Ladies, let’s be real, being a working woman is already a full-time sport. Add pregnancy to the mix, and suddenly, you’re playing in the major leagues… with zero training, surprise obstacles, and unsolicited commentary from everyone (yes, even Steve from accounting). While you’re out here trying to grow a whole human and meet that looming deadline, there are a few things no one warns you about. Until now.
1. Your Energy Levels Will Resemble a Phone at 1%… By Noon
Remember when you could power through an 8-hour workday and still have energy for happy hour? Yeah, those days are over. By lunchtime, you’ll be fantasizing about napping under your desk. The solution? Power snacks (protein bars are your new best friend), hydration (chug that water, queen), and the occasional tactical bathroom break where you just sit and breathe.
2. Everyone Becomes a Pregnancy Expert (Even the Ones Who’ve Never Been Pregnant)
From the minute your bump makes its debut, everyone suddenly has a PhD in Pregnancy Science. “Should you really be drinking coffee?” “You know, back in my day, we didn’t take maternity leave!” Deep breaths. Set boundaries early. Smile, nod, and master the art of the subject change.
3. The Workplace Bathroom Will Become Your Second Office
Morning sickness? Bathroom. Hydration goals? Bathroom. Crying over an insurance email? Bathroom. Find a stall that feels like home, because you’ll be spending more time there than at your desk.
4. Maternity Workwear Is a Scam
Those “chic” maternity work outfits? Overpriced, uncomfortable, and somehow both too tight and too baggy at the same time. Instead, invest in a few stretchy staples (a good black dress, a blazer that still closes, kind of), and call it a day. Comfort first, fashion second.
5. Your Brain Will Betray You (a.k.a. Pregnancy Brain Is Real)
One moment, you’re running the show. The next, you’ve forgotten your own email password and why you walked into a meeting. Your brain is literally reallocating resources to build an entire human being, so cut yourself some slack. Write things down, set calendar reminders, and blame it all on “baby brain.” No one will argue with a pregnant woman.
6. You Will Start Rethinking Everything (And That’s Okay)
At some point, you’ll stare at your screen and think, “Can I actually do this after the baby comes? Do I even want to?” That’s normal. Your priorities are shifting, and that’s not a bad thing, it’s an opportunity to evaluate what truly matters. Whether you decide to stay, leave, pivot, or start a side hustle selling organic baby bibs, you get to define your own path.
Final Thought: You’ve Got This
Being a pregnant working woman isn’t easy, but you are stronger, smarter, and more capable than you think. So, what’s one thing you wish someone had told you before you started this journey? Drop your wisdom in the comments, because no woman should have to figure this out alone!