Most co-workers are pretty understanding about pregnancy, but you can make double sure that you’re pregnancy doesn’t become water-cooler fodder by following these rules.

Do excuse yourself gracefully: If a bout of morning (or afternoon sickness) hits and you’re at an important meeting, quietly get up and leave. Simply excuse yourself if you need to. One smart plan is to carry ginger drops with you to a meeting.

Don’t discuss gross stuff in the lunch area: Pregnancy does come with some icky topics and symptoms. Morning sickness, the constant peeing, and what about those mucous plugs!  Do not discuss this stuff in places like the staff lunch area, it’s just not good form.

Do use company time wisely: Reading baby care books or surfing baby name websites or even this blog are not good uses of company time. Don’t let your pregnancy get you into trouble.

Don’t use pregnancy as an excuse: You should absolutely get other people to lift heavy objects for you. You should avoid toxic workplace cleaners. However, you shouldn’t avoid basic work tasks because you’re tired, cranky, or otherwise in an odd place due to pregnancy. If you’re tired or sick, call in and stay home.

Do discuss other topics: Trust me, your baby shower gift choices are not as thrilling to others. Try to keep baby and pregnancy talk at a minimum (30% baby talk is fair IMO).

Later we’ll look at some more tips for surviving a pregnancy at the workplace….

Did a pregnant mama at your workplace ever do anything to annoy you?