When is everyone leaving work officially?

jennieandy · September 2011

My due date is Oct 14. I can get disability through my job with out cutting into my maternity leave, but I was planning on working until Oct 7. My job is just so stressful, and I'm working really long hours so by the time I get home, my feet are really swollen and my whole body feels sore.

I was planning on talking to the doctor at my next visit because I do need a note, but I'm nervous they will not give me a note because I've had a relatively healthy pregnancy.

Is anyone else going through something similar?

RobynK · September 2011

I'm due on October 16 and I've been exclusively working from home for a bit over a week. This will be the last week, I AM SO DONE. I'll take vacation time until baby comes and then I start maternity leave.

blu-eyedwife · September 2011

I'm working up until I go into labor

moviesprincess · September 2011

I am a nanny and only work two days a week so I am in a completely different position.

To answer your initial question though, the people I work for asked if it was okay for me to work next Monday and Tuesday and be done when I am 38 weeks. However, my doctor mentioned that I need to try to rest more, and since my job can be physically demanding sometimes, I might have to say that yesterday was my last day. Just waiting a few more days to make that call.

HannahsMom21 · September 2011

I am at SAHM now but with my 1st LO I worked up until the day I thought my water broke. I was sent home from the hospital because it hadn't (I was 39/40 wks). I probably could have kept working but the doc oncall said it was going to happen at any day now so I should get some rest (it ended up happening 3 or 4 days later lol). I have found that my prior and current OB's are pretty laid back and if you explain your situation would probably be more than happy to write you a note. Explain your symptoms to them and see where it goes from there.

Good luck to you!

LEB2009 · September 2011

My due date is October 31, I am leaving on vacation as of October 14 and then will start maternity leave as of October 26.
I would like to be done already as I'm feeling very heavy and exhausted, but the end is near...

Brosamle2 · September 2011

I know I can start my short term disability a week before my expected due date, but I think it takes time away from what I would be paid after my baby arrives. I might call my HR dept tomorrow and double check.

If it does cut into my paid time after baby, I'm going to work until my water breaks. I want as much time with her as I can get.

kadiekat · September 2011

My due date is 10/2. I am scheduled to work until 10/3. I figure I have 64 hours of work left at most until leave starts, although maybe sooner. I was hoping to work until I went into labor (even if I went further past my due date), but I am a nurse, and scheduling that way could interfere with their numbers.

10kris · September 2011

I'm scheduled to leave Oct 8 and not return until Jan 16. Taking 2 weeks vacation and then 12 weeks maternity leave! I'm due Oct 19 but have GD so I know LO will be here before the 19th.

Haribo1 · September 2011

I am working right until I go into labor (barring any unforeseen events).

gracie076 · September 2011

September 28 is my last day of work. My due date is October 13.

rockdragon · September 2011

My EDD is October 2nd and my last day at work was 9-16. So far I have liked being on my own schedule and beimg able to rest as much as I need to. I won't have to go back to work till the 23rd of Jan so I am glad I took a couple weeks off before. It lets me finish the last minute things and gives me a chance to enjoy the little time remaining as just me.

Kitty Holland · September 2011

My EDD is Oct. 7 and my last day was Sept. 2nd. The first 2 weeks off were great because I was able to rest and get all kinds of stuff done. Since about a week ago the baby dropped and I can barely walk so there's no way I'd be able to work anyway. I have a spinal cord injury and haven't had any problems with my back this whole pregnancy - until the baby dropped. Now I am in pain every day and basically on modified bed rest

weddingbells2010 · September 2011

I also felt a little guilty about asking for a note when I haven't had any major complications (pre-e, GD, etc...) but I've definitely had major sciatic pain and a lot of swelling... both of which are making it harder to just get around, let alone work.

Yesterday my doctor said, "Look, out of 100 patients I might see, if you were the only one complaining about this and it were the 20 week mark, I might tell you you're complaining. But you're 37 weeks pregnant and at this point, 99 of those 100 patients have the same compliants. It's understandable. When you're ready to take some time off before your due date you let me know." Not only did it make me feel less guilty, but it actually motivated me to NOT start my leave today... if 99 of 100 women are checking out at this point and I'm still physically capable of going, I might as well.

So my advice is to ask for the note whenever you feel like you really need it- if going to work is affecting your health and wellness, or if you aren't doing your job to the best of your ability at this point, there's no reason NOT to ask.

colliebabe · September 2011

I plan on working right up until labor unless my doctor tells me to stay home. If don't go into labor by my due date, October 1st, then I will be here the week of October 3rd.

My doctor said I will be induced on October 8th if I don't go into labor before then, so the last possible day I will be at work is October 7th and I will be 40 weeks 6 days.

spedi · September 2011

Working until LO comes or my doctor tells me different. I have GD and selling/high BP right now. So we shall see what the OB says today. I cannot afford to take a month off before LO comes. If I do that, I can only take about 6-8 weeks post postpartum. I want to take 12 after wards!

srehman · September 2011

I am working up until two days before my induction.

Tomsbabyboo · September 2011

I am due on Oct. 9 and my last day of work was supposed to be tomorrow (Sept. 23) but my Dr. put me off last week due to excessive knee and back pain (sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day was just not working anymore). Definitely talk to your Dr., hopefully they will be receptive to your needs at this time. Good luck.

RoxRing · September 2011

I am using vacation (I have 4 weeks this year) because I will lose it otherwise if my leave goes into 2012, so I'm done with work a week before my due date. Pretty sure my Dr. wouldn't write me an excuse otherwise.

sherbieface · September 2011

I am working until I go into labor as well. I get 8 weeks off total (not covered under FMLA), 3 of those being vacation and sick days I've hoarded this year, and 5 unpaid. I am however, not working the 2 huge events we have coming up the next two weekends (I work in non-profit development and fundraising) because my team is afraid I'll go into early labor if I don't take it easy--and they haven't even hired my replacement yet! I'm due the 21st.

rubysue267 · September 2011

I feel pretty much the same way. I'm working on a huge project with high demands / visibility and I am just so done. There's tons of pressure, loooong hours, and my body just hurts. I am so exhausted from this week.

I talked to my boss about training my replacement sooner rather than later, so I'm hoping it will help to have another resource during my last few weeks. I'm going to try to work from home during the week of my due date, but will be technically working until LO decides to arrive.

FabulousMrs.P · September 2011

I am working up until I give birth. There is no medical reason for me to go out on disability at this point and I would rather keep busy. Plus I have TONS of stuff to get done at work before I am out on leave. Yes, I have swollen feet and my body is sore, but that is all just normal end of pregnancy symptoms and I have a desk job...so it is not like I am standing all day long.

stardust317 · September 2011

I wanted to work until I went into labor, but my body had other plans. Bedrest as of last week.

babes12 · September 2011

i'm due Oct. 11th and working till I go into labor i think. I think i can be done on Oct. 7th so we'll see...

amyc216 · September 2011

Today is my last day at the office! I'm going to be working from home until I have the baby.

PurpleTink · September 2011

My due date is October 2, my last day of work is September 29th!

wilsontl19191 · September 2011

I am looking to have October 7th be my last day. I will take sick time until my due date on the 20th. From there I have 6 weeks maternity leave through my job (paid via disability I purchased) and then an additional 12 weeks through the state of NJ (only 6 weeks are paid). I am hoping to be out until MLK.

jiffy-pop · September 2011

I plan to work up until I go into labor if nothing changes with the pregnancy. I'm due Oct. 31st.

jeshapiro · September 2011

I plan on working until I go into labor. I have a desk job, and I figure I would be bored at home.

carstekj · September 2011

I too have a desk job and plan on staying until I go into labor... I am very swollen and my lady bit muscles hurt when I get up to go to the bathroom... but I think I can hack it another 4 weeks!!

My maternity leave is 4weeks paid - 1 week PTO - and then whatever I want to take unpaid... So I'd like to save it for when LO is here!