Ergonomics for Pregnancy??
I am not a scientific person by nature and therefore did not latch onto the idea of ergonomics for a long time. It just seemed like another way to spend money and worry about things that didn’t {seem to} need worrying about. I don’t know if it’s being my 30′s or in my 3rd pregnancy, but I have changed my mind. I’ll be honest, there are loads of products I’ll probably never get to try, but I am a hard ore fan of ergonomic principles and certain products that really make a difference in my everyday living.
One of the main ergonomic principles I have found incredibly useful and pain-averting is that of good posture. Whether I’m working in a bona fide office, or at my laptop from home, there is no substitute for good ergonomic positioning. This includes how I sit, as well as how I have my stuff organized.
In the case that any of you are pregnant and wondering if it’s even possible to practice good ergonomics while pregnant, especially at the end, here are my tips for balancing both.
First Trimester
All 3 time,s I have been massively sick for at least 12 or 13 weeks. This is common and is a great sign that your body is doing what it should to make your baby’s home inside you. As sweet as that notion is, it’s hard to work while hanging your head over the commode.
- For many women, having something other than the nausea to focus on can be nicely distracting. If you can, try to focus on work instead of that nasty feeling inside you. I know it sounds ridiculous , but sometimes mind over matter really works…for a while anyway.
- Keep snacks at your desk or nearby. Unlike stomach bugs, in pregnancy you need to feed the nausea to feel better and to nourish your baby. Definitely go with simple, healthy snacks, like wheat crackers and cheese or fruit or veggie sticks. That way you feed your nausea and your baby well.
- Keep a toothbrush and toothpaste in your drawer, too. Your co-workers will thank you.
Second & Third Trimester
The big difference now is that you’re actually showing and big enough to start feeling less and less comfortable.
Be sure to stand up and take stretch breaks.- Walk around any time you can, whether it’s for a break or to take a call.
- Ergonomic posture is more important than ever. Sit up straight and make sure you have plenty of back support. Your back is fragile now- be careful to support it at all times.
- It’s possible to strain your stomach muscles, too. Be careful not to bend or twist awkwardly. It can be helpful to pull your belly in when you stretch, or even sneeze or cough. This can help avoid diastasis recti, the separation of your stomach muscles.
- Ask for an ergonomic chair if you can. The extra support and adjustability will never be more important.
- If you work from home, resist the urge to type on a laptop on your lap. Dock it- it’s always important to keep your monitor at eye level to reduce eye strain, as well as neck pain.
Being pregnant and working through the pregnancy can be challenging. Be sure to practice good ergonomics for your sake and the baby’s.