MOMs who worked while pregnant...long

mrs.cam

I have been quite amazingly offered a temporary 1099 position with a huge company that I'd like to do business with (especially in like 3 years or so).  I have been off work for most of my pregnancy though (since 8 weeks) and I am quite concerned about whether taking the job would be the right choice for medical reasons.  The job would be 40 hours a week from now until I was 33 weeks.  The company knows me and my condition and I've been up front about doctors visits and such.  The money would be nice of course but isn't expressly "needed".

My real question though is, for those that WORKED when did your Dr pull the plug or put you on bed rest?  I hate to start and stop in 4 weeks or something.  I'm trying to build on a good relationship I already have with these people.

I don't mind opinions either, do you think this is a good idea, in your experience? Thanks!

GiGi1221

I accepted a new job at 23 weeks and was put on bedrest that day.  They are still holding my position for me which is a miracle!

mrs.cam

wow that is great!  This is temporary though, project work.  I hate to start the project and leave them in the lurch!

JillRock96

I worked full-time until 34 weeks, though I did cut back a lot on walking around, stairs, etc. and tried to sit as much as possible.  I was also lucky to have a very uncomplicated pregnancy until about 36 weeks (pre-e).  Honestly, it is so different for everyone and there is no way to predict what will happen.

Congrats on the great opportunity -- good luck with your decision! 

kaiteedidit

I planned to work until I was 32 weeks. I did not make it, I went into preterm labor at 29 weeks and was put on bed rest. Then I went into preterm labor again at 32 weeks. 

I would talk to them about the very real possibility of you being pulled from work much sooner than you expect. You never know with a multiples pregnancy, things can change very fast.  

jbl126

I worked until I gave birth at 33w 4d.  And I sit at a desk and had no PTL signs.  I wish I put myself out sooner but didnt know any better. 

If you really want to do the job then make sure they know going out on bedrest is a possibility.  Be upfront as possible and do not overdo it.

SMILEYD

I am shy of 34wks and still at work. No bedrest and honestly as long as all is well, I dont intend on leaving anytime soon and will work to the day of.

 

BelleBaby

I had to work, so unfortunately, it wasn't a choice.  I was able to keep working until 35 weeks.  At that point they just thought I was having too many contractions.  So I lost 3 weeks of maternity leave, but got 2 full-term, healthy boys, so it was worth it.

And bed rest isn't necessarily a given.  I know twin moms who worked until they delivered at 37 and 38 weeks!  If you're not in a high-stress, on your feet all the time position, it's much easier to work longer. 

If they understand that you're pregnant with twins, I'm sure it's not lost on them that you could be gone at any time.  Maybe you should discuss whether they expect you to be at the position for a certain length of time?  Kind of see what their expectations are?  It might help you make your decision.

Haven1

I'm the same as SMILEYD. I'm still at work and having no issues.  I feel great, bp is great, cervix is great, etc etc.  I fully intend to work up until the day I deliver.  Personally, I'd take the job.  It sounds like an opportunity not to be missed.

Good luck!

blondek8

Sounds like a great opportunity! My OB is taking me out of work at 28 weeks. His policy for most of his MoMs. I work 12 hr shift work as an RN in a heavy surgical ICU and also in Emerg. I don't get a whole lot of downtime at work as far as sitting goes and taking full breaks is sometimes a rarity depending on the acuity of the unit. He said he would support me working a few more weeks past 28, but that's a "we'll wait and see" for now.

SoldiersGreenBean

I worked FT until the Friday before my scheduled c-section (which was on Tuesday).

Shannonlea

I worked until 37w2d and was induced the following thursday.  Up until 36w2d, I was out on the road conducting my routine appointments as an insurance adjuster.  I did push myself a little but I also only did what I was comfortable with.  I worked so long so that I could have as much time after my babies came.

Purple_Butterflies

I'm still working at 34 weeks not sure if I want to stop work either this Friday or next Friday. I've have a very good pregnancy so far with no problems - I'm just tired and walking around has been a pain at times but other than that I'm just fine. I want to spend as much time at home with the babies so I'm holding out on taking mat leave early.

jackieb3858

I stopped at 33 weeks but I am not on bedrest. It was my choice. I am a teacher and the walking and standing was getting to be too much and it didn't effect my maternity leave.

smeyer

Today is my 1st day on short term disability.  My pregnancy has been uncomplicated and I still feel pretty good.  My plan was to work until 30-32w then do a few weeks of short term before the babies came/maternity leave.  My OB preferred me to leave at 28w and I pushed it just a bit farther.  While I work a desk job, it can be fairly stressful and the hours are unpredictable and can be excessive.

In your situation, I'd be honest and upfront with them.  Make sure they understand your level of interest and that they really get the situation (my boss seemed to think the possibility of me being on leave was a big joke despite what I had been telling him for months).  Any pg, let alone a multiples pg, is unpredictable.  As long as they understand the risks and can be prepared for them, I'd say go for it! 

finallyreilly

At 28 weeks I couldn't do a 40 hour week in the office anymore.  I was completely exhausted.  I started working 2 days at home at that point and went to 3 days at home at 30 weeks.  At 33 weeks I was working 5 days a week from home.

carissasmom

I spent a week in the hospital at 32 weeks for PTL, I was then on modified bedrest at home for a week.  I then went back to work at 34 weeks and worked until 36 weeks when my babies were born.  I didn't have a problem working but other than suffering from severe hyperemesis I'm not a miserable pregnant person. 

CaliJenny

I worked full time (9 hr days) up until 37 weeks at a desk job.  The only reason I didn't work until my scheduled C-section is that it was the week of Christmas and I had use or lose leave that I would've lost if I didn't take it. 

I say go for it! 

benkari

I worked full time until 29 weeks when I moved down to my aunts to be closer to the hospital (20 min vs 3.5 hrs).  I run a day care from home and was bring the kids to swimming lessons, the rec center as well as doing normal daily stuff with them here.  The following week I was hospitalized on bed rest.

babya2010

I worked full time (desk job) until 30 weeks. Technically I could still be working now since my doctor never really indicated when a good stopping point would be. DH and I made the decision on our own though, solely because I had a long commute to work (40+ min). Everything has been going very smoothly for me though, no PTL signs and no bedrest either. Good luck!

kelliwill

I worked 40 hours per week until 24 weeks when I was placed off work due to stress and protein in my urine.  The doc who put me off is very conservative though and I was surprised.  It turned out better for me though and I was planning to take myself off at 28 weeks.  Some people work up til the end but I know for me personally I was in and out of L&D starting at 28 weeks and after 30 weeks things were hard for me pressure wise.  Things can change quickly with a multiple pregnancy.  GL!

jamie217

Friday is my last day of work, so I'm going up to 34 weeks.  I am a high school teacher and though I'm very tired by the end of the day some days (partly because teenagers get crazy at the end of the school not just because I'm 8 mos. pg with twins!), I feel like I could work longer if I had to.  I have been sitting a lot more than usual the past couple weeks too.

I've had a pretty easy pregnancy though and everyone is different, so just listen to your body and your doctor.