working with morning/day sickness

[kach]

hi all.. i just wanted to know any tricks and tips that people had to overcome the morning/day sickness while at work.. i havent been able to go to work lately because the nausea feeling is so bad i lose concentration on work..

is it possible to get fired for taking too many days off from pregnancy symptoms?

[LuluHB]

Its really hard to cope some days isn't it. I lived on ginger nut biscuits, diet coke and Red Rooster chips for the few few months with my DD because that was all that would settle my stomach. I ended up being so sick that I worked only part time - was lucky that I had employers who were very understanding and were happy to just see me when they saw me.

I know its early in your pregnancy, but if you're struggling I would be inclined to talk to your boss and just explain what's going on. Most people are very understanding if they know you're pregnant, not just slacking off. Hopefully your m/s won't last too long and you can get back to normal.

[mumrach]

I know that it can be overwhelming!! i agree that you should discuss the situation with your boss, they may be agreeable to you only doing half days, work at home, or part-time until your m/s eases off a bit. GL with it all. I have found eating small amounts through the day helps, and sitting still for a little bit after eating. Also plenty of sleep, I go to bed at 8:00pm and don't get out till 8:00am, Mind you I have to make sure everything is done in that time frame, but more sleep seems to help me a bit.

[morgan78]

anything with ginger in it. I had the lovely all day nausea and struggled but like mumrach said little & often, make sure you have a couple of crackers or something before getting out of bed in the morning. I even put pickled ginger on my sandwiches.

[mrscricket]

Poor you! I had to take 6 full weeks off work because of morning sickness, and still had it when I went back. Just make sure everyone is aware that you might need to make a sudden dash to the loo or closest bin (did that a few times!). I tried everything from sea sickness bands to acupucture and a natropath and nothing worked for me. I found salty foods helped - I lived on salt and vinegar chips, and coke. I felt really bad because you feel like you should be eating so healthy for the baby, but it just wasn't possible. I kept icy poles in the freezer at work, and also found sour lollies eased it a bit - like those sour snakes. I don't think they can sack you.. really not sure, but I assume there must be some law against it. Good luck with it all.
We didn't want to tell anyone until we were 12 wks but had to tell my bosses at 6 weeks - apart from the fact it was a bit obvious from how sick i was. They were really understanding and greatful i was honest

[belfie]

Totally agree with what the others have said, having your boss understand can make a big difference. I had to stay at home for 3 weeks (working from home) for other reasons in my first trimester, and I must admit, the food was soooo much easier to manage at home. Thrilled to hear others lived on chips & coke too! I'd been worrying that I didn't crave healthy stuff! I also went for lemon & ginger tea, marshmallows, breakfast IN bed before you get up makes a HUGE difference (my DH reckons he did that for 70 days lol!). Toast with a lemon/ginger tea was my routine. Plus eating small & often. I couldn't cope with a big meal at all.

Other things to try: pressing the acupuncture points on your wrist, smelling (not necessarily eating!) lemon, acupuncture itself (from someone reputable with PG) all helped me.... and just eating WHATEVER I felt like regardless of whether other people thought i was bonkers.

And totally agree, often your boss might guess anyway, so may feel appreciative if you come to them for a little support/understanding and together you can work out the best way to manage it.
Good luck with it!!

[Claire_A]

I agree that talking to your boss is the best idea. I'm in the same boat as you - I'm actually home sick today - and know how much of a struggle it can be. I don't really have any suggestions as nothing has helped me, but just wanted you to know that you have a sympathetic ear here!

Hope things improve soon.

[Chocaholic]

I found ginger beer did wonders for me. Also gingernut biscuits.

As mentioned previously, try and eat something before you get out of bed, preferably before you sit up if you can. At leastthat worked for me.

[Karina]

They cant really fire you. Maybe you could let your boss know that your are pregnant. Chances are they might already have worked it out. But maybe you could let them know, just so they know whats going on and to be understanding of your situation.

I had horrible sickness too. I just sat at my desk at ate arrowroot bickies and drank camomile tea all day, and every hour or so rushed to the bathroom to spew!

I was really vague for a few weeks as well, but that passed. Then it came back in the last few weeks of my pregnancy.

Hope you feel better soon.