Let’s be real, working while pregnant is like running a marathon with a watermelon strapped to your belly… while wearing heels… in a room full of clueless coworkers who think morning sickness is just a “little nausea.” But you’re a boss, and maternity leave is still way too far away. So how do you survive?
Fear not! Here are seven genius office hacks to help you stay productive, comfortable, and (somewhat) sane while growing a tiny human.
1. The Snack Stash That Saves Lives
Forget desk drawers filled with pens and sticky notes, you need a pregnancy survival kit of snacks. Keep a mix of protein bars, crackers, dried fruit, and non-smelly comfort foods. (Because the last thing you need is your own lunch making you gag.) Bonus: It doubles as a defense mechanism, hungry coworkers beware!
2. The “Excuse-Me-I-Need-Air” Escape Plan
There’s always that one meeting that should be an email, but here you are, stuck in it, while your back aches and your bladder stages a mutiny. Solution? The Pregnancy Power Move: Casually stand up, hand on belly, and whisper, “Excuse me, I just need some air.” Nobody questions a pregnant woman escaping a meeting, use it wisely!
3. The Chair Cushion That Will Save Your Spine
Your office chair was not designed for someone growing a human. Invest in a cushion or lumbar support pillow ASAP. Your lower back will thank you. Your coworkers may laugh, until they try it and realize you’ve cracked the code to actual comfort.
4. The “Oops, I Forgot My Laptop” Bathroom Trick
Bathroom breaks are no longer just for… well, bathrooming. They’re your mini mental health breaks. Need an excuse? Pretend you forgot your phone or your laptop charger (again) and go take a breather. No one questions pregnancy brain!
5. The “Strategic Outfit Choices” Playbook
Two words: stretchy everything. Also, layers. Because one minute you’re freezing, the next you’re sweating like you just ran a marathon. And let’s not forget comfy shoes, heels are great until your feet swell up like balloons.
Pro Tip: Black leggings disguised as work pants are a pregnant woman’s best friend.
6. The “I Need a Nap, Not a Coffee” Energy Hack
Your pre-pregnancy self relied on caffeine to function, but now that’s mostly off-limits. Instead, power naps and hydration are your new secret weapons. If your office has a wellness room, claim it. If not, take advantage of “closed eyes, deep breaths” moments at your desk. (Bonus: People assume you’re just “contemplating strategy.”)
7. The “Do Not Disturb, I’m Nesting” Time Block
Pregnancy exhaustion is real, and your brain is now a mix of productivity and random thoughts about baby names. Block off dedicated work time on your calendar so you can get things done before the mid-afternoon energy crash. And if anyone tries to schedule over it? Just say, “Doctor’s appointment.” Boom. No further questions.
Final Thought: You’ve Got This!
Being pregnant at work is not easy, but you are strong, capable, and doing an amazing job. So cut yourself some slack, listen to your body, and remember: Survival is the goal.
Now tell me, what’s the most ridiculous thing a coworker has said to you about pregnancy? Let’s swap stories in the comments!