Pregnancy Essentials for the Workplace

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If you are pregnant and working full time, the last thing that you want to do is stuff yourself into an uncomfortable suit or, worse, end up with ill-fitting pregnancy wear that leaves you trying to adjust your clothing every few minutes.  Pregnancy is hard enough without adding work wear into the mix!

I worked full-time in a business-casual corporate environment during my second pregnancy. In fact, I worked right up until the day before I went into labor.  Those last months were pretty uncomfortable; luckily, I had a few tools up my sleeve to help stretch my wardobe those last few months and also keep myself comfortable.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Workplace Essentials

1. Secret Fit Belly Maternity Pants from Motherhood Maternity: This line of pregnancy wear by Motherhood Maternity is amazing.  Let me first say that I absolutely hate full-panel style maternity wear…except when it comes to these. The stretchy spandex full-panel is supportive without being restrictive, has give without letting your pants fall down, and snaps right back to it’s original form after you wash it.  At only $35.00 a pair, it’s not an unreasonable investment, either – so you can afford to get several pairs. Their line includes jeans in all kinds of cuts and washes, pants (both wear to work and casual), skirts, shorts, crops and capris. I urge you to give these a try if you are pregnant or postpartum. After you give birth, these have the perfect amount of support if you double the panel over (or even if you don’t) to help keep that postpartum “pooch” contained and give you the confidence (and wardrobe!) you need to return to work or even the grocery store.
2. The BellaBand by Ingrid & Isabel: The BellaBand is the perfect accessory from the moment you conceive until… well, my second born is nearly four months old and I still use it.  I can see myself using this for years! The BellaBand is a simple spandex tube that you pull up over your mid-section and wear over your pants, skirt, whatever.  It can help you wear your pre-pregnancy jeans into your second trimester, hold up ill-fitting or loose maternity jeans throughout the pregnancy and then, towards the end, even help keep your pants up when it seems that no force will keep your tummy inside those bottoms.  Once you delivery, you can use the BellaBand for a little extra tummy support, to help you fit back into those pre-pregnancy pants and also to make those maternity pants last a little longer than six months! At around $28.00 on Amazon.com, the BellaBand is well worth the money!
3. Maxi Pads: Pregnancy is a messy business, and an extra supply of maxi pads stashed in your desk drawer will go a long way towards keeping everything dry and (important!) odor-free.  While you’re at it, throw in a few pairs of underwear in a discreet paper bag and you’ll be ready for any potentially embarrassing workplace emergency.  Like your water breaking.s
4. Heating Pad: If you happen to work at a desk, a heating pad can be a tiny slice of heaven for the pregnant worker.  Even if you are only at your desk for fifteen minute intervals, your aching back will thank you for a little heat therapy now and then.
5. Comfortable Shoes: Keep a pair of comfortable, serviceable shoes at your desk. My feet were killing me long before I was showing (and could blame nearly anything on the pregnancy) and not all of us work at a job where it’s acceptable to show up without heels.  If you have to dress up a bit for work, make sure that you have an extra pair of low-heel, business casual shoes under your desk just in case you need an emergency switch! While you’re at it, toss in some Dr. Schol’s Massaging Gel pads.

Just like everything else in parenthood, pregnancy takes a lot of planning. Plan well, and your co-workers will be admiring your grace, dignity and strength throughout your pregnancy and you will feel more confident and comfortable.

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