How long to work before baby?

hbrooks88974

How long will you/did you work before you went on maternity leave? I am hoping to make it until she decided to come into the world.

Melissa72777

I am planning on working up until I go into labor as long as my doctor says it's ok. Luckily, my job does allow for the capability for me to work from home and my supervisor has agreed to let me work from home full time starting the two weeks prior to my due date up until LO arrives. I really want as much time for after LO is here as possible so if I can avoid taking any time prior I'm gonna do it.

lesleygosooners

I plan on working until I go into labor.

jackieoickle

I have a both physically and mentally demanding job; I work with individuals with disabilities. When I first got pregnant I said I plan on working up until baby decides to come. But the bigger I get the harder I find it to do simple things like bend down to put someone's shoes on.. So my next dr appt I'm going to see either to be put off or at least have my shifts shortened. Also my job is shift work so I do really mind the night shifts so I'm hoping I'll be able to go off those. I'm approx 30 weeks now, I'd really like to Work at Least until the end of January, I'm due around the end of February ( due date as changed 3 times so I'm not 100% sure of my dates ) anyway my point is don't be ashamed to leave work if you are really struggling, nothing to be ashamed of.

Tre Nichol

I also plan on working up until I go into labor but at my most recent appointment I was put on some restrictions. I travel A LOT for my job and my doctor put me on traveling restrictions due to issues I was having. I am now supposed to be in office only (even though my work hasn't been very cooperative!) I hope you are able to make it as long as you want to but remember do what's best for you and the baby

CopperT0p

I worked from home with DS in the last few weeks before labour.  This time I am working in the office until a week before my due date, then I will work the last week from home.  I'm then taking the last two weeks of January as my vacation for 2014 so I will be covered if this baby is late. 

SuperMom17

With. Y first two, I worked until I went in to labor. Just called in that morning and that was that. I have since Made the move to full time stay at home Mom, thus I am again working right up until labor yet again!

iverske9

I made it to about a week before, but I also had a paid week before due date of maternity leave that if I didn't I would loose it. I could have made it right up to it I think though

Zimger

Last time I made it until the day before. I'm hoping for the same this time around.

jessib10

First I suppose it depends if you have a state disability or any other type of disability that would cover your pregnancy. In California the state disability covers you, and states that for a normal pregnancy 4w prior to your EDD is covered. You may be able to get out on disability earlier depending on what your doctor thinks too. For me, in definitely taking the 4 weeks, potentially more as I'm already incredibly uncomfortable.

Jessy25

I worked the day I had my daughter, granted it was a surprise @ 36 weeks that I had her that evening. I wanted to have enough paid leave that I could have that time with my baby. I have a 2 hour round trip commute to work.

mrsseguin

I've had some pretty rough pregnancies...we are expecting #3 in feb.  With #1 I was off work at 28 weeks, #2 off at 32 weeks and I was taken off work yesterday at 33 weeks with this pregnancy.  I was really hoping to work longer, but it is what it is. 

mrst9

I work as a vocalist and I am still working, but the stress of performing has caused me to take fewer jobs.

cobi166

With my DS, I worked until the day I was unexpectedly induced.  With this one, I am at work and I am at 40 weeks+3 days.  It really depends on the type of job you have and whether or not you can physically and mentally handle the stress.  I supervise a great group of professionals, so they make my job much easier.

shaunessa

I run a small business, so I'm working all the way up until I go into labor...not fun!

karinak1977

I am planning/hoping to work up to 37 weeks.  I'm to the point where I'm ready to be off now.  I'm holding out because being in management I do not get the same leave coverage as other employees - me 6 weeks NDI, others 6 weeks NDI/SDI and 6 weeks Paid Family Leave.

chicki1012

I'm working until the end unless he comes early. My last day is a Friday 1/3. My due date is 1/5, Sunday.

ufsandra85

I'm working till the day of my c section

dglvrk2

I'm working until 2 days before my scheduled c-section (January 24th).  My mom and I are getting manis and pedis and having a nice lunch the day before.  I'm going on a date with DH the night before....That is, unless the babe decides to come early.  I have a couple of weeks off at Christmas.  I'm actually getting everying ready in case I do not make it back after Christmas/New Years this week.  It's crazy.....WHY am I on this board instead of working???

:-)

 

KariB509

I'm planning to work until I go into labor.
With DS I worked until the week before my due date. I ended up going into labor my third day in.

sgleit

I worked up to 39 weeks 2 days. I'm an elementary school art teacher which can be pretty tiring but I had an easy pregnancy and I love my job so I didn't mind. Now I'm 40 weeks 5 days and still no baby. If I knew he'd be late I'd have worked an extra week but there isn't much to do about it now. Everyone I talk to lately asks if the baby is here yet. Working would be a nice distraction. I'm bored to tears...

Kfran84

I worked until my due date, and just happened to go into labor on my due date. I needed to have an end date- I needed a deadline to finish things and stop beginning new projects!

I was the most uncomfortable at 36-37 weeks (I had a wicked cold too) but somehow the last three weeks were a breeze. I'm glad I didn't throw in the towel at 36 when I wanted to because it got better.

RedPeppah

With my first, my water broke a few hours after finishing out my shift at work. Same plan with this little one I think, but I'm going to tell the work I'm planning on going out at 39 weeks since they have a lot more paperwork to fill out and turn in than my last place of employment.

hbrooks88974

@kfran i'll keep that in mind! I am 36 weeks now and it's rough. I have zero room to move, breathe, etc. The only position I feel comfortable in is propped up on my side on the sofa. Driving is REALLY uncomfortable as well as sitting in a chair. I can suck it up and get through it, maybe it will get better those last few weeks. 

Emmy722

Up until I go into labor hopefully. My water broke with my son at work!

ziggy903

It really depends on what kind of job you have.
My job is very physical, lifting heavy boxes several times a day.. I simply became unable to do it properly. I was planning on quitting afterwards to be a sahm, which I suppose helped us decide to go earlier.
We were planning on my last day being at 32 weeks, but I was put on bed rest at 30 so it was decided for me.

Stephorse

I worked right up until labor. I worked on Thursday, had a doctor appointment on Friday and the doctor said I wouldn't make it through the weekend and sure enough I went into labor early Sunday morning, so my maternity leave with my first one didn't start until that Monday after his birth. I will do the same thing this time too.

cy1980

erind0213

last time I worked up until I had DD, this time I plan to do the same unless the dr. pulls me out sooner.

I see no point in sitting at home waiting for a baby to come unless its medically necessary. I would much rather spend my leave with my little one.

Gigi8212

I worked up until 37 weeks with dd and gave birth at 38 weeks. I was taken off of work due to high BP, and was induced for the same reason.

I hope to work up until the birth this time but I work retail and am on my feet all day. I am not sure how feasible it will be.

laurakaz13

I had a very healthy pregnancy, went into labor at work at 40 weeks, drove my hour commute home, then hung out all day until it was time to go to the hospital. 

calimama2007

I only freelance PT, but I just gave my notice. Too much to handle right now.

AshleyO925

How does this affect maternity leave? I was told I will only get 6 weeks so if I am out a week before the baby is due will I only have 5 weeks home with baby? Or were you able to extend leave because you could not perform your job functions anymore?

mcgeeva

If you go out before just because you want to be home early your maternity leave will start. If you have a flexible company and want to extend I'm sure they would work with you. But if your policy only offers 6 weeks they your most likely unpaid for any extra time you take unless they allow you to use any accrued pto while you are home.

jessib10

AshleyO925 said:

How does this affect maternity leave? I was told I will only get 6 weeks so if I am out a week before the baby is due will I only have 5 weeks home with baby? Or were you able to extend leave because you could not perform your job functions anymore?

It depends. Do you have disability that'll cover you? In California state disability gives us 4w prior to our expected due date. And then fmla gives us up to 12 w but only 6 are paid, but the fmla doesn't start until the disability ends (from what I understand at least)