Tips for staying comfortable at work while pregnant

There are times during pregnancy when you are just plain uncomfortable. Working until the latter stages of pregnancy could increase this feeling exponentially, but there are a few things you can change about your workspace to increase your comfort level.

• Place a small fan on your desk. The body's temperature naturally raises when you're pregnant. Instead of sitting in a pool of sweat all day, place a small fan on your desk. It's best to choose a fan that uses electricity as you could need it for several months and batteries get expensive. If you choose a battery-operated fan, use rechargeable batteries and place batteries in the charging device before leaving work each day. 
• Wear comfortable clothes. Restrictive clothing is not only uncomfortable, it can increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Wear loose-fitting clothing in layers. When you feel warm, take off a few layers. If you get a chill, add a few layers. Always wear materials that allow the skin to breathe, like cotton. 
• Leave the high-heels behind. Your feet are swollen and your balance is off thanks to increased progesterone. Leave high-heels behind for the duration of pregnancy. You'll feel much better with a low-heeled shoe. 
• Always have a water bottle on your desk and stay hydrated. Dehydration is one of the main causes of early labor pains. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Drinking more will mean spending more time in the bathroom, but you should be walking around often so bathroom breaks every hour are healthy for the baby. 
• Eat healthy, nutritious meals. Choose whole foods that are nutrient-dense. This doesn't mean picking up Chinese food for lunch or eating donuts from the break room. Lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and full-fat yogurts are ideal for lunch. 
• Stay away from stress. Stress not only makes you feel horrible, but it can also be detrimental to your pregnancy. Remove yourself from stressful situations whenever possible and use deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and control heart rate. 
• Take frequent breaks. Sitting for long periods of time can increase the risk of blood clots during pregnancy. Get up and walk around for a few minutes every hour. If you're drinking lots of water, you should have no trouble getting in those frequent breaks because you'll be walking to and from the bathroom often. 

Remember...

Being comfortable at work during pregnancy is important. Some women must work until the last few weeks before birth. The final trimester tends to be the most uncomfortable but you can ease some discomfort and feel a bit more comfortable throughout your pregnancy journey.