Pregnancy seems like an additional full-time job on top of the corporate work most mums already have. While most women are given more desk-bound roles during their pregnancy phase, the biggest challenge is battling fatigue, a growing belly, and nausea, especially during the first trimesters.
Hence, it is vital that you adopt a healthier diet consisting of a good mix of vegetables and fruits while avoiding processed foods as much as possible. Additionally, as you proceed further into your pregnancy, your current work or study setup may also cause you pain or discomfort. It is even more imperative that you observe healthy ergonomic habits while pregnant.
To help you achieve the best setup to fit your growing belly, we have compiled a couple of ergonomic tips.
1. Keep your wrists above your keyboard
It is common for pregnant mums to experience carpal tunnel syndrome during their third trimester. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition that causes the individual to experience weakness, tingling, numbness, and pain in the wrist and hand. It usually goes away once the baby is born. The condition occurs because of fluid retention during pregnancy, resulting in increased pressure on the median nerve within the wrist.
Ensuring that your wrists are in a neutral position and not resting on the keyboard helps keep your forearms, wrists, and hands in a straight line.
2. Use a footrest
Pregnancy increases the risk of developing swelling of the feet and blood clots. We highly recommend you get added support by using a footrest. Elevating your feet also helps to reduce swelling and discomfort, making your time at your desk more comfortable.
3. Keep everything you need within reaching distance
During the final few months of your pregnancy, your reach might reduce by at least 30cm. That means additional difficulty in reaching your phone, mouse, or keyboard. The added distance also means having to stretch your arm forward, resulting in increased strain on your back, shoulders, and arms. With the added body weight due to your pregnancy, the overall body weight shifts forward, resulting in unnecessary pressure placed on your lower back.
To reduce unnecessary strain and pressure on your body, move your essential objects closer to you.
4. Get moving to get a boost in energy
Prolonged seating is already bad for your ergonomic health when not pregnant. It only gets worse during pregnancy. Hence, incorporating some form of activity will help keep your blood circulating, which helps reduce fatigue and swollen hands and ankles. You do not have to do vigorous exercise. Even as simple as walking can help. In fact, we have compiled 10 desk-based exercises that you can do.
You also can enjoy additional benefits, such as reduced complications and risk during delivery.
Conclusion
It is vital to take care of your body’s ergonomics whether you are pregnant or not. Maintaining healthy work and study ergonomics ensures a comfortable and pain-free time at your desk. At takeAseat, we care about your ergonomics. Whether you browse our online store or shop at our Ubi furniture shop or Woodlands furniture shop, we offer a ton of ergonomic products, from ergonomic keyboards and footrests to height-adjustable desks and ergonomic chairs.
Find out more about what we can offer you at https://www.takeaseat.sg/ today!
