Stopping Work

BizEB

For those further along (or moms already), when did you stop working?  Did you stop on your own or per dr's orders.

I saw my peri today and he said I might be told to stop anytime after 22 weeks.  I will obviously do what it takes to keep the kids safe but I FLOVE my job, love working and have a pretty laid back desk job just part-time with super flexible hours so I'd like to keep working as long as possible/feasible/healthy for all.

Just curious to see what others have done- TIA for any insight. 

AlexPuppy

When I first met with my OB she said she typically puts her MoM's on bedrest at 24-28 weeks, but at all of my appts through my 32 week she said I was doing so well that I could continue to work.  At 32 weeks I was starting to dilate so she wanted me to go on modified bedrest, which I was very much in favor of at that point.  I was getting exhausted.  It took me an additional week to tie up loose ends, so I started my leave at 33 weeks.

nygrl79

I have a slightly different situation in that I have a very stressful desk job (I'm a lawyer).  Originally, I was planning to work until about 32 weeks.  My doctors told me that this is when most MOMs have had enough and aften ask to start taking it easy.  Then, as I approached 28 weeks, things started to get harder and harder.  I was/am measuring about 8-10 weeks ahead and I have had a lot of BH contractions every single day.  At 24 weeks, I was still thinking I can work until 32 weeks though.  Then at 26 weeks my husband started to get really nervous about me continuing to work because my contractions were increasing in the evenings.  I spoke to my doctor about it at the end of last week, at which point she said enough is enough and wrote me out right then and there. 

So I think you should wait and see how you feel.  If you can work from home after 26-28 weeks and things are going well, perhaps you can keep working, but in the end, your body will let you know when you should stop.  You just have to listen to it.

Bybo

I have a job that requires me to stand on my feet all day, w/ only a 30 minute lunch.  So..I left about 24 weeks.  It got harder and harder.  Before I knew it, after 20-30 minutes of being at work, my back and legs would kill!  I knew it was time to give it up.

With a desk job, I would imagine you might be able to work a few more weeks than 24, but I wouldn't push yourself.  Our bodies aren't designed to hold multiples.  Sitting can be as hard as standing all day.  I really think your body will let you know when it's had enough of work.

Even though you love your job, err on the side of caution  

jalaiaa

I work in a busy ER on and off my feet all day. I started working part time around 24 weeks (25-30 hrs/wk). My last scheduled shift was at 34 weeks, but I picked up a few more half shifts (6 hours) until 36 weeks. My peri didn't place any restrictions on me early on, only warnings that I might have to stop working if I had any complications. Honestly, go with what your body tells you. If you're doing great and not feeling bad/no signs of ptl keep working. when your body tells you to stop, stop. 

jenn_darrin1515

I worked my full time desk job up til 5 days before I delivered (I was over 35 weeks)...but I should have started taking it easy around 33 weeks...I was exhausted and oh so uncomfy and my bp was steadily rising...I would just see how you feel as things move along...

mrscarroll

I started leave at 33 weeks. I pretty much took it one week at a time after 28 weeks. My work was prepared at 28 weeks for me to be out but anything I could work past that would be a bonus for them and me. I am glad I was able to wait that long. This way I could still get a full paycheck. This is my first week on leave and I am so glad I did it. I am so sleepy and spend a lot of time on the couch! Go with your gut. Only you will know when you are done working.

Shannonlea

I worked until 37w2d and was induced at 38w1d. If I could go back and do it over again, I would have quit working earlier and rested, I was so uncomfortable at the end.

TDM

I do computer work and asked my doctor for a "recommendation" to work from home after 30 weeks, which he complied with.  I had an hours commute each way too, which I'm sure had a little to do with it.

It sucks working at home (still don't really get any rest), but at least I'm still getting a paycheck and they can't make me roll out computer systems and crawl under desks and stuff anymore...

janjag

my OB put me on bedrest at 13wks (2nd bad bleed).  at about 19wks i got to do modified rest (went in to work twice a week, for about 1-2hrs each time).  she told me that even if i had no more bleeds she didn't see me going to work past 29 or 30 wks.  at 23wks i was out for the remainder due to preterm...  this is really a wait and see type thing.  good luck!

CateElizabeth

I'm 31 weeks and I just got my doctor to write me a letter recommending I start working half-time.  My doctor thinks I've done awesome so far, so I think she was a bit reluctant to write it, but I am a teacher and I'm starting to get very tired in the afternoons.  I will work half-time for the next 2 weeks (32-33 weeks) and then we have vacation week, so I may stop completely after that, as I will be 35 weeks then, and my half-hour commute will start to bother me by then, I'm sure.

It's funny how doctors have such different feelings on this!  I kept reading about stopping between 24-28 weeks and whenever I brought up the topic to my doctor, she looked at me like I had 3 heads!  Even given the fact that I teach elementary school (lots of time on my feet, very exhausting) and spend an hour commuting every day.  Then I'd meet with my midwife who'd say "listen to your body" and slow down when you need to!  That has been hard to do without support from my doctor!  The public school system is not an easy "machine" to work for and thus, I needed that doctor letter!  I'm just happy to finally have it!  GL!

TinyTeacher

Well this is a rude awakening! 

I'm a teacher and I'll be 36 weeks the last week of school. I just kind of assumed I'd be there to finish the year, unless something went wrong. But now I'm getting the feeling I'll be on bedrest before 36 weeks regardless... guess I need to start thinking about sub plans