A Real-Life Pregnancy: Week 10

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Photo Credit: Dean Lipoff

I don't know how or why, but my all-day sickness has left as quickly as it began! I realized it had happened when I found myself at work and had strayed from my usual morning routine. I had mapped out a plan of attack to keep that lovely nausea away: prenatal vitamins with orange juice, quick commute to work, hard-boiled egg within 10 minutes of arrival, and something with whole grains to follow.

Today the usual routine didn't happen, and I survived! There was no sitting down for a minute and concentrating on my breathing. No taking small sips of water to help the feeling go away. No hurried visit to the dreaded bathroom. It is over! I'm so happy to have my mornings (and the rest of my day) back!

Sharing the News with Workmates

This week I also decided it was time to do some talking at work. I'm a teacher at a small private school so I know my situation is a little different from many. I don't have a maternity leave clause in my contract; there isn't really a policy in place. I felt it was important to let my fellow teachers know so they wouldn't be confused about some of my new (and slightly odd) behaviors. Because I had been trying for a couple of years for this event to take place, they were excited and happy for me, but we had to keep it all hush-hush! I wasn't sure how to tell the boss yet!

I went home and did some research. I wanted to find out how the rest of the working women handle this and what my rights were in my state for maternity leave. I used my trusty computer to locate most of the information I needed, starting with my own state's website.

The Boss Lady

The next day I was nervous as I made my way to talk with my boss. I had learned most women plan on starting maternity leave four weeks before their due date and this actually coordinated with a school break that we have scheduled. I wasn't planning on returning after my allotted state-mandated time of six to eight weeks after the birth (my state gives six weeks for vaginal birth and eight weeks for a C-section) so wasn't greatly concerned about my job security as many other women are. I was more concerned about disturbing the flow of the small school I had been greatly connected to for the last five years and making sure it is a happy transition for everyone involved!

I felt the best way to move forward was to be honest and express what my expectations and desires were for the rest of the time I had with the school before my due date. My boss was understanding, but also sad knowing I would be changing my role at the school. We made a plan for the rest of the school year and for how to tell the parents after a couple more weeks. I was relieved and could feel a large amount of stress leaving me. We also talked about what type of role I would be interested in taking after the baby is born, or if I even wanted to return. I'm lucky to have a great boss who is willing to leave an open door for me when I am ready to make a decision about the future.

Sarah's Stats

Waist measurement: 33 inches
Weekly weigh-in: 153 pounds
My pregnancy advice for the week: You can't hide your pregnancy forever! Someone will figure it out at some point! Better if they hear the news from you.
Doctor's visit: None this week.

About the Photo: The above picture of the author was taken during her 10th week of pregnancy by Dean Lipoff.

Read the next installment: week 11