When is your OB discharging you from work?

Samiantha101 · April 2012

My doctor filled out forms, as requested by my employer, for my impending maternity leave, however they were filled out when I was 25 weeks along. She stated that the dates were tentative but wrote down a week before my edd.

I have since switched clinics/doctors and have to have the forms resubmitted to my employer. Is a week before edd a common date to be excused from work for a non-complicated pregnancy? Is this something the doctor normally would discuss with me? I was so early in my pregnancy the first go-around, so I'm unsure what's "normal".

TIA

ASmallWonder · April 2012

I don't believe most doctors write out early and beyond that, your short term disability provider isn't going to be willing to pay for that time if there is no medical reason for you to be out of work. So don't be surprised if your new doctor doesn't write you out early, period.

MaggieF516 · April 2012

This hasn't come up at any of my appointments. I just figured I would work until I go into labor unless any complications come up. I think any time I am out before the delivery effects how much leave I have after so unless there are issues, I would like to work until the end.

jennyann28 · April 2012

Mine isn't. I'm working until I go into labor and my pregnancy is full of complications. I don't think it's common for you to be "excused" from work early, unless you have a medical necessity. I'd rather work & continue to get paid (my leave is 100% unpaid), than just sit around twiddling my thumbs waiting for baby. But my care providers have also never offered to write me an excuse. I think people just decide they don't want to work anymore, so they ask their doctors to write them out. I don't think there's a standard for this.

ams_moves · April 2012

Jennyann! My baby has a SUA too.......so far we are doing ok....I'm not leaving work early and I've had to take time off for weekly appts since 32 weeks.

Good luck

Amy

mrs+harlow · April 2012

If you aren't having complications due to pregnancy then why do you need to be written out of work early?

REOM · April 2012

It also varies by state. In NJ, the law states you can begin disability for a normal pregnancy at 36 weeks.

JennyJensing · April 2012

There are MANY reasons why you would leave early--most people are genuinely surprised when I tell them I'm going to try to work all the way up to my EDD. It is definitely not the norm.

My work pays STD/Standard Mat Leave for up to two weeks before and then 8 weeks after. If there are complications or if there is a section, you can get more.

Personally, I sit down at my job a lot. If I didn't, I'm not sure I could've made it to the end of this week!!

Samiantha101 · April 2012

Ok, I don't have std, so it's not like I'm asking for an excuse to not work and get paid. I pretty much expected to work until I go into labor, however my supervisor, who has zero idea what the policies are, asked if I had plans to work until I go into labor. I asked her if I had any other option. She wasn't sure. She said call hr. I did, but the rep I need to talk to was in a meeting. The only real reason for wanting to leave earlier is because I am finishing my last term of my undergrad, which I have been working towards for the last 7 years. The term doesn't end until 2 weeks after my edd. I don't have a lot of free time between workig and school to really get ahead in my courses. Finishing my degree is a high priority. I am moving 2 months after I return from maternity leave. I'm kind of on my way out now. My heart isn't really into it. It's absolutely not a career for me. They're aware that I am leaving soon, so I'm not leaving them hanging. Anyhow, this question just came to mind after the brief discussion with my supervisor today.

stemms8810 · April 2012

I know some women stop work a week or more before their due date and others who work until the very end. Keep in mind that time you take before your baby arrives may cut into your time after baby arrives. Myself personally, I would rather save all my time for after baby comes unless there is a medical reason I should not work.

Samiantha101 · April 2012

stemms8810:
I know some women stop work a week or more before their due date and others who work until the very end. Keep in mind that time you take before your baby arrives may cut into your time after baby arrives. Myself personally, I would rather save all my time for after baby comes unless there is a medical reason I should not work.

I, normally, would want all the time with Lo too, however once we move, I will have all the time in the world with baby. I may not even go back to work yet. Decisions decisions. Why must I be so indecisive?

peachmuffins · April 2012

Well my OB is a little different... lol he just said "whenever you feel like you need to go, tell me and i'll write a note." but I also have a very physical job and there's not really a "sit around and do paperwork" option.

That being said, my MIL is my boss and this is her first grandbaby so if i said "i need to go" she would be fine with it because she wants both of us to be healthy. In the end i'm probably going to have to be banned from the shop before I leave voluntarily because 1) i love my job 2) I cant afford to leave early.

Megloveshim07 · April 2012

I was supposed to work two more weeks but I am actually employed by my OB and she told me no more working yesterday when I was hospitalized for the second time. I also have a history of early preterm labor.

kristen.robel · April 2012

Like others said it varies by doctors. I had friends who went off work a few weeks before their due date. I have had bad migraines and the worse cold I have ever encountered in my life the last month and my OB was very much against taking me off work. I have burned a lot of sick time and am officially overdue and miserable. I think it's nice to have the vacation or sick time after the baby is born but also nice to relax and not be a complete stressed mess up until delivery. They both have their advantages.

morethancottoncandy · April 2012

Samiantha101:

stemms8810:
I know some women stop work a week or more before their due date and others who work until the very end. Keep in mind that time you take before your baby arrives may cut into your time after baby arrives. Myself personally, I would rather save all my time for after baby comes unless there is a medical reason I should not work.

I, normally, would want all the time with Lo too, however once we move, I will have all the time in the world with baby. I may not even go back to work yet. Decisions decisions. Why must I be so indecisive?

If that's the case and you want to get ahead on your classes, why not just give notice? That will put you around 35-36 weeks and give you some time to get ahead.

MrsJax2011 · April 2012

I will already be out for the summer, but my doc says he submits the STD paperwork at 36 weeks...most of the teachers I know usually stop working at 38 weeks if they haven't gone into labor yet. From what I read online, each state has slightly different laws/rules...

Blue Pansy · April 2012

MaggieF516:
This hasn't come up at any of my appointments. I just figured I would work until I go into labor unless any complications come up.

Same here. My work's been great about accommodating me -- beyond all expectations. I am encouraged to go home early if my back hurts, they told me not to bother coming in if I don't feel well... they've been terrific.

I'm betting they will allow me to work from home the last week or two of my pregnancy. But I don't need to be discharged from work early unless there's a medical reason.

leolyns · April 2012

The state of California allows you to take disability with pay up to 4 weeks prior to your due date (w/the first week being unpaid) - since my commute is on a train and driving from the station to my house, I think I'm going to take 1-2 weeks of that along with my maternity leave. I'd rather be at home instead of sitting on a train and then driving, I would hate for my water to break while commuting.

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