Writing During Pregnancy: 5 Tips to Make Things Easier

Freelance writing has many perks, but paid vacation days usually aren't one of them. It isn't uncommon to see moms-to-be plugging away on their laptops during pregnancy, frantically publishing articles, blog posts, and eBooks to earn money for the little one on the way. These expectant mothers battle cankles, nausea, mood swings, and energetic toddlers as they craft clever phrases and thought-provoking commentaries. Writing during pregnancy is rarely easy, but there are ways to make things more bearable.

Have Somebody Proofread Your Work

If this is your first pregnancy, you may not know that hormones aren't just responsible for teary eyes and mood swings. These chemicals also affect the function of your brain, and Newsweek reports that more than 80 percent of women experience cognitive issues during pregnancy. If your brain feels a bit foggy, blame hormones and ask a friend or fellow writer to proofread your blogs and articles - at least for the next 40 weeks. This will help prevent rewrite requests from clogging up your inbox.

Take Frequent Breaks

It's tempting to spend hours pounding away on your keyboard, but avoid doing this. If you have workaholic tendencies, you probably feel like breaks affect your productivity levels. They don't, unless your friends have nicknamed you The Unstoppable Preggo. Failure to step away from the keyboard once in awhile can cause swollen feet, back pain, and carpal tunnel - especially if you are pregnant.

Tell Your Clients What's Going On

It's something many freelancers fear: telling clients that they might be out of commission for a few days or even weeks. You have to do it, though. Yes, a few jerks might get upset and replace you with another writer, but many clients will be happy that you let them know what was going on. Telling clients about your pregnancy is especially important if you are having a difficult pregnancy, and are worried that you might miss a few deadlines. You might be pleasantly surprised by how flexible some of your clients are.

Get a Comfortable Chair

You might think your chair is comfortable now, but wait until you hit your second or third trimester. If your chair and desk aren't ergonomically-friendly, you'll definitely feel the pain soon. Don't worry if you can't afford a new chair; a few strategically placed pillows under your bottom and behind your back can make your writing career much easier to manage during pregnancy.

Prop Up Your Feet

Swollen ankles keep you from wearing your favorite high heels, but they also can cause pain or discomfort. Swelling during pregnancy is linked to decreased circulation, which can lead to all sorts of unpleasant problems. Use a stool or firm box to prop up your feet while you work. You'll feel much better at the end of the workday.

We all have different reasons for working during pregnancy. Your role as a mother begins long before your little one is born, so make the next nine months easier on yourself by incorporating a few small changes into your freelance writing routine.