Pregnancy in the Workplace: How to Handle Morning Sickness, OBGYN Appointments, and More From the Office

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also present challenges, especially when it comes to navigating your pregnancy at work. 

From managing symptoms like morning sickness, fitting in prenatal appointments, and understanding your workplace rights, balancing pregnancy with your career takes some extra planning and open communication with your employer.

Read on for advice on how to manage pregnancy while working, along with some tips to prepare for maternity leave.

Examples of reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers may include:

• Allowing additional restroom breaks and other frequent, flexible breaks to rest, eat, or drink water

• Modifying work schedules by offering shorter hours, later start times, or part-time work. This also includes supporting and scheduling around any pregnancy-related absence

• Temporarily reassigning an employee to a less strenuous or hazardous position

• Providing equipment or modifications to a work station to allow for sitting while working

• Allowing telework or work from home arrangements

• Changing a uniform dress code to provide comfort and safety equipment as necessary

Even with these rules in place, it's important to have an open discussion with your supervisor about your needs and come to a mutual agreement on any accommodations.

Just as there are laws to protect against pregnancy discrimination and provide pregnancy accommodations, there are laws to support parental leave. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 provides eligible employees, such as expecting parents, with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for birth, adoption, or foster care placement. FMLA only applies to businesses with more than 50 employees, but several states and businesses have their own parental leave policies in place.

It's important to check with your state, employer, and human resources department when planning your leave. While pregnant, be proactive in communicating and planning for doctor's appointments, anticipated challenges, and your leave to demonstrate your commitment to your work responsibilities. This also helps your colleagues prepare and make adjustments to accommodate your needs while maintaining business operations.

For more information on preparing for parental leave, check out our blog!

Make sure to plan ahead for pumping at work when you return from maternity leave, mama!

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), employers are required to provide reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom space for nursing mothers to express breast milk for up to one year after their child's birth.

Additionally, the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act) expanded protections to nursing employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) last year.

You have a right to breastfeed in public and at work, mama, and Aeroflow Breastpumps can help you get a free breast pump through insurance well before your baby arrives so you're prepared. Fill out our Qualify Through Insurance form to get started!

Handling symptoms at work can be one of the trickiest aspects of being a pregnant employee, but careful planning and communication can help with this and other pregnancy-related conditions.

Around 70% of pregnant women experience morning sickness, which despite the name, can strike at any time of day.

A few simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can help manage nausea on the job, but note that your healthcare provider may need to treat you with medication. (That said, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns—that’s what they’re there for!)

Try these tips to help with morning sickness at work:

Snack: Keep crackers, ginger candies, or other bland snacks at your desk to nibble on throughout the day.

Hydrate: Drink at least 10 glasses of water each day. Stay hydrated with water, ginger tea, or sparkling water.

Take a break: Step out for fresh air when possible and take several short, frequent breaks.

Avoid Triggers: Steer clear of any strong food smells, fragrances, or other odors that trigger nausea.

Adjust You Schedule: If possible, ask for a later start date or other changes to your work schedule to allow you to work during the hours you feel best.

Check with Your Healthcare Provider: Talk to your doctor about safe medications to help control severe symptoms.

Remember, mama, your pregnancy experience will change from one trimester to the next! Keep track of your symptoms and relevant medical information to ensure your employer and healthcare team can provide you with the best possible support during this time.

Comfortable, supportive clothing can make a big difference in maintaining your energy levels and focus while pregnant at work. Weave in your personal style to make dressing while pregnant fun and functional—here's how:

Even if you're not showing the first few months, your clothes may start to feel a little different! As you start dressing to accommodate your growing bump, keep in mind that many pieces can see you through each trimester and the postpartum period.

The goal is to frequently check your wardrobe for items that work and fill gaps where necessary rather than splash out on a whole new wardrobe.

Invest in a few staple maternity pieces for the office. This can include pants with a stretchy waist panel, loose-fitting or flowy tops, and cardigans or other light layers to adjust to temperature changes.

Once you've figured out what's missing from your pregnancy wardrobe, ask a family member, friend, or other member of your pregnancy community to see if they have clothing they can lend or give you.

Browse thrift stores and other online resellers to find gently worn items, and check your favorite brands for maternity options, too!

Soft, stretchy undergarments and wire-free bras can help with sore or tender breasts during your early pregnancy, while more supportive pieces might be necessary during the later months.

Lumber support garments and compression socks can help alleviate pain and swelling during pregnancy and postpartum, so don’t hesitate to give those a try.  

Are you into bold patterns and bright colors, or clean lines and classic shapes? Whatever your style, it doesn't have to change just because you're pregnant! Plenty of retailers have maternity clothes sections or designs that will adapt to your changing body.

Whether you're shopping for a special event or a big meeting, fill your pregnancy wardrobe with a few pieces that help you feel confident and comfortable as your pregnancy progresses!

Making time for prenatal appointments is critical for your health and your baby's, but it can be tricky to schedule them around work.

Try to book appointments first thing in the morning or at the end of the day to minimize missed work time. Let your supervisor know as early as you can when you have an appointment and block the time on your calendar. If you're worried about falling behind, discuss the possibility of making up time in the evening or on weekends.

You can also check with your healthcare provider to find appointment dates and times that work with your schedule.

As mentioned above, the Affordable Care Act provides breastfeeding employees with a safe, private space to pump, but it also provides women with access to important, affordable healthcare throughout every stage of the reproductive journey.

Find information about services, care, benefits, and coverage available to you under the ACA on our blog. We also have a section of the blog dedicated to sharing information about insurance coverage from different providers and how to secure a breast pump through insurance.

While balancing pregnancy and career responsibilities takes extra organization and communication, it's absolutely possible to have a healthy pregnancy while continuing to succeed at work!

By understanding your rights, having open conversations with your employer, and advocating for the accommodations you need, you can thrive as a pregnant professional. And remember, Aeroflow Breastpumps is here to support you in your transition to working motherhood!

You can find educational classes and resources on our site, and browse our selection of breast pumps and accessories available through insurance! We’ve got your back, mama!