Pregnancy needs treatment! You might register to work during the first few months of your pregnancy, because you don't want to be restricted to the room, all day, all day. You might also want to catch up with your office friends and talk about your experience. Or simply, you can choose to work, because you like to work. But that does not eliminate the fact that you have to be careful with your health!
Based on research published by "Obstetrics & Gynecology", Reuters Health, most pregnant women who choose to have night shifts at work, usually step into the danger zone of having a premature birth. Day shifts do not pose such a danger. So, what do you do when you have to work the night shift and you can't transfer for the afternoon shift even on request? Here are some useful tips to help you get through this and stay free from health hazards.
- If your job requires you to stay seated for hours at night, make sure you have a comfortable posture. Don't keep sitting in one position as long as it will cause cramps and pain. Also make sure that you don't stretch your back or your abdominal area is not too stressed when sitting. Bring your own pillow and keep it behind the chair, which will add comfort to your sitting position. Also make it a point to stretch your legs in an interval of 30 minutes. If possible, take a walk occasionally between your jobs.
- Health and nutrition are very important during pregnancy! When you work at night, your body uses more energy. So, it's always useful to bring fresh fruit to the office. So, pack in a box of beans, almonds, your choice of fruits, glucose biscuits and juice. Snack on top every time you are hungry. This will help you keep your energy level high. And the possibility is that if you finish your work quickly, you might have the opportunity to return early too.
- Avoid wearing tight clothes at all costs. Your body needs to feel free and relaxed while working. Use comfortable loose clothes that will help you move easily and breathe well. Even though you might not need it, but bring extra clothes for security.
- Release the need to perform better during your pregnancy! After you have a baby and rejoin work, you can start with all your creative skills and management skills and prove your worth. Do basic needs when you are on the night shift while pregnant. Also tell your seniors about it, so they don't burden you with excessive work. Also place on demand that you might leave early or do half the time if there are sudden health problems.
- When returning home do not miss 7 hours of sleep. This is when your body will work for all the wear that occurs during night shift work. So, don't compromise while sleeping. Set the alarm and make sure nothing is holding you back and sleep.
- Often the night shift in the office means eating comfort! So, be a part of the fun but stay away from eating non-vegetarian foods brought by your coworkers. This will cause digestive disorders. Use healthy food habits at home and work instead. Eat raisins, almonds, green tea, lots of fresh vegetables, berries and other healthy foods that are healthy at night.
- Save your doctor's number so you can make calls and when there is a need.
So, if you have a night shift to attend, these are a few tips that will keep you healthy during your pregnancy.