Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting and joyful times in a woman’s life, yet for caregivers, it can also be one of the most trying. After all, it takes a lot of energy and dedication to manage work responsibilities, including care for children, while juggling morning sickness, fatigue, and loss of balance and concentration, not to mention all those changing hormones.

It can be done. With some extra effort and creativity, women who are pregnant can find a sense of balance and maintain their health while also staying committed to their role in childcare.

Although infrequent during the first few months, visits to your doctor will become routine and even lengthy as your delivery date nears. Such demands on your time can be difficult, particularly if your work in childcare cannot easily accommodate time off. If possible, try to schedule your appointments first thing in the morning. There is usually less wait time then, as doctors have had less time to get behind on their schedules.

If you go to a clinic for prenatal care, you might be able to schedule a late evening or weekend visit. Once you are comfortable with your doctor, discuss your scheduling issues to see if you can find a solution. Perhaps the physician’s assistant or a nurse practitioner can see you during times when the doctor is not available.

Handling morning sickness while working in childcare can be tough, particularly if you are hoping to delay sharing the news about your pregnancy. To combat the nausea often associated with early pregnancy, eat small amounts of food that you can tolerate (e.g., ginger snaps, lemon drops, or saltine crackers). It also is a good idea to have something in your stomach at the time your queasiness tends to occur.

If the queasiness turns to vomiting, it is wise to carry a portable toothbrush and toothpaste in your purse or travel bag. Wet wipes are also good for cooling off or cleaning your face. Consider leaving a small wastebasket or plastic container in your car, just in case.

As a caregiver, your work days are busy and taking breaks can be difficult. Take deep breaths when you are feeling stressed. Prop up your feet whenever possible.

Getting enough rest goes hand in hand with taking care of yourself nutritionally. Because getting through the work day requires so much energy, you will need to replenish yourself regularly with healthful snacks and plenty of water. Be sure to take your prenatal vitamins as well.

Caring for Children

If you work with children all day, you will need to take extra precautions, especially as you near your due date. For example, if you need to lift a child in your care, be sure your back is well supported and that you lift with your knees. Because heavy lifting can cause problems for women during all stages of pregnancy, defer this task to another coworker if possible.

Pregnant women also face the unpleasant side effect of a lowered immune system, making you more at risk of getting viruses such as colds, the flu, and even rubella. For this reason, it is important that all children in your care (including your own children) be immunized. Your doctor probably will recommend the flu shot if you are pregnant during the winter months. If you care for children on a regular basis, getting this protection is wise as is encouraging everyone around you to be immunized against the flu.

For many women, the fear of when they will go into labor--at the supermarket, in rush-hour traffic, or in the middle of story time with a group of preschoolers--is second only to the fear of labor itself. For this reason, it is important to have someone at work or nearby who can help you contact your partner or spouse, get you to the hospital, or simply keep you calm until help arrives.

For family providers who watch children by themselves, it is important to have several plans in place for the big event. For example, you might set up a phone tree so that the mothers will call each other when you go into labor.

Or you might arrange for back-up help in case a family cannot pick up a child as soon as they get your call. Better yet, consider taking a hiatus from childcare altogether during the last few weeks of pregnancy. The rest will do you good!

Being pregnant while working in a childcare setting can offer many positives for the young children in your care. You may find yourself receiving lots of advice from the mothers in your program! Parents also may be concerned that your pregnancy leave will be difficult for their children who will miss you while you are away.

Working in childcare while being pregnant can be an exciting time for you--and the children in your care.

Diona Reeves
Freelance writer and former employee of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Healthy Child Care America program

Baby Center, www.babycenter.com

Dr. Sears, www.askdrsears.com/html/1/T011900.asp

March of Dimes, www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/159_11488.asp

Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.com/health/pregnancy/WL00035