Whats a pregnant women to do to keep herself busy?

March 16, 2007 1:58 AM

Asking this on behalf of Mrs Rus who is 4 months pregnant and is bored. She had a job that she gave up at the start of the pregnancy as it involved lifting and was stressful but now she is pining for something to do.

Generally we've been trying to think of things that she can do in that she is currently doing an art class and has seen lots of friends but shes not very good at keeping herself occupied. Most of our friends work during the day as well. We've though about the local volunteer bureau and will speak to them however obvious issues we can see

1) Max really of 3-4 months if she went for a job
2) Can't lift things / do heavy physical work / be exposed to animals (in a general sence for fear of things like toxoplasmosis ) which is a shame as she loves them
3) Something that interacts with people so non-Internet based stuff
4) I'm self employed and work from home a lot but can work from my blackberry so I can take her places but can't afford to spend lots of many, many day trips out.
5) Would be nice to earn some money but not essential

Has anyone any idea of websites to visit, things to do or general things to keep her occupied for the short term.

In the UK if it helps

posted by rus to work & money (8 comments total)

How about: helping out in a local school; volunteering at a local charity shop; helping out in an old people's home; seeing if any local nurseries have part time jobs; getting a part time job in a supermarket/other shop/cafe; helping out at the local mothers group/sure start; offering babysitting services to new mums (might come back and repay her in a few months time).

You may have thought of these, but it's worth mentioning them anyway. What does she like to do?
posted by handee at 2:17 AM on March 16, 2007

Learn to knit! She can make baby booties for the wee one. Surprisingly easy and more gratifying than a boring scarf. Depending on where you are in the UK, she can probably find a knitting group. Don't worry, we're a nice bunch. :)
posted by like_neon at 2:22 AM on March 16, 2007

I'm sure local libraries would appreciate a volunteer, even just for a few months.
posted by Sprout the Vulgarian at 6:11 AM on March 16, 2007

If Mrs R intends to return to the same job after maternity leave, ask the company if there is anything she can do for them from home a few hours a weekn(or just occasionally). Keeping any sort of connection going makes the return to work easier, and may pay off in more flexibility of working terms.

Set up regular coffee mornings with other members of her ante-natal class/ National Childbirth Trust class. These friendships can make a huge difference in the new mum stage of life. And there is the possibility to set up days out with the other members of the group.

Employers are going to be chary of time off for sickness etc, so freelance work may be a more realistic aim. Even writing a series of free articles for the local parish magazine is gaining published experience. Likewise craft articles for a local charity sale can be market research for saleable work.

Some online groups centred on a favourite author or a particular craft technique can be very much a "people" activity. It just takes a bit of looking.
posted by Idcoytco at 6:20 AM on March 16, 2007

Fitness routine. Her body's about to do the hardest thing it's ever done, and preparing physically is crucial. Prenatal yoga is also good for this.
posted by judith at 7:34 AM on March 16, 2007

Seconding getting to know other pregnant women/new mothers in her classes.

I'll also put in a plug for my favorite hobby: genealogy. Now, while she has some free time, she could visit with her parents and your parents and any grandparents you might still have and record their memories of childhood. It'll will be a pleasant time for her to spend with her immediate family/support system, and it will be nice for the baby down the road to have a record of what the lives of it's grandparents and greatgrandparents were like.
posted by donajo at 8:18 AM on March 16, 2007

Mrs. Rus should look at this time as something really special. She should think about the things she enjoys doing and then spend the next few months doing those things. Once the baby comes, she will have very little time for herself. Get a haircut, a manicure, go shopping, enjoy the leisure because in 5 more months, it will be all over. I miss going to the movies - she could go see matinees if she likes. She could meet her girlfriends for lunch. These are things that won't happen, or won't be as relaxing or enjoyable once there's a little one.

I LOVE handee's idea of trading some babysitting for other moms. Even if the mom is in the house, having a pair of loving arms holding your baby while you take a shower or a nap is something priceless. And hopefully this would be repaid once your child comes.

Seriously - this is the last time for a very long time that she will be able to focus entirely on herself and what she needs and wants. Especially now in the second trimester, when she's probably feeling relatively good, I'd say, enjoy doing nothing or very little. My little guy is 8 months old and right now, that sounds heavenly to me.

Congratulations on your upcoming bundle of joy and best of luck!
posted by Kangaroo at 9:12 AM on March 16, 2007

Several years ago, a good friend of mine was in a similar situation. She was welcomed as a volunteer at a local veteran's hospital. She spent time just talking to some of the patients (many of whom hadn't had visitor for years), and helping out in the physiotherapy department. All the patients were interested in her pregnancy as it progressed, and after her daughter was born, she ended up taking her back to the hospital for semi-regular visits.
posted by Oriole Adams at 7:18 PM on March 16, 2007