Once you hit due date, keep working or go home?

CageyMack

So I'll be 40 weeks Monday. Should I come in Monday? Do any of you think that working could be making me not go into labor because I'm stressed or "not relaxing?"

I don't think work cares. I can always take my laptop home, too, though I won't get paid for any work from home.

I'm a desk kid, so it isn't like I'm on my feet or have to be nice to customers.

WWYD?

CougFan

If you are up to working, I say keep working.  With my first I had the week or two before off and went bananas! All I could do is sit around and wait!  This time I will work until the 16th with a c-section scheduled for the 18th.

Working will at least keep you occupied.

LeroyII

I'm 5 days overdue and still at work.  I get bored out of my mind at home.  There's only so much laundry, dishes, and cleaning to be done.  The worst part of being at work is people pestering you about when you're having the baby.  If you can hide and avoid people then work is great.

AgentLDub

I'm 40 weeks on Tuesday and today is my last day at work. Mainly because it is just too uncomfortable and painful to drive. I'm carrying really high and my bump is small so sitting down kills me due to LO pressing into my ribs, etc. Plus I just started having contractions yesterday! But if you feel good make your money!

kaf7

I have been at home "relaxing" for 4 weeks and there is no sign of baby yet. I would keep working as long as you feel well enough to do so and enjoy the time on the other end with LO.

ashleyl31

I worked last Friday at 39w,5d and started having contractions that night. I gave birth at 2:13 on Saturday. I won't keep you from going into labor. 

Crequito

I'm wondering the same thing.  I'll probably work through my due date (March 20th) and let that be it.  I'm really getting tired of getting up in the morning and having to pick out appropriate outfits.  Plus it's getting harder and harder for me to concentrate on work things - I'm on the bump all the time!

MrsWindyCity

I stayed working past my due date, though when I hit my due date I started WAH. I delivered 3 days past my date.

This time I'll be working up until labor. I'm at a newer job, and don't have the opportunity to WAH but also don't want to waste my PTO before the baby gets here. 

kk1160

Crequito:

I'm wondering the same thing.  I'll probably work through my due date (March 20th) and let that be it.  I'm really getting tired of getting up in the morning and having to pick out appropriate outfits.  Plus it's getting harder and harder for me to concentrate on work things - I'm on the bump all the time!

This exactly. Appropriate outfits and all - kinda sucks when your maternity wear is too small! I had planned on the 20th being my last day (due date), but I'm now being induced on the 18th. Next Friday is it for me.

MapleStar

With my DD I was due on a Monday and only worked up to the Friday before. It was nice to have some downtime, but she didn't arrive for another week and half! I only was able to take 10 weeks off that time, and it was very hard to go back when she was 8 weeks, and I often regreted that I hadn't stayed at work longer. Desk job, limited interaction with others and virtually no interaction with public.

So I really think it depends on how much time you get off and how you want to spend your time. This time around I'm working as long as I can.

teacherjulie

LAst time I was Due December 16th worked until December 18th as that was winter break and had DD on December 22nd.  I would have worked up to the end had there not been a break.  This time my induction is scheduled for March 19th last day is Masrch 18th.

asibilrud

I am still working, but ONLY because I feel great. If I didn't I'd stay home...just depends on the person!

benmel31

I never made it to my due date, but I would not have been allowed to work past my due date.  

If your work allows you and you feel up to it, keep working and save your maternity leave. 

rm2013

benmel31:

If your work allows you and you feel up to it, keep working and save your maternity leave.

This. I unfortunately couldn't make it, my last day was Thursday at 39w 2d. I think i was just exhausted bc i was working extra hours to get studf wrapped up, and then working on baby preparation at night.

However, I have a flexible job and can work at home. I told them that if baby is late I may come back after a few days rest, while we wait for an induction. Bc I really don't want to eat up 1 to 2 weeks leave just twiddling my thumbs.