Since I started working again on October 1, after resting for five months, I got myself three digital marketing projects to work on while I am expecting.
In the beginning, I was worried that working on the last trimester of my pregnancy would mean dividing my time between preparing for the baby and working on projects. There were doubts about resuming work not because of a sensitive pregnancy. I was feeling normal and healthy despite the slow growth of a dermoid cyst. I had to think about how I’ll do about managing my time because I have this tendency to over-work myself. No new moms would want to come unprepared for their baby. But, I also know for a fact that it’s irresponsible not to be able to provide for your little one. So, I took the practical route and prepared a plan on how I will go about with my daily work.
It’s natural to have some doubts about whether or not it’s safe to work while you are pregnant. Check with your health provider for clearance and remember to take it easy, soon-to-be-mama.
In the beginning, I was worried that working on my last trimester of my pregnancy would mean dividing my time between preparing for the baby and working on projects.
How I got started working on my 3rd trimester
With new projects in the way, I found myself less and less worried about how my pregnancy will turn out. I was in my 7th month at that time, and my baby has been very active. Luckily, I was already well-adjusted with the growing belly. I was way past the difficult part of my pregnancy like terrible nausea, vomiting, dizziness and occasional sciatic pain and yes, the carpal tunnel nightmare. Looking back at those straight one week that I had to endure the pain with the help of a Tiger balm, I’m glad I surpassed all those annoying pains. I bet the labour and delivery will be much more challenging. Fortunately, I don’t get the sciatic pain and carpal tunnel anymore. As soon as I felt that I have graduated from getting the pregnancy symptoms with the approval of my OB/GYN, I started working-from-home again.
Commit to working-from-home
The secret to working again with a baby on the way has to do with your level of commitment. Most often than not, you would feel sleepy during the day, and this could affect your concentration to finish a task. Find ways to focus while working without neglecting your needs. Since taking more than the allowed amount of coffee was a big no, I added a few pieces of apples to my diet to stay focused. It was tricky at first, but when I set specific hours for work and rest, I realised working-from-home becomes easier for me. I became more appreciative of my choice to work on my last trimester and realised what it brings to my career.
Be comfortable in sharing your situation with your client
I don’t believe in sharing my personal life with my clients, especially at this stage in my life. But a close person in my life did me a favour by teaching me how to be transparent. People we work with appreciate the transparency because it allows them to plan with you. Their businesses are as important as your health so better be open into discussing your situation with a client and decide on the best actions to take. Consider the transition plan during your maternity leave after you have given birth.
Learn to put your worries somewhere else (far from you)
For first-time moms like me, it’s reasonable to be worried about stuff, when you’ve heard stories about stillbirths and rainbow babies. There are reasons why these things happen, but it isn’t always the case for hardworking pregnant women. It could be because of other things. I think the best way to handle these worries is to look after your health. If I feel tired, I rest. I try not to overwork myself and get frequent breaks from working when I feel like the baby needs it too. Usually, I would walk around to exercise my legs, do squats and lunges to release the pressure from my leg. This way, you’re also taking good care of yourself as you work at your best.
Even though I am always working, balancing multiple tasks while I prepare for the arrival of my baby, I could say that I am happy that I’m able to work. I enjoy working as much as I enjoy watching my baby bump swirls and twirls. And I’m also thankful that the dermoid cyst isn’t giving me a hard time. I think what matters here is you do the things that you know will benefit you and the baby inside you.
Written at 36 weeks and one day