27 weeks pregnant and sitting long hours at desk

[ai38]

I work a full-time desk job during the day and in the evenings I have to spend few hours again at the desk for my side hustle. Unfortunately, I have to continue like this till the baby comes as money is tight.

Recently, sitting at the desk is becoming more and more tiring. What do you suggest? I have seen people using a gym ball and I know that these are used in preparation for vaginal birth or during labour but will they help with pains and aches of sitting for long hours? Are they more comfortable than office chairs?

I am going to have a c-section so the only reason I would be investing in them is if they help with long hours of desk work.

It’s definitely worth trying an exercise ball, or a wobble cushion. Stops you being static in one position for too long. I found the wobble cushion particularly helpful when I was stuck doing admin during COVID because I wasn’t allowed to see patients! It’s easier to carry about too.

Try to get up and move around as often as you can. Little comfort breaks every 30 minutes or so to stretch your legs and have a wiggle will help.

Has your work done a pregnancy assessment, and checked that your workstation is properly set up and adjusted?

If not, get that underway asap and talk to them about what difficulties you are having. They should provide reasonable adjustments (more breaks, more supportive chair, things that put screen and keyboard at optimal heights)

A gym ball is unlikely to be tall enough to make working at an ordinary desk possible (unless it's raised somehow, but then I doubt you'd be able to wriggle, so what's the point? A cushion would do much the same if you just need something softer).

It might be worth trying those ergonomic kneel upon chairs, but that might take a bit of getting used to.

I think you're working full time plus a side hustle and this is why you're tired! A gym ball won't change this!

I'm 30 wks and just moved to my gym ball today. It is fine for my desk at home. I feel it helps with me not slouching & not giving me a sore back so far anyway. But I'm still having regular breaks. If the house is empty I will also move to diff rooms, that was helping.

As above - take breaks often & exercise ball helped a lot for me.Yoga helps a lot too if you don’t already do this.