If you decide to continue working while you are pregnant, you will surely have to deal with workplace stress.
No matter how peaceful your job is, or how relaxing it may be, stress always finds a way to show up. This is especially true when you are pregnant.
During this time your hormone levels will be high, and you will likely have mood swings throughout your term.
Most women experience mood swings that can go from euphoria to depression.
This can cause occurrences that you would normally be able to deal with stressful situations. Deadlines that you normally thrive on, may become daunting points on the clock, which you feel are impossible.
However, there are ways to reduce the amount of stress and pressure you feel at work, when you are pregnant.
Get Organized
Whether you have always been organized, or not, you will need to keep track of everything when you are pregnant. With the addition of prenatal visits, Lamaze classes, and morning sickness to your routine, everything can quickly spiral out of control.
Organize your calendar in a way that makes you feel comfortable, and reduces your stress. If you get morning sickness you may want to schedule your appointments in the afternoon.
However, if you feel especially tired in the afternoon you may want to make your appointments for the morning hours. Getting organized will also help you stay well ahead of deadlines. This can reduce the stress of last minute details.
Cut Your Schedule
If it is possible you may want to cut the number of hours you work each week. You could take an extra day off each week. However, going home an hour earlier may be a better option. During pregnancy it is very normal to become very tired towards the end of the day.
While you may have worked 12 or 14 hour days before your pregnancy, you probably will not want to, during your term.
You may also want to start your maternity leave early, and take the last month of your pregnancy off. This can give you the time to prepare a nursery, and rest for the big day.
Learn Relaxation Techniques
Becoming stressed out is not good for your health, or the babies. You may need to learn new techniques for dealing with stress during your pregnancy. Yoga is a great practice for eliminating stress.
It teaches breathing techniques that can be very beneficial to reducing stress. These breathing techniques can also be helpful during labor.
However, if Yoga is not your style, you might learn a new visualization technique. Imagine yourself in a quiet happy place when you feel stressed, and you will feel the stress fade away.
If stress is becoming a problem, and you cannot find a way to eliminate it, you should talk with your doctor. He or she may be able to offer help with techniques, or they may be able to prescribe a medication, that can calm you down.
Stress is a normal part of life today. However, it does have significant impact on your health, and your babies. Try to eliminate it, as much as you can.
