Work and motherhood

You miss your child but there needs to be food on the table. Working mothers often face this dilemma when they need to resume work after the maternity leave has ended. Research shows that 78 per cent of pregnant women continue working post delivery. You may be one of them. Most employers may not be too accommodating for a distracted employee could affect the bottom line. What is the option?

Nazia Hussain was 26 years old when she first delivered her baby, Laiba. She said: "On my first day at work, I believed I was the most horrible mother for leaving behind my 40-day-old baby. I couldn't concentrate on my work and would burst out crying. I kept worrying about her needs. I had to leave her with house help. What else could I do? I had no choice."

Nazia continues to feel the guilt, albeit a milder version, despite her daughter being two and a half years old now. "The guilt will never go down, but I have made adjustments to ensure I can do my best at work and spend quality time with her at home."

Though many working women may not have the tools to cope with work and new-found motherhood, a few simple measures can reduce the stress that comes with the package.

Inform sooner than later

Don't risk being labelled untrustworthy by delaying the news of your pregnancy to your employer. If you plan to discontinue working, let your employer know in advance for them to find a suitable replacement. Inform them of an approximate time frame within which you plan to quit. Finish your projects. Help in every way to make the transition smooth for yourself and the company.

Be honest, apply caution

If you wish to resume work after delivery, keep your options open for a satisfactory maternity leave. Protect your position. Often, employers may be confused with a female employee becoming pregnant. A promotion could be at risk. Additionally, co-workers may worry about filling in on your 'baby's not well' days.

Change for better

You have changed; your performance at work may, too.

Don't be too hard on yourself. Speak to your boss if there are certain tasks you cannot cope with. Can you have flexible working hours?

Talk to you

Do you want to continue working or stay at home? Find out what is affordable and best for you and your baby? Involve your spouse and share with him your thoughts and apprehensions.

Doctor knows best

Should you be working full term? Is it safe for your health? Ask your doctor essential questions. If your employer agrees, chalk out flexible work options.

Eat right, eat safe

While the average weight gain during the first trimester is two kilogrammes and 5-6 kilogrammes in the second and third trimester, extra weight gain is not recommended either.

"25 to 30 pounds is a healthy weight gain during pregnancy ... the key is to have a balanced diet," Dr Shibu Saif Al Deen, specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Masfoot Medical Centre in Ajan, said.

Your meals should include the five basic food groups, which are:

- Eat fresh food instead of fast food - save on calories, gain on nutrients and health. Otherwise you might be faced with excess weight and medical issues, such as diabetes and blood pressure.

- Drinking extra water/fluids throughout the pregnancy helps the body keep up with the increases in blood volume.

- Avoid eating food straight from the fridge as it may contain listeria – a dangerous bacterium that can cause listeriosis, especially among pregnant women. It can lead to brain infection and even death. Reheat refrigerated food until it is steaming hot.

Looking good, a must

- Invest in good maternity gear and accessories. There are cheaper options available online. Mix and match.

- Avoid impulse buying. Decide on the most important items required in your wardrobe and shop for basic colours – black, beige, white. Pair these with cool jewellery and shoes.

- Buy clothes that have a style that matches the style you wore before your pregnancy. You'll feel better about the way you look.

- What may fit you in the first few months may not in your third trimester. Opt for stretchable pants or jeans and larger sized shirts.

- With inputs from Pregnancy.org, AskDrSears.com and womenhealth.gov