Working Moms-to-Be: How to Remain Professional When You're Not Feeling Well

Here are a few general tips on how to remain professional if you find yourself not feeling well or if you're too uncomfortable to continue activities that involve coworkers:

• Try to sit near the door at all meetings—formal and informal—so you can slip out unobtrusively should the need arise.
• If you're in a small meeting and cannot slip out, always excuse yourself and leave, rather than suffering through the meeting. If you stay, you'll be unable to concentrate, your coworkers will probably notice that something is wrong, and you may disrupt the meeting. While most coworkers will understand, some will not. Always be as professional as possible. If you re giving a presentation, use this as an opportunity to take a short breath. Tell your coworkers to take a minute to grab a cup of coffee, stretch, and so forth.
• Keep a box under your desk, and if possible, put your feet up while working. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
• Always be prepared. Keep an emergency kit with supplies in your desk. The list in Creating a More Comfortable Workspace During Pregnancy will provide you with a complete list of what you might need.