Did you know that women, and disproportionately women of color, are on the front lines during every respiratory virus season? According to the Center for Economic Policy and Research, nearly two-thirds of frontline workers are women and people of color, who are overrepresented in industries such as: We know these workers are at risk, but what if they are … [Read more...] about Pregnancy & Contagious Illness: Know Your Rights in the Workplace!
pregnancy
Are My Unborn Baby and I at Risk from COVID-19?
Here is what I have been telling my patients: There is a lot we do not know about COVID-19, but it seems to be similar to the flu in many respects. Precautions that pregnant women should take include avoiding travel by plane, avoiding crowds, and avoiding exposure to people who are ill. Frequent handwashing is important as the virus may reside on inanimate objects, such as … [Read more...] about Are My Unborn Baby and I at Risk from COVID-19?
Why Friendship Matters (and How That Changes While Pregnant!)
According to a study from UCLA, women may not respond to stress with the popularly referred to “fight-or-flight” mechanism, but rather, with a “tend-and-befriend” mechanism. In other words, women typically rely on friend networks to cope with difficult situations and times of change. Finding out that you’re pregnant means that you’re about to go through a lot of changes, and … [Read more...] about Why Friendship Matters (and How That Changes While Pregnant!)
How to Work with Grandparents
Children develop self-esteem and feel secure about the world through the love they receive by the adults around them. Grandparents can be wonderful assets. Not only can they be occasional caretakers, but they might also offer knowledge and comfort to you and to your baby. No matter what kind of relationship you may have with your parents, children will change the … [Read more...] about How to Work with Grandparents
Should I Be Worried about a Zika Infection?
You have probably heard of a mosquito transmitted virus called Zika, which has been associated with severe birth defects when pregnant women have been affected, and you may wonder how much of a risk this poses to you and your unborn baby. Although infection with the virus has been associated with babies born with a small head and brain abnormalities (microcephaly) in some … [Read more...] about Should I Be Worried about a Zika Infection?
Labor and Delivery Q&A
So, you are going to have a baby. As excited as you are, picturing your baby in your arms, you are likely somewhat anxious about what you will experience in order to get there! That is natural. It can be hard to picture how your baby will get from “in there” to “out here.” But don’t worry; your body was designed for this. You are tougher than you know! And the rewards at the … [Read more...] about Labor and Delivery Q&A
5 Tips for Going to Work While Pregnant
If you decide you want to continue going to work—whether for personal or financial reasons, know that it is entirely possible to do so! These tips will teach you how to manage some possible discomforts during pregnancy so you are able to have the happiest and healthiest work experience possible: Tip #1: Snack, Snack, Snack — and Drink H2O! One of the most common side … [Read more...] about 5 Tips for Going to Work While Pregnant
Maternity Leave and Your Career Path
Maternity leave, also known as parental leave, is a time to relax and prepare for your new baby, as well as care for your child after he or she arrives. The following tips may be useful in finding an agreement that works for you, your employer, and your new child. Estimate How Much Leave You Will Need One of the first things your employer will ask you is how much time you … [Read more...] about Maternity Leave and Your Career Path
Keeping Up with Your Prenatal Health
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it is also a time to be focused on staying healthy—not only for you, but also for the child who is growing within you. It is possible to take care of both yourself and your baby while also keeping the costs down. Before the baby comes—and if possible, before you become pregnant—talk to your doctor about your health status, and get … [Read more...] about Keeping Up with Your Prenatal Health
4 Tips for Dealing with Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is a common negative effect of pregnancy. Here are some tips for dealing with morning sickness: Sleep Well, Eat Healthily, and Keep Up Your Fluids Give yourself plenty of time to get out of bed, eating something in the morning so that you have food in your stomach, drinking lots of fluids, avoiding spicy and greasy foods right before bed. Sipping a … [Read more...] about 4 Tips for Dealing with Morning Sickness
How Do I Tell My Parents I’m Pregnant?
Preparation for Delivering the News First, allow yourself to feel your own reaction to your pregnancy. It is common to have a range of emotions, and for feelings to evolve during a pregnancy. Second, think about good—not perfect—timing, like after dinner, not when your dad’s team is losing on TV, when your mom just had a super bad day at work, or they are having a … [Read more...] about How Do I Tell My Parents I’m Pregnant?
Taking Care of Yourself While Pregnant in College
While pregnant, you have a higher need for vitamins and minerals, so eating nutritious food is more important than ever. Choose foods high in nutrients, avoid added sugars and saturated fats, and consider taking prenatal vitamins and supplements. For prenatal care options, talk to your general practitioner or visit a FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center) for more … [Read more...] about Taking Care of Yourself While Pregnant in College
How to Interview for Jobs When Pregnant
Being pregnant can add new urgency to finding a job and will often change your priorities in your job search. It is unethical and illegal for a potential employer to ask if you are pregnant or to discriminate against you because of it. If you are asked about it or feel you have been discriminated against, you can report it to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. … [Read more...] about How to Interview for Jobs When Pregnant
How to Talk to Your Employer About Your Pregnancy
THE FACTS: Talking to your Employer about a Pregnancy What the Law Says: Your Rights The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) forbids discrimination based on pregnancy when it comes to any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, fringe benefits—such as leave and health insurance—and any other term or condition of … [Read more...] about How to Talk to Your Employer About Your Pregnancy