I have a job where I'm walking around quickly on my feet for at least 5-6 hours at a time and sometimes it's hard for me to stop and eat or drink. I'm just worried I'm going to overdo it. I have been worried the whole pregnancy, but today I had a particularly busy shift and I'm completely exhausted. Anyone else in my shoes or have been in the past? P.S I'm 17.5 weeks .
-
I work as a nurse so I am on my feet and running around for hours at a time for 12.5 hour shifts. It's taxing but I make sure to make time to drink water and grab a snack when I can. It's crazy and my feet are killing me (I'm 28 weeks now) but it's doable.
-
@Mrs.Panda: Yeah I just really need to focus on getting a minute or two to snack and drink. I've been slacking but tonight was bad enough to make me check myself. I have such a headache from not drinking enough!
-
@MrsHansen82: What do you do? I try to make myself drink 60 ounces of water a day but I admit I'm not the best drinker
-
I just stopped working at 34 weeks. I'm a gymnastics coach and my job involves running/jumping, moving mats and equipment, spotting, etc. I did a lot of stuff I shouldn't have, but I can't not do it and have the kids not learn anything either. The other coaches helped me when they could, but it was probably the thing that made this pregnancy seem the hardest. If you start getting sore, I recommend a belly support belt, it really helped my back and hips on the days where I just didn't get a break or a chance to sit.
-
I was rolling out a training project while I was pregnant. I wouldn't say my job itself was physically demanding but the commute to the office was brutal enough (a two hour drive followed by a 40 minute tube ride - each way) and I was travelling all over the country running training sessions. Like you, I found it hard to take breaks (eat/drink/loo) when I needed to because you can't just stop a training course whenever you need a snack! But..... and this is my advice to you..... you have to. You have to be assertive where your needs are concerned because if you don't look after yourself then who is going to look after you? Please, please take care your yourself and make sure you get enough fluids particularly. Can you take a water bottle with your wherever you go at work?
-
I'm a doctor and sometimes when I'm on service it can be an 80-90 hr week where I'm on my feet constantly. During those times I have very little sleep and sometimes do 16 hr night shifts. Very bad for growing babies, but we all do it! When I was 36 weeks my doc called my boss to get me out of night shifts because I was swelling like a balloon and developed pih.
-
@Mrs. Jacks: Yikes. Thank goodness I was doing about 70% research/30% clinical while I was pregnant with E, and that saved me. Right now, I just take my breaks when and if I can.
-
@Espion: but you do surgery which I think is so physically and mentally demanding. I think that would take more of a toll in a way!
-
I am a NICU nurse so lots of running around/on my feet time and shifts that range from 8-16 hours and day and night shifts! I do try to get off my feet as much as possible (feed babies sitting on a stool, etc) but really busy days I get really crampy, and at 23 weeks now I have already had to lie down/drink water due to periods of contractions. My last pregnancy I had to work a reduced schedule from 28-34 weeks due to PIH, hand was put on modified bed rest from 34 weeks on though.
-
@MsMini: yikes that is scary that you're cramping. I thought I was last night but then I stopped to eat.
@Mrs.Panda: I work in a really bust restaurant that is non stop people. It's great money, but it is so exhausting.
@ninjaduck: Thanks I'll try a support band.
@Mrs. Jacks: Sounds scary and exhausting! I hoe I can stop working before then.
@Cherrybee: Omg 4 hour drive every day??
-
@MrsHansen82: I'd definitely recommend you start wearing support stockings. They make ones for pregnant ladies that go all the way over your belly too. Don't just get the basic ones like they have at Nordstrom,, you will need medical grade ones! They can help your blood flow, decrease swelling and help you feel more energetic.
I am a nurse but only work part time. At least one shift per week I am on my feet and doing a ton of walking for 8 hours. It was rough when I was preg with LO. Luckly there is a lot of flexibility with my position and I was able to decrease my hours doing my job that keeps me standing all day. My OB had me stop working at 34 weeks...
-
@Mrs. Jacks: Oh, I got over the 5 hour cases reeeeeal quick. Plus, the bigger my belly got, the harder it was to reach the patient! I got to be an expert in a half-twist maneuver. But 5 hours at once is not 16 hours of ER consult after direct admit...it would have seriously tested my sanity if I did this during residency.
@MrsHansen82: Yeow! I worked at a restaurant through college, and that is tough. I would stash a water bottle in the kitchen, if you can, and I would seriously commandeer a stool to sit on while you take a breath. Definitely take some high protein snacks too. Maybe you can negotiate shorter, but more shifts? But dang, when you're in the weeds, there's not a whole lot you can do.
-
@Seattlemom: Yeah luckily I'm down to only three shifts a weeks, but of course those are the most bust ones!
@Espion: Yeah it's not fun and I'm at the end of my rope. I have a huge stash of snacks and water, but it's hard for my to drink a ton of water since I'm still a little nauseous. Luckily I have four days off this week so I'm going to spend it hydrating and getting fat with my feet up!
-
@Espion: that's why you surger-ize and I do medicine ;). But seriously, how do you do a five hour case?! I'd have to pee long before that!
-
@Espion: Also it doesn't help that in the restaurant business, he management is not very well versed in pregnant employees, so the last time I told my male manager I couldn't work a morning shift because of morning sickness, he jokingly called me a drama queen...so inappropriate.
-
I work as a nurse and worked up until I was 39 weeks - on my feet for 8-12hr shifts many times not eating or drinking for hours at a time. I always went home wanting to die.
-
Another nurse here. I work 10.5 hour split shifts, so it's a 16 hour day altogether. It was really tough, especially on those busy days. Sometimes I had to go sit in my med room where no one could see me, sit on the floor and just cry for a few minutes haha. Near the end I just sat every chance I got as it's very common to just not get breaks. I made sure I had good runners for my feet and that helped. This time I'm going to get the insoles that we get covered through medical and I think I might also try the support stockings. I also went for massages every two weeks and went to the chiropractor about once a month. ( Thank goodness for good benefits. ) I went off work early, at 31 weeks as recommended by my Dr. I think I could have worked a little longer, but luckily in Canada, I can take a medical leave if my Dr agrees. Just do your best to eat and drink and get your feet up as often as you can. It's tough, you're not alone!
-
I'm a teacher, and standing most of the day (although nothing like what it sounds like you have to do!) During my last pregnancy, my OB suggested compression socks. I was dubious, but I bought a pair of Sockwell compression knee socks. They helped so much with the swelling of the later part of my pregnancy. I've continued to wear them even post-pregnancy.
-
@MrsB2012: Yes there are many times when I just want to cry, but I know if I start I won't be able to stop!
@betsy616: I haven't had swelling yet, but I'm definitely going to get some socks or something for when it's starts.
-
amazed by all of you here on your feet constantly pregnant! I am so exhausted and can hardly keep up with my toddler at home and at least I can lay down here and there quite often. You ladies are amazing!
-
@MrsMccarthy: Yeah most of the time at work I feel like I'm dragging a sack of bricks behind me.
Reply
Subscribe to our newsletter
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
21 comments