Public speaking in first trimester

[CaffeinatedLondoner]

Hi all,
Now this is a bit of a rogue one, but I'm hopefully seeking positive stories from others about going through challenging work situations in pregnancy. I'm speaking at a national conference next week as one of the principle speakers. I found out I was pregnant the other week and ever since I'm been so panicked that I'm going to throw up when I'm on stage in front of everyone. I think it's irrational as, even though I've had nausea on and off, I haven't been sick. I would just love to hear some reassuring stories (or just someone calmly telling me I'm being an idiot!).
Massive thanks in advance.

I had a horrible first trimester but also my highest performing quarter at work...I felt so awful, work focused me and I could do nothing else anyway. Adrenaline powered me through some of the most crucial moments. I'd recommend booking a day off here and there so you can get proper rest too. I really needed some duvet days among all the other stuff happening.

You'll be fine the adrenaline will get you through! I was always more nauseous on an empty stomach so have something plain to eat an hour or so before your presentation.

Also would be a good idea to book a day's holiday after the conference if you can to build up your energy reserves.

I’ve had two babies and not been sick in either pregnancy

I had horrendous nausea! However, whenever I was focused on important work things I felt it distracted me. As soon as I got home I would be back in bed, and spent weekends lounging or in bed feeling unwell! As a pp said, it might be worth booking the next day off if possible so you can relax the next day! Good luck, hope it goes well xx

I was worried about this (in a lecturing role) but thankfully didn’t have bad sickness - just felt very nauseous if hungry so made sure to eat plenty in the mornings and top up before a session. The thing I found hard was breathlessness! It’s some hormonal thing at that stage, not like a big baby is squeezing against lungs as later on. I had to consciously slow down my speech, pause more, and the best thing was to sit down. Just make sure you don’t do anything else to worsen it, eg running late and rushing! Good luck with pregnancy, and work :)

How is this remotely helpful? Would you like a medal?

If, and it's unlikely to be an issue, you were to be sick, you would probably realise it time to quickly nip off the stage. Noone would mind, these things happen. Speakers are humans not robots.

I had incredibly severe morning sickness but used to manage to hold it for a moment t if I needed to (eg when sorting out toddler son)

Ah I'm a lecturer, too! Yes, the breathlessness is quite a shock... I'm so pleased I found you ❤thanks so much for the tips!

Because she says she hasn’t been sick. I was saying it to show it’s possible she may not be sick at all

I do public speaking nearly every day and found I felt awful immediately before and after but was fine during - I guess as I was distracted? - so I'd recommend having an exit route planned and maybe tell the organiser?

As others have mentioned, breathlessness is my biggest issue and was from early on, so remind yourself to slow down and maybe have some water available.

Hi all, thanks so much for your amazing advice! Just to say that I did this yesterday and it was a breeze – I took all your advice and honestly it kept me sane and calm! Thanks again <3

Go you, @CaffeinatedLondoner! In my experience much of pregnancy involves worrying about things that are then fine 😅 This may also be an academic’s curse…! Good luck with the coming weeks and months! X

I threw up from before I even knew I was pg to a few days after I gave birth at least once a day and lost 2 stone.
I spoke to groups of varying sizes around once a week and never once threw up during my presentation, I felt a bit rough while speaking but having something else to focus on certainly helped