Morning sickness, scientifically termed as hyperemesis gravidarum, is part and parcel of pregnancy for most women. In the majority of cases, it strikes during the early months of pregnancy and subsides by the end of the first trimester.
In some women, however, it might carry on throughout their pregnancy. Either way, morning sickness can be quite a downer during pregnancy for it leaves women feeling sick and weak. It’s one matter to have to deal with it at home, but what if it strikes while you’re at work?
If you happen to find yourself having to contend with this situation, this article might be of help!
Commuting to work when you’re feeling sick
When you’re experiencing morning sickness, it’s always best to be prepared, for it may strike at any time, even during your commute to and from work. First and foremost, if your spell of morning sickness has been leaving you feeling weak or unwell, resist trying to drive to work yourself. The constant need to vomit itself makes it unsafe for you to drive anywhere safely. You can avoid untoward incidents by taking the public transport instead, such as the train or Grabcar, and keep your handphone fully charged and on standby in case of any emergencies.
Regardless of how you get to and from work though, the aim is to arrive safely at your destination amidst morning sickness. Whether or not you can use alternate transportation, here are some ways to get through the commute:
- Keep some ice water handy – carry some ice water with you in a bottle to help settle your stomach when needed. It can also be used to wash your face, rinse your mouth, etc. More importantly, water will also help you keep hydrated throughout your commute.
- Get more fresh air! This simple remedy works wonders to help subside that nauseating feeling.
- Where’s that bag? – Keep motion sickness bags with you at all times so that you’ll be ready during a vomiting spell while you’re on the way to or from work.
- Don’t rush! – Start your journey earlier than usual so that you’ll have extra time to pull over to face an emergency wave of nausea or vomiting.
Possible complications due to severe morning sickness
Morning sickness is characterized by nausea and vomiting, with potential complications which include:
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
- Electrolyte imbalance
Surviving workdays with morning sickness
Having to deal with vomiting spells at work can be disheartening and perhaps even exhausting too. The key is to remind yourself that it’s not permanent and that in time, this too shall pass. While doing so, here are some other ideas that may be helpful.
- Have a stock of sick bags ( or motion sickness bags) and keep them in an easily accessible place. It will never do to be unprepared if the need to throw up creeps on you unexpectedly, especially when you’re at the workplace.
- Some women find placing a cool towel on their forehead helps to eradicate nausea. If it’s the same for you, keep one handy in a cooler.
- What kind of food/snack helps to squelch that queasiness? Keep them handy to munch on whenever the need arises. Some popular choices that seem to work for pregnant women are saltine crackers, crystalised ginger, fresh-fruit popsicles, etc.
- Try moving around for a bit. Sometimes, all it takes is some fresh air to keep that queasiness at bay.
- Know where to head to when a vomiting spell strikes. If you happen to have your own office, you can quietly shut the door. However, if you work in a cubicle, or are surrounded by co-workers, you’ll have to think up ways that will allow you quicker access to the restroom or a private, enclosed spot when you need to. Talk to your office mates about this – perhaps someone will be willing to trade cubicles with you for the time being for this purpose?
- Keep reminding yourself that this will pass in time – it will help you get through the misery of feeling sick.
Some work ethics to keep in mind
Whether or not you’re having morning sickness, throwing up is still throwing up and it will leave you with vomit-breath! To help you freshen-up quickly, have a morning sickness kit or bag at hand, and ensure it contains the following:
- A toothbrush, toothpaste, and/or mouthwash.
- Face towelettes or tissues to clean up.
- Natural aromatherapy like lemon, peppermint, or lavender essential oil spray to boost your mood.
- Extra makeup for touch-ups when needed
