What to expect when you're expecting (77 page)

It’s probably a good idea to take early leave, if possible, from a job that requires frequent shift changes (which can upset appetite and sleep routines, and worsen fatigue); one that seems to exacerbate any pregnancy problems, such as headache, backache, or fatigue; or one that increases the risk of falls or other accidental injuries. But the bottom line: Every pregnancy, every woman, and every job is different. Together with your practitioner, you can make the decision that’s right for your situation.

With all the changes going on in your life (like your growing belly and the ever-expanding responsibilities that come with it), it may seem counterintuitive to want to add another to your list. But there are dozens of valid reasons why an expectant mom might consider a job change. Maybe your employer isn’t family friendly and you’re concerned about balancing career and motherhood when you return from maternity leave. Maybe the commute is too long, the hours inflexible, or the grind all-consuming. It could be that you’re bored or not fulfilled (and, hey—change is in the air anyway, so why not make the most of it?). Or perhaps you’re worried that your current workplace might be hazardous to you and your developing baby. Whatever your reason, here are some things to consider before you make a job move:

Looking for work takes time, energy, and focus, three things you may be
lacking these days as you concentrate on having a healthy pregnancy. Typically, you’ll be asked to come in for several interviews and meetings before an offer is made (and if you’re already suffering from pregnancy forgetfulness, forming the kind of sentences that make a good impression may be challenging). Starting a new job also demands a great deal of concentration (all eyes are on you, so you have to be extra careful not to make mistakes), and you should be certain you have the stamina and commitment to take these steps.

Before you jump ship, you’ll need to be sure the new job you’re seeking out is really all it’s cracked up to be (in your mind, at least). Does the company you’re smitten with offer twice as much vacation time but charge double for health insurance. Do they allow people to work from home yet expect them to be on call morning, noon, and night? Are the salaries far higher and, likewise, the travel demands? Keep in mind that what looks like a great job now may not be so great when you’re juggling it with new-baby care (your home life will be a lot more complicated, so you might not want your workplace life to be). Also bear in mind that companies often offer fewer paid short-term disability days or pay a lower percentage of your salary during leave if you have been employed for less than one year.

By law, your potential employer has no right to ask whether you’re pregnant (if it isn’t already obvious), nor can he or she deny you an offer in light of the news. Still, some companies simply can’t bring you on and let you leave so quickly. And not all employers appreciate what they consider to be a bait-and-switch strategy (you tell them you want to work there, then after you begin, you tell them you’ll be out on maternity leave). So though it may be smart in the short run to keep your pregnancy a secret as you interview, it may damage your relationship with the company in the end. On the other hand, sometimes it’s better to secure the offer first and then discuss the future once you know the company wants to hire you—but before you accept the position.

Unfair Treatment at Work

Think you’re being treated unfairly on the job because of your pregnancy? Don’t just sit there, do something. Let someone you trust—your supervisor, someone in human resources—know how you feel. If that doesn’t fix the problem, see if there is a procedure for employees to follow in the case of pregnancy discrimination (you can probably find it in your employee handbook, if there is one). If that still doesn’t work, contact the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (
eeoc.gov
) to find your local office. They’ll be able to help you determine if you have a legitimate complaint.

Remember to keep records of everything that’ll bolster your claim (copies of e-mails, letters, a diary of events). This paper trail will also be helpful in case you ever need to contact an attorney.

What if you started a new job before you found out you were pregnant? Be up front about what happened, and then get down to the business of doing your job to the best of your expectant ability. Just make sure you know your rights about job security should the situation take a negative turn.

F
INALLY, THE BEGINNING OF THE
second trimester—which, for many pregnant women, is the most comfortable of the three. And with the arrival of this momentous milestone (one down, two to go!) come some welcome changes. For one, most of the more pesky early pregnancy symptoms may be gradually easing up or even disappearing. That queasy cloud may be lifting (which means that food may actually smell and taste good for the first time in a long time). Your energy level should be picking up (which means you’ll finally be able pick yourself up off the sofa), and your visits to the bathroom should be dropping off. And though your breasts will likely still be super-size, they’re less likely to be super-tender. Another change for the better: By the end of this month, the bulge in your lower abdomen may be looking less like the remains of a large lunch and more like the beginnings of a pregnant belly.

Week 14
Beginning in the second trimester, fetuses (like the children they’ll eventually become) start growing at different paces, some faster than others, some more slowly. Despite the differences in growth rates, all babies in utero follow the same developmental path. This week, that path is leading
your baby—who is about the size of your clenched fist—toward a straighter position as the neck is getting longer and the head more erect. And on top of that cute little head, your baby might actually be sprouting some hair. Eyebrow hair is also filling in about now, as is body hair, called lanugo. Don’t worry, it’s not permanent. This downy coating of hair is there to keep your baby warm for now—like a furry blanket. As baby fat accumulates later on in your pregnancy, most of that hair will be shed—though some babies, especially those born early, still have a temporary fuzzy coating at delivery.

Your Baby, Month 4

Week 15
Your baby, who measures 4½ inches this week and weighs around 2 to 3 ounces, is about the size of a navel orange. Looking more and more like the baby you’re picturing in your dreams, his or her ears are positioned properly on the sides of the head (they used to be in the neck), and the eyes are moving from the side of the head to the front of the face. By now your baby has the coordination, strength, and smarts to wiggle his or her fingers and toes and even suck a thumb. But that’s not all your baby can do now. He or she can also breathe (or at least make breathing movements), suck, and swallow—all in preparation for the big debut and life outside the womb. And though it’s unlikely that you’ll be feeling any movements from your little one this week, your baby is certainly getting a workout—kicking, flexing, and moving those arms and legs.

Week 16
With a whopping weight of anywhere from 3 to 5 ounces and a length (crown to rump) of 4 to 5 inches, your baby is growing up fast. Muscles are getting stronger (you’ll start to feel movement in a few weeks), especially the back muscles, enabling your little one to straighten out even more. Your baby-to-be is looking more and more adorable, with a face that has eyes (complete with eyebrows and eyelashes) and ears in the right spots. What’s more, those eyes are finally working! Yes, it’s true: Your baby’s eyes are making small side-to-side movements and can even perceive some light, though the eyelids are still sealed. Your baby is also becoming more sensitive to touch. In fact, he or she will even squirm if you poke your belly (though you probably won’t be able to feel those squirms just yet).

Week 17
Take a look at your hand. Your baby is about palm-size now, with a crown-to-rump length of 5 inches and an approximate weight of 5 (or more) ounces. Body fat is beginning to form (baby’s fat, that is, though yours is probably forming pretty quickly these days, too), but your little one is still quite skinny, with skin that is practically translucent. This week, your baby is all about practice, practice, practice in preparation for birth. One important skill your baby is sharpening now: sucking and swallowing—to get ready for that first (and second … and third) suckle at breast or bottle. Your baby’s heart rate is regulated by the brain (no more spontaneous beats) and clocks in at 140 to 150 beats per minute (roughly twice your own heart rate).

More Baby

For week-by-week pics of your baby’s amazing development, go to whattoexpect.com.

As always, remember that every woman and every pregnancy is different. You may experience all of these symptoms at one time or another, or only a few of them. Some may have continued from last month; others may be new. Still others may be hardly noticed because you’ve become so used to them. You may also have other, less common, symptoms. Here’s what you might experience this month:

A Look Inside