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You will go through many changes during your nine months pregnancy. Here at bump2school, we hope that these tips will help you get though it a little easier. Don’t forget to check out the equipment section before making any big purchases.
Make sure that your boss or the HR department carry out a workplace risk assessment for you. It will help to highlight any changes that have to be made to either your job or your working environment. For example you may have to cut back on travel or perhaps you can work from home more or you might require a new chair.
If you are planning one last holiday abroad with your partner, check with the airline or travel agent about their rules for pregnant women travelling. Some airlines won’t accept women after they are 28 weeks pregnant. Remember to also check with your travel insurance company.
Do buy proper maternity clothes, don’t be tempted to simply buy the next size up as they will be baggy on the bum and will make you look even bigger than you really are.
Some high street chains do maternity versions of their normal clothes, so you are no longer restricted to tent like dresses and dungarees. Have a look at the complete selection on the internet, not all branches will stock the full maternity range.
There are also companies that specialise in maternity clothes, it’s a great excuse
to go out and treat yourself to some new clothes. Remember to stick to your pre-
Morning sickness is a complete misnomer as it can last all day. It does affect everyone in a different way and there is no cure, but you can try to manage the effects. Eating small meals at regular intervals helps to keep blood sugar levels constant. Keep a supply of plain snacks such as oat cakes, rice cakes, crackers, dried fruit and nuts (not peanuts) and plain biscuits in your desk drawer and in the car.
You will feel exceptionally tired in the first few months of pregnancy. Don’t try to rush around as normal. Do sit down and have a rest or have a nap for half an hour. This tiredness will pass, normally once you get into the second trimester.
If you go to the gym, then ask one of the instructors to devise you a new program. In general you should avoid using heavy weights and be careful not to overstretch. If you are planning on cancelling your membership or putting it on hold when you have the baby, check what notice period is required. Some gyms ask for 3 months notice of changes.
If you travel to work by car, then consider buying a bumpbelt. It is very important to ensure that the seatbelt is always kept below your bump and it gets annoying having to continuously adjust the seat belt. A bumpbelt will keep the seat belt in the correct position.