Working while pregnant

[Barkley Hound]

This topic has come up many times in the past.
It has always been an interest to me and now even more so since I am 14 weeks pregnant.

I would LOVE for everyone who has ANY experience or tips on being pregnant and/or working while pregnant to post them here.

Guys - feel free to post your experiences too. (Eventhough you haven't ever been pregnant, I am sure you have plenty to offer from your own experience with your own family)

I hope this information will benefit everyone.

Some specific questions I have at the moment are:

1. What have you done to adapt to your growing "belly"?
2. Has anyone used a belly belt/bra to work in?
   http://www.bellybra.com/ or http://www.lovemytummy.com/info/product18.htm
3. How long were you able to work during your pregnancy?

Here are all the current threads I could find:

Working as a therapist while pregnant

Sitting while doing massage

EO's and pregnancy

Snoogles

5 weeks pregnant

Thanks!

 

[Gareth Moore]

http://www.ehow.com/buy_9524_maternity-pants.html
http://www.mommysthinkin.com/bella_band.htm

This is a great magazine for moms and dads:
http://www.mothering.com/

 

[Durli]

Is this your first post that you are pregnant or did I miss something? Congratulations Masthera!!!!!!! I am so happy for you!

When I was pregnant I was surprised at how the body naturally adjusts to the growing belly. I just never felt off kilter. I had planned to stop working at 38 weeks I believe, but my water broke at 36.5 weeks. At the time I was doing about 10-15 a week. I was definitely tired (but not from working) by evening. It's just the third trimester.

I did not gain much weight only 25 to 30 lbs. and I carried pretty high so I didn't feel I needed supports.

At about 6 months I started to get serious with the oil on the belly to help with stretch marks. Out of the shower don't even dry off, just put the oil on wet. Wet your belly and do it before bed too. I didn't get any and ALL of my immediate family did, so......?

At about 6 months also I started yoga, I had never done it before and I feel it really helped my growing body. If you do yoga I'd say continue, if you don't I'd suggest to start.

I also can not say enough how I SHOULD have practiced those kegels more....before and after. If you have a vaginal birth, you'd be amazed at how "inside out" you feel afterwards. Just a word to the wise....after the birth it is so critical to do your kegels!

My belly did brush against a head or two when I was massaging the back, so you might want to adjust your positioning with some strokes.

Here's to the best pregnancy you can have! Congratulations again!

 

[emmaloo]

Congratulations!!!

 

[superstup]

Thanks for the links Boof!

You didn't miss anything AKB. I was waiting till the second tri. to say anything since my first pregnancy wasn't successful. Just felt better waiting, but man have I had plenty of questions. (I did tell the mods and other admin before now :wink: )

I have been using some cream for a bit now, but I don't use it consistantly. Your results were great - I better get on it more regularly. I really don't want stretch marks. I wonder if oil would be better.

I thought about yoga but was advised against it. I normally have lax ligaments and now with the relaxin I was told it wasn't the best idea for me. I am trying to find some type of pregnancy exercise class, but have had no luck. Now that the weather is turning warmer and my "all dy" sickness seems to be tapering off, I can get back to walking everyday.

Kegels - definetly! I need to fit them into a regular routine.

I am amazed at how round I am getting already. I though it would take longer, but even my husband can notice my shape changing already.

Thank you for your post AKB- very helpful!

Thank you both for the congrats as well!

 

[darkchild]

Ahhhhhhhhh so nice of you to ask for our opinion. I'm not pregnant, but I sort of resemble it. Anyway...

My therapist friend Jen http://www.heavenshands.com worked right up to delivery, but she did cut back a little. Of course, she had me to work on her too...

My friend the stylist worked up until delivery too, same story.

My friend the banker/mortgage lady, hmmmmmmm same story.

Now, the former ad/exec has not been in for a couple weeks, don't know how she'll fare, but she did just change jobs to work for a hospice. I called her yesterday, have to see if she calls to schedule.

Sooooo, get regular MT and you'll be fine. I can fit you into my schedule if you want. mick

 

[om nom nom nom nom]

Do you own an exercise ball Masthera? In baby circles they're known as Birthing Balls, as they sometimes have a mom use them during labor.
They're said to strengthen the core muscles... which one would think will become even more important as labor approaches...
I see that amazon.com offers at least one video on using a "fitness ball" during pregnancy... "Fitball Great Expectations pregnancy program"
Figured it might be something to "work on" until you locate that pregnancy exercise class... did you try your local YMCA or something of that nature?
Hm, where would you find new moms? Any maternity shops in town? How about resale children's clothing or furniture shops? How about any health clubs or women's wellness centers?
It's probably just a matter of finding the right person knowledgeable about when and where these things are. Unless your city is really small like mine. :

 

[Pompal 09.]

Ahhhhhhhhh so nice of you to ask for our opinion. I'm not pregnant, but I sort of resemble it. Anyway...

My therapist friend Jen http://www.heavenshands.com worked right up to delivery, but she did cut back a little. Of course, she had me to work on her too...

My friend the stylist worked up until delivery too, same story.

My friend the banker/mortgage lady, hmmmmmmm same story.

Now, the former ad/exec has not been in for a couple weeks, don't know how she'll fare, but she did just change jobs to work for a hospice. I called her yesterday, have to see if she calls to schedule.

Sooooo, get regular MT and you'll be fine. I can fit you into my schedule if you want. mick

It is nice to know that so many women were able to work for so long. Clients are already asking about what my plans are. I don't know what to expect. I do plan to take 2 months off once the baby is here.

I have two MT's that I see. One everyother week and another when I need extra work. Plus my DC, acupuncturist and reflexologist.
Nice to have connections in this profession. :wink:

 

[MagicianTrent]

Do you own an exercise ball Masthera? In baby circles they're known as Birthing Balls, as they sometimes have a mom use them during labor.
They're said to strengthen the core muscles... which one would think will become even more important as labor approaches...
I see that amazon.com offers at least one video on using a "fitness ball" during pregnancy... "Fitball Great Expectations pregnancy program"
Figured it might be something to "work on" until you locate that pregnancy exercise class... did you try your local YMCA or something of that nature?
Hm, where would you find new moms? Any maternity shops in town? How about resale children's clothing or furniture shops? How about any health clubs or women's wellness centers?
It's probably just a matter of finding the right person knowledgeable about when and where these things are. Unless your city is really small like mine. :

I do have an exercise ball. I will have to check out Amazon - I am surprised I haven't yet, since I love Amazon! Thanks for the suggestion.

City?! What's that!? :.
I live outside two small towns in a rural area. There are two YMCA's nearby (20-30 mins). One doesn't have any classes and the other has a class on a day that I can't go.
No nearby maternity stores or anything like that. Maybe a little ways away. I have some locals checking some other things out for me. Not sure they are going to find anything that I haven't.

 

[asambrano752]

Congratulations Masthera! I had my first child in November. I worked until mid October. I probably could have done a few more massages here and there but I did not want to push myself.
I agree with akb…..KEGELS KEGELS KEGELS!!!!! I wish I had been better about doing them. I had a 3rd degree laceration (my daughter was 8lbs 7oz) or what I like to call a “V-section” recovery was horrible!!
I started to sit a lot more to massage legs and arms when my belly was getting bigger. I never used a belly belt but it probably would have helped. I’m sure you do already…but make sure you take time to get massages for yourself.
I don’t know if you have started telling all of your clients yet. I was surprised at how many of my clients assumed that I wouldn’t be coming back. And unfortunately since I have been back I haven’t heard from some of them who used to come in pretty regularly. I told them all that I didn’t know what to expect out of my body as far as my pregnancy was concerned but that I would be working as long as I am able, and that I would be on maternity leave for at least 2 months.
Best of luck to you!

 

[Atheist.]

Thanks Harley!

I am surprised with how many client have asked about my plans for the future. I haven't felt like any of them think I will quit, but they are concerned about how long I will be working and how long I won't be working.
I have two MT's that I will refer out too. Hopefully I can do a few over my break if it is really an emergency. I don't know how I will go 2 months without doing a massage!
I hope that I come back with as many clients as I leave with, but I know of a few that will certainly not be too happy to have to go to a different therapist or without for 2 months.

Better get on those kegels - I remembered them yesterday!