get up and move around every hour to stretch your legs and prevent swelling. This will help prevent the baby from applying excessive pressure on your bladder and causing you discomfort.
• Stay Hydrated: Keep a water bottle at your desk and sip on it throughout the day. Dehydration can worsen fatigue and nausea.
• Communicate: Talk to your employer about your needs and any accommodations you may require. This might include flexible hours, remote work options, or a more comfortable chair.
• Delegate: Don't be afraid to ask for help with tasks, both at work and at home.
• Listen to Your Body: If you're feeling tired or unwell, take a break and rest. Don't push yourself too hard.
• Plan Ahead: Prepare meals and snacks in advance to avoid unhealthy cravings and keep your energy levels stable.
• Stay Organized: Keep your workspace organized to reduce stress and increase productivity.
• Find Support: Connect with other pregnant women or new moms for support and advice. Online forums and support groups can be a great resource.
• Practice Self-Care: Take time for yourself to relax and de-stress. This might include reading a book, taking a bath, or getting a massage.

Conclusion

Balancing work and pregnancy is definitely a challenge, but it's also incredibly rewarding. By prioritizing your health, communicating your needs, and finding support, you can thrive during this special time in your life. I hope this vlog has been helpful and inspiring. Remember, you've got this, mama! Thanks for tuning in, and I'll see you in the next vlog!