Top 10 Ways to Handle Pregnancy Challenges in the Workplace

For women who work full time outside of the office, pregnancy can pose some challenging situations.

Every pregnant woman is different, and how each expecting mom approaches these challenges will be different. For some pregnant women, one or two of these challenges may pose the most problems, for others, they will be affected by each and every one at some point during their time of being a pregnant woman in the workplace.

10 Ways to Handle Pregnancy Challenges in the Workplace

#1 Workplace Challenge During Pregnancy: Deciding Who to Tell and When

Deciding who to tell and when can be easy for women who show right away. They may not have much of a choice about who knows and who doesn't know. For other women, who may not show until they are as far along as the fourth or fifth month, she willneed to decide who to tell and when.

There are many reasons that a pregnant woman might not want to reveal her pregnancy right away. Some are personal, others may be for professional reasons. It is important in some work situations to let Human Resources know, especially when the workplace is strict about time off for unscheduled doctor's appointments, frequent breaks, or absenteeism.

By giving HR the heads up, you could save yourself some trouble down the line.

You may also want to tell your boss. This will depend on the dynamic between HR and your boss. In many workplaces, although HR info is supposedly confidential, the boss will find out anyway.

The other rule of thumb to follow, if you do not want everyone to know is not to tell any co-workers. Even if you tell one co-worker you trust with your life, they will go on to tell one other co-worker they trust, and so on.

#2 Workplace Challenge During Pregnancy: Frequent Bathroom Trips

Expect to take frequent bathroom trips. Not drinking water to lessen the amount of trips you take to the bathroom is not recommended. If your workplace is strict about bathroom breaks, you may need to bring in a doctor's note to HR so that you can go un-hassled to the ladies' room.

#3 Workplace Challenge During Pregnancy: Need for Extra Eating Breaks