work related ?

Im only 8 weeks pregnant. My boss has been asking me today about traveling to trade shows this summer when ill be 7 and 8 months along. trade shows involve long hours and standing on your feet. do you think this is something i will be able to handle in the 7th month/8th month, or would it be reasonable to ask not to do these once i announce? Not sure how you feel during those last two months.

work related ?

Each person is different. I def would not have been able to. I was taken out of work at the beginning of the 3rd tri. But my sis was pregnant at the same time and she would have been able to. THere is really no way to tell.

Re: work related ?

Personally, I wouldn't have been able to do it. I worked out through my 36th week of pregnancy but standing at a tradeshow (I've done many in my time!) would have been too much. Your feet and back might hurt after 30 minutes, and then what? You'll get out of breath easily when the baby is pushing on your lungs or have to pee constantly when s/he is on your bladder. The thought of setting up a booth, talking to potential clients all day and standing for hours on end, is just not something I'd do in my 3rd trimester. There were some days I just couldn't bring myself to get off the couch!

Also, if you have to fly/travel far to any of these TS, then I'd definitely say no. I'd probably be honest with my boss now (or in a few weeks if you can wait) and ask him to find a replacement for those TS.

work related ?

The trade shows are in Chicago and Seattle... so id definitely have to fly, stay at a hotel for a few days, alone.

Re: work related ?

I could do it physically. I've continued exercising throughout the pregnancy and I am in good shape. However, I've noticed that when I have to do things like that at this point (34w) it really takes an emotional toll on me. You just don't feel as good doing it as you did pre-pregnancy. Getting exhausted and having to keep on pushing, even though I can keep on pushing from a physical standpoint, makes me want to cry. But maybe I'm just crazy - hahaha.

Re: work related ?

work related ?

Most doctors don't recommended flying in the third tri, so that might nix that right there. If you are OK to travel, it will really depend on your comfort level. I'd stall him as long as possible.

work related ?

My job involved trade shows too...I was able to attend a few but by the time I was 7 months along it was just too much to be on your feet all day...and add the traveling to it I would say you should skip the trade shows and your boss should understand that - mine did.

work related ?

Thanks everyone -- this makes me feel better. I def want to skip, but dont want to sound like a complainer!