Strategies For A Tightrope Walk - Balancing Work And Pregnancy.

In a 2015 study, a staggering 80% of women expressed concern that pregnancy would dent their professional image and people's perception of their competence.

Balancing the demands of #pregnancy and work can be challenging on its own, but when you add pregnancy discomforts and complications, overfull calendars, unrealistic deadlines, and workplace #discriminations or bias into the mix, it can create overwhelming stress! On top of all that, there's the added pressure to always appear in control and never be seen as 'emotional,' 'weak,' or in need of assistance. It's no wonder many pregnant women find it difficult to share their experiences or ask for help and are left feeling increasingly isolated.

Here are some strategies to maintain work-life balance and manage stress during pregnancy:

1. Foster Open Communication

Start by having honest dialogues with your employer. Clear #communication is key to establishing a flexible and understanding work environment. Understand your rights and communicate your needs clearly. If you find yourself in stressful conditions, discuss potential accommodations and strategies with your manager to make your work life more manageable. By opening up clear communication channels, you can reduce misunderstandings and gain the necessary support from your work environment.

2. Understand Your Rights

Begin by reading your employee benefits handbook to get a preliminary understanding. Then, seek advice and tips from your peer group of working moms within the company. They can provide insights into their experiences and shed light on company policies and benefits. If you need more information, set up a discussion with your HR business partner for further clarification. Do this preemptively and early in the pregnancy. You will get busier with handover at work and prep to welcome the baby at home as the due date draws near.?

3. Delegate and Collaborate

Remember, you don't have to do it all by yourself. Delegate tasks at work and home where possible, and don't hesitate to ask for help. Collaboration lightens your load and allows others to contribute, creating a supportive environment. Reach out for support from colleagues when you need it. They'd do the same for you if they were in your shoes.

4. Create Boundaries & Flexibility

Balancing work and pregnancy requires both setting boundaries and being flexible. Prioritize tasks, learn to say 'no' when necessary, and disconnect from work during personal time to reduce stress and prevent burnout. At the same time, be adaptable to the unique needs of your pregnancy. Remember to prioritize your well-being and that of your growing baby, making changes to your work life as needed to effectively manage both.

5. Seek Support Systems

Explore resources and support systems available to pregnant employees within your workplace or community. Employee assistance programs, wellness initiatives, or support groups designed for working parents can provide valuable guidance, assistance, and emotional support throughout your pregnancy journey. So utilize these resources to help you manage your stress better.

6. Plan the logistics

Sometimes it is the logistics of the prenatal appointments, the shopping, the hospital tour, and many dozens of small to-do’s that can crowd your checklist and create an invisible burden. Take a proactive approach by considering various aspects of your work and personal life. Create a schedule or calendar to prioritize tasks and allocate time for work-related responsibilities, prenatal appointments, self-care, and personal commitments. Share the logistical juggling with your spouse or enlist the help of extended family and friends.

7. Prioritize Self-care

Self-care is paramount during pregnancy. Take care of yourself by getting ample sleep and rest, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in light exercise. Listen to your body and respond to its needs, whether that means an extra hour of sleep or a nutritious snack between meals. Spend time outdoors, practice mindfulness, and reach out to connect with loved ones. Prioritizing self-care increases resilience, promotes holistic wellness, and protects you from burnout.

8. Let Small Things Go

Pregnancy is full of changes and challenges, and your body is working hard even when you're sitting at a desk. Be kind to yourself and choose your battles wisely. Let the small things slide, allowing you to conserve precious energy for the things that truly matter. Take stock of your priorities and keep them at the forefront of your decision-making process when determining where to invest your time and energy.

9. Attend a Pregnancy Support Group

Support groups provide a safe space to share experiences and connect with others facing similar challenges. These groups can be empowering and comforting sources of community, information, and empathy.

10. Leverage Virtual Support

Joining online communities for expectant working mothers can provide invaluable support. Platforms like Veira Life offer advice, comfort, and a sense of camaraderie. The journey of pregnancy can look different for each woman and therefore needs personalised support. With services like maternity coaching from experienced professionals ready to assist, Veira Life ensures you're not alone on this journey.

This piece provides a starting point for managing work during pregnancy. If you have strategies or tips that have worked for you, please share them in the comments. Let's foster a supportive and empowering #community for all #workingmothers .?