Work

Can I ask all you pregnant and recently pregnant ladies what you are doing about work? I did ask my Consultant and he said it was up to me, but he was concerned that I might just sit around home worrying.

I just know last time I felt so ill and pushed myself and feel so guilty about it now. I know all the studies say stress can't cause PE but surely not being stressed is better. I just don't know what to do- part of me says stay off and if anything does happen at least I've done all I can, but another part of me says just continue on as normal. When discussing it with family and friends some seem to think going off early is a good idea and some don't. By the way, I was thinking (if I do!) of going off at 20 weeks.

Just wondering what everyone else is doing/has done?

Emma

This is something I've debated too! I think i'm lucky because of teaching (like yourself!) I have finished work now until Sept 2010. Obviously I am on hol now but am hoping to either be signed off to rest by the doc or if he won't do it I'll start maternity leave in Sep. Looking back, I was so poorly last time. I was seriously swollen, dragging myself into work and feeling awful. I just do not need the extra pressure of a very hectic job when I need to concentrate on my baby! If I were you, 20 wks sounds like a good idea, I am really happy knowing that I don't need to get up in the morning!!
Lizzie

Hi Emma,

I've already stopped work. My GP signed me off orignially because my morning sickness ( or should i say all day sickness!) was bad until i was 16 weeks. But he believes i shouldn't be at work and my boss has said she doesn't want to see me back until the baby is born. I'm only 18 -5 at the moment. I've not been sitting worrying but taking time to get those little things done that i don't normally have time for.

If i was at work i would be worrying about hurting myself or the baby. Feel much more relaxed.

Best wishes

Bell.xx

I ended up finishing at 27 weeks again because I got a nasty cold and daughter no 1 was in hospital. I was signed off sick until 36 weeks when my holiday started and then m leave. Not working helped to a certain extent as I qas much calmer.

I will be staying at work as long as I can - partly from necessity (I've had to change jobs during this pregnancy, so I will not get any sick pay if I take time off -nor will I receive maternity pay and for thar reason I won't be able to stay off as long as I'd like after birth either). Though even if it wasn't financially necessary I think I would prefer to stay at work rather than spend my time at home stressing.

Of course, if I start to get sick this will have to change, so I am not really confident. I have managed to pass some of my work to supportive colleagues so my hours are not extreme now and I'm not feeling too stressed by work.

HI, I decided to work until 35 weeks- taking a risk as I never finished work last time before I delivered. However, work are fab and I'm winding down all the time. I usually work on home visits with children but I'm doing more and more desk work which is good. I'm also winding down in the hours I do each week so I'm taking lots of annual leave. Now I've got to 30 weeks I'm finding it easier working than being at home with a toddler as physical things wear me out.
Nicki

Thankyou for your replies ladies.

To be honest I'm still a bit torn about what to do, so think I'm just going to go back in Sept (I'm a teacher) and see how I feel. I know my GP said he'd sign me off early if I wanted and I am sort of tempted to do everything I can to keep myself as stress free as possible. Just don't know!

Thanks again
Emma