Avoiding Nausea When You're On the Job

Avoiding Nausea When You're On the Job

I worked full-time through each of my three pregnancies. It was a positive experience overall—in a way, being compelled to get up early, take a shower, and leave the house every day helped me to sustain my energy level and momentum during the most fatigue-ridden weeks. Even so, working during pregnancy did present certain challenges. For me, nausea was the biggest obstacle to tackle. It’s one thing to combat queasiness while lying in bed with saltine crackers, but it’s quite another to face a shaky stomach during a long commute.

Below are some of my favorite tips for coping with morning sickness while on the job:

• Turn in early. By getting a full night’s sleep and starting off the day well-rested, you’ll be better equipped to fight off queasiness.

• Get up earlier. When you wake up and instantly begin a race against the clock, you’re more likely to become nauseous. Set your alarm for a few minutes ahead of schedule to allow yourself some extra time to slowly wake up and ease into your day.

• Steer clear of triggers. For me, the smell of perfumes and scented lotions elicited waves of nausea during the first trimester, so eliminated these from my morning routines. Whatever brings about your queasiness, whether it’s the smell of popcorn in the break room microwave or whiffs of gasoline while filling up your car’s tank, try to avoid them whenever possible.

• Nibble on bland snacks. An empty stomach is a magnet for nausea. Never skip breakfast before heading out of the house, and keep plenty of munchies on hand throughout the day. Saltine crackers, lollipops, and shortbread cookies were some of my essentials for keeping queasiness at bay.

• Stay hydrated. A steady intake of fluids throughout the day can help prevent a wobbly tummy. Keep plenty of water, juice, or tea close to your cubicle or office.