Top 5 Tips for Surviving Work in the 3rd Trimester
Achieving work-life balance is one of those things that we all constantly struggle with - whether we are mothers or not. Keeping the plates spinning and making sure we ‘service’ each part of our life with the necessary regularity and zeal is tough regardless of how many muslin cloths you’re packing in your handbag… but achieving balance when your still working during pregnancy is a whole new ballgame.
So here’s our Top Tips for how to feel like you’re doing a great job of being a pregnant woman at work - because, let’s face it, you are already totally bossing it.
Stay hydrated.
We all know the importance of drinking plenty of water for great skin, lustrous hair, combatting fatigue etc. when you’re not pregnant. So now throw into the mix the fact that you’re carrying around an extra person (whilst simultaneously growing that person) and we’re sure you’ll appreciate that now is the time to invest in a good water bottle, refill it throughout the day and keep on slurping! It’s the simplest thing you can do to help keep your brain firing throughout those long meetings, last lessons and desk-sessions.
Dress like a mom.
If you follow the coolest mums on Instagram, then you’ll already know that mum-jeans are actually super-cool and that flats are the new black. So whilst you’re still pursuing the 9-5 make sure you update your work wardrobe accordingly to feel comfortably you throughout your pregnancy. Our top tips within tips are - Flat shoes will help protect your relaxin-soaked ankles and your back, a decent pair of black maternity jeans will see you through thick and thin and don’t forget to get measured properly for a couple of new bras, because you’ll never stay focussed with an underwire digging into your new C-cups!
Clock off early
I know, I know, this is easier said than done. I’ve had THOSE jobs too. The ones where the last one out of the office gets to wear the badge of honour and anyone who leaves before 7pm gets a slow career-suicide head shake from the on-lookers. But seriously, it’s not just you anymore, and if you want to make it right through to the final weeks before you head off into your mat leave, then you need to pace yourself. So whenever you possibly can, get home early, get your feet up and catch some zzz. You’re going to want to bank some of those now, before things get really serious!
Snack Healthily (and often)
We know it’s not new news, but these days, whilst emailing, you are also burning stacks of energy creating a new life within - and not to mention training your body for the most intense marathon EVER. So be snack-wise now, if not forever, and reap the benefits of sustained energy levels, a happy gut and the correct quota of vits + minerals by having lots of fresh fruit, chopped veg and yummy dips, nuts, seeds and dried fruits to hand throughout the day.
Make plans
Whilst breaking the news of an impending new arrival isn’t always the easiest conversation to be had with your boss, save yourself any excess anxiety by carefully planning what you want to say and making your plans for departure well in advance of actually having the conversation. It’s so important that you feel in control of the decisions about your maternity leave and that you listen to the needs of your body and your baby when deciding when and how to head off.