3. Reduce Stress 

There is nothing like impending motherhood to place your world into perspective. Your commitment to work now has to be shared with the need to look after yourself and your growing baby. Reducing stress is extremely important during pregnancy. 

Recent studies suggest that stress during pregnancy can have a damaging effect on your baby's health in later life. The level of stress needs to be excessive to do any harm, but reducing all kinds of stress is a good idea. Most jobs carry some stress and we wouldn't be achieving much without it, but pay close attention to your diet and make an effort to exercise several times a week to help counter the effects of a stressful job. 

Take time out from work, from family, even from a busy social life. Slow down during your pregnancy and enjoy time to yourself and your baby. Take a yoga class; take a walk each day; or simply put your feet up and listen to your favourite music for at least one hour each day.

4. Dealing with Colleagues

No matter how in control you like to think you are, mood swings do happen during pregnancy. You can feel on top of the world one minute and want to break down and cry when there are no biscuits left in the kitchen the next. 

Mood swings are caused by mysterious pregnancy hormones and can spring up on you unannounced. Try to keep your calm at work at all times. Go out for a walk or distance yourself by making a phone call if you're feeling distressed. Try not to let inevitable mood changes give anybody in the office an excuse to label you irrational. 

Don't talk about the details of your pregnancy at work. Remain professional and you will be treated with respect throughout your nine months. Unfortunately, there are some who believe a pregnant woman is public property. 

Don't be afraid to let people know that remarks about your pregnancy are not appropriate and that to touch your stomach is unacceptable.

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