work while pregnant?

Finalthreshold · July 2015

I wanted to know how many of you work while pregnant. I have stayed full time 7-10 hour days and I have to admit it's very hard. I'm 21 weeks along and I have good days but the morning sickness is my buddy I guess. I've entertained the idea of quitting until this is over but all I hear is, suck it up.
So how do the rest of you deal with long work days if you have them?

Mamabeagle · July 2015

I'm only 13 weeks, but I'm going to work as long as I can. I love my job, and it has the flexibility for me to work from home if I'm not feeling well and leave work sick and not have to use any FTO if I've put in 2 hours that day.

Are you very sick? Can you try to take disability instead of quitting so you can go back to your job? Can you maybe work out a condensed week or work from home?

Snoflakes4eva · July 2015

Finalthreshold said:

I wanted to know how many of you work while pregnant. I have stayed full time 7-10 hour days and I have to admit it's very hard. I'm 21 weeks along and I have good days but the morning sickness is my buddy I guess. I've entertained the idea of quitting until this is over but all I hear is, suck it up. So how do the rest of you deal with long work days if you have them?

Its not going to get any easier to work once your LO gets here. So yes, I would say suck it up.

If you quit, what will you do about insurance and how long can you go without a paycheck?

bbiutmcph · July 2015

Finalthreshold said:

I wanted to know how many of you work while pregnant. I have stayed full time 7-10 hour days and I have to admit it's very hard. I'm 21 weeks along and I have good days but the morning sickness is my buddy I guess. I've entertained the idea of quitting until this is over but all I hear is, suck it up. So how do the rest of you deal with long work days if you have them?

I recently became a SAHM but prior to that I worked for my first two pregnancies and was a manager working almost always over 40 hrs a week. Pretty much "suck it up" is what you do. Most people work because they need the income so there isn't much choice other than to do it. It might be morning sickness now but once the baby is here it will be sleep deprivation, mentally drained and just plain exhaustion. Nap when you can. Eating healthy, staying hydrated and exercise always make me feel the best. Caffeine as well to kick start my day. It's easy to grab junk to eat when you are tired but usually it just makes you feel even lazier and more drained. Other than that you pretty much just buckle up and do it. Being an adult sucks sometimes and parenting is difficult , just like working while pregnant but they are things you have to do and you have to find a routine that works for you.

Finalthreshold · July 2015

I have short term disability for maternity leave it takes until November to reach its full amount though.
I don't mind working full time at all but the morning sickness makes things very difficult, like several times a day or if I'm lucky once a day. The hormones say quit and screw everything thing but.... benefits.

bbiutmcph · July 2015

Finalthreshold said:
I have short term disability for maternity leave it takes until November to reach its full amount though.
I don't mind working full time at all but the morning sickness makes things very difficult, like several times a day or if I'm lucky once a day. The hormones say quit and screw everything thing but.... benefits.

Are you on anything for the ms? Have you spoke to your Ob about it? With my second I was sick the entire time and was put on meds which at least helped. I wouldn't consider using time before the baby of my leave and since it's not even full yet that doesn't sound like a responsible decision.

babybluu · July 2015

I'm working between 20 and 30 hours a week, which isn't a lot but I'm a server so I'm standing and walking during my whole shift which could be up to 8 hours. In the beginning I wanted to quit so bad because of morning sickness but I asked a question just like this and all the answers made me realize I should tough it out, and eventually I could work and handle the m/s. Now for me it's just the fact that my back and hips hurt so bad when I'm constantly walking, but if I wasn't working I know I'd be sitting on my butt all day on the couch so I think working is best for me right now. My income isn't necessary but it helps bring in extra money, especially for the baby. I'm gonna work as long as my body can handle it. I feel like if I were to quit now, I would really regret it and would be missing out on a lot of money. I just use my off days to recover. Can you ask about shorter hours?

eish22 · July 2015

Working while pregnant is definitely a whole nother ball game than before. Fortunately my work is very accommodating, and helpful about my pregnancy. I take small extra breaks so I don't get stressed out (I teach autistic kids), and honestly I take some extra days off (usually 1 every 2 weeks) just to help myself get through it. I wouldn't quit, unless you really don't like your job, then maybe quit now then find something else after the babys born. Is there a way you can cut down on hours? Or take some days off to help you get through it?

CarrieOct15 · July 2015

I'm working full time while pregnant, and I plan to up until I give birth. I don't have any other option, because my SO is a full time pre-medical student and doesn't have much of an income. I'll be returning to work after my maternity leave as well. Pregnancy & MS is tough, but I don't think it's debilitating enough to stay home. I usually have a tough it out attitude in general, though. That's just me.

cMichelle0423 · July 2015

I'm a SAHM now, but I worked until my due date when I was pregnant with my first lo. It wasn't the easiest thing in the world, but very doable. I don't think pregnancy is a reason to not work unless you have medical issues that would prevent you from doing so. But pregnancy itself is not some kind of disability.

katherines2ndminime · July 2015

Let's say that being a nurse and working 12+ hours a day is really difficult. My feet are killing me! Going to work till mid/late November. If I don't have to leave earlier due to risk of preterm labour because of being on my feet so much.

oneblessedmess · July 2015

I worked full time teaching preschool until my 38th week. Last week was week 39 and I had a vacation week. My official leave started today, I will be 40 weeks tomorrow.

I work with 3 year olds, so I was constantly moving and by my last week I was having pretty bad back pain. In the beginning though my plan was to work until I went into labor, it just became too much for me physically. I do think quitting should be a last resort- what have you tried to combat the morning sickness?

Unica1302+ · July 2015

I work as an in home therapist and my job includes driving to 2-3 clients a day. For the most part the work is easy but the driving in heat and general feeling of sleepy has been hard to keep at bay. I'm due Nov 24th and my fmla doesn't kick in until Nov 10th so I intend to work until at least the 10th. It is becoming harder but I'm hoping I can hold out without risk of complications. I intend to return to work after to maintain my benefits etc.

raechillie · July 2015

I'm A pastry chef, on my feet for about 12 hours a day. The kitchen smells, constant cooking food is almost more than I can bare on most days. I have thought about finding a new job but being in a kitchen is just what I Do, trying to make the best of it!! Green tea with ginger slices and fresh lemon peel help me a lot, so does a salve like Vicks under your nose. I have a lavender-eucalyptus one that is great for headaches too. Gonna work for as long as I can, mainly because I need the money!

dchiapella · July 2015

I do telesales for a medical company and up until the end of June was the manager and lead teacher at a dance/ fitness studio. When I found out I was pregnant I dropped down from the 70-80 hour work weeks to 65, and now at 26W5D I'm down to 45 hours/week or so (well... plus a TON of commuting... like an hour each way). I TOTALLY get how hard it is. But there's really not much I can do. It's either A) Go home, lose job or quit, be stressed constantly (not good for either you or baby) and not be able to support the munchkin or

Suck it up and at the end of the day calculate how much you earned that day and feel good know that you just financially supported diapers, or that crib you wanted for the nursery, or ... you get the picture. Sip water all through the day, ginger chews or dried ginger are always good, too. And when you feel absolutely awful get up and take a walk around your job for a minute. Set a pace for yourself with rewards. I'm on the phone all day so I tell myself "after the next 25 calls I'm going to get a snack," "after the next 25 calls I'm going to make some tea."

Hope that helps a bit! Good luck!

maiatene · July 2015

It depends on your job... my first pregnancy I worked up to 38 weeks bc my bosses were the best and super supportive throughout the pregnancy. I could take breaks whenever I needed and could come and go as long as my performance didn't slip. They saw me waddling around and probably felt bad so they told just go be comfortable and deliver a healthy baby.

This time I was put on bed rest at 20 weeks because my new bosses don't know up from down and we're stressing me out because of their insecurities. I went on vacation for 8 days and within 10 minutes of my return I started craving vodka and wanted to push everyone out the window. The mere sight of the building caused panic attacks and headaches so the doctor felt it was best to remove me from that negative environment, so now I work from home.

SoniaOh · July 2015

Admire all working full time preggie women!

Laurenwelch8682 · July 2015

I don't think or say if that is a responsible decision for her. Maybe she doesn't need the full pay. I could go on disability tomorrow and we could still pay our bills. super rude to call her irresponsible ....

Sarahlee112 · July 2015

I work 40-45 hours a week in a very tiring job. I drive from grocery store to grocery store (sometimes up to 2 hours away from home) and stock product for my company. It can be very tiring going into a store lifting and stocking 100+ cases of product and then driving to another store and doing the same thing. I'm exhausted by 2pm and really struggling to get through the day. I just have to suck it up and deal with it because we're not financially stable enough for me to do otherwise. I just make sure I'm snacking through out the day and drinking lots of water.

suteki325 · July 2015

I work full time as a veterinary technician, 10 - 11 hours days, on my feet the entire time. It gets very exhausting, especially the days where we see more big, hyper dogs that need a lot of wrestling. Luckily my bosses are very understanding of my need to sit and catch my breath, even if just for a few minutes at a time. I also can't do things like take x-rays or handle cat feces any more, and again, everyone at my work has been great at helping me out so far. I plan on working as close to my due date as possible - not sure if I'll be able to handle the long hours on my feet the further along I get, but I'm definitely going to give it my best shot. I am exhausted at the end of most days but I'm lucky to truly love my job, and I can't imagine not working as a vet tech anymore!

cinnbabi21 · July 2015

Im 27w2d, i work an amazon fulfillment center 10 hours a day, the best way i cope is just try to stay busy and not look at the time lol, plus work is just beginning when i get home when i greet my energetic 3 year old.

SummerOH · July 2015

I worked 10-11 hour days (including commute) up until the day I delivered with both DD and DS. I had HG with DS and actually passed out twice. It sucks for sure, but you really just have to suck it up. It's even worse when you already have children because you don't really even get a break at home.

celainev · July 2015

I'm a nurse working in a four storey Seniors building. I'm expected not to use the elevator... But that's getting harder and harder. Some days the pain in my hips and lower back are so bad I can't move after work! In Canada we get a year of maternity leave and I plan on starting that in early November, even though my baby isn't due til late Decemeber. If I'm in so much pain after work, it doesn't seem worth it. My husband and I can survive on his income, with a bit of extra savings... Plus my maternity leave lasts a year. After that I plan on working 4 hours, 2-3 days a week for my parent's company. I don't even know if I will go back into nursing.

The point is, do what is safe for your family. Do not overwork your body at this time and take some extra days off if needed. I went through a major anxiety issue in my first trimester about working. I got through it and am perceiving.

Edited for early posting.

groovylocks · July 2015

I work full time and unfortunately that means flying every week to our HQ on the east coast. Usually in Sunday night and out Thursday afternoon. Sometimes wednesday. Sometimes friday and sometimes I get a glorious week at home.

It has made things very difficult. I'm considering joining a new team so this is no longer happening.

Samiya64 · August 2015

I am working as an attorney and do active litigation in the courts all day, I am 15 weeks 4 days and considering that the nature of my job gets really stressful and aggressive I do tend to worry at times. But mostly I am just trying to make it through my case files without falling asleep on the desk or letting the forgetfulness creep into the argument in open court cause that'l just be awkward at a colossal level. Since I am not really showing yet, it'l just look like I am incompetent to like about 60 people watching!!!

jodisgardner · August 2015

I am almost 19 weeks pregnant and also plan to work until 6-8 weeks before baby comes. I think it's totally healthy for you as long as you are still eating healthy food, drinking plenty of water, and getting a good nights sleep. I think sleep deprivation is one of the hardest things to have whilst your baby is growing inside of you, it's exhausting. Stay positive about it all, cause your baby will feel the energy. Hope that helps

@Finalthreshold

kaykes86 · August 2015

Im 19+6 and had planned to wrk through to 34 weeks. Just moved post in the last 2 weeks and my new post is working with children with disabilities. Now being PGAL It has made my anxiety hit level 1000 and ive become depressed. Having work as my main distraction is no longer an option and now im on sick leave and dunno when i will be back... if ever. I plan on asking for a transfer to a different department but dont know if this will happen. It feels awful cos the children are amazing. I just dont know if or how I would cope being the mother of a child with disabilities.

delujm0 · August 2015

My last day of work was two days before I went into labor. I probably would have worked even longer, but I went into labor on a Sunday and worked a full day on the office the Friday before. I wanted to use all of my leave after the birth instead of before.

I'll be honest...unless you have a very physical job, if you're planning to work once your child is born, you should suck it up (unless you have a medical issue and cannot do so while pregnant). I was uncomfortable at the end of pregnancy too...but I felt way way worse the few weeks after delivery than I ever did pregnant (physically...I fortunately didn't have any depression issues though many women do). And the idea of going back to work now is way worse than the idea of going there at 39 weeks pregnant was.

I get it, I'm a FTM too, but really pregnancy isn't a disability. If you have an office job there's probably no reason you can't do it right up until you deliver.

Knottie28404975 · August 2015

I plan on working up until the day I deliver. I'm a paramedic for an ambulance service where I'm from and I'm working on average 48-96 hours a week. It's not easy by any means, I'm still sick everyday at 18 weeks but I'm making it work. My doctor told me since I'm use to it I should be fine to work as much as I am.

MrsAguirre117 · August 2015

I say honestly do what's best for you and your husband. Everyone is always gonna have an opinion anyway.

This is my first pregnancy and I just started my 2nd trimester. I don't know how I got so lucky but I've had no sickness the whole time, just a couple days of being exhausted. I've been working full time at my current job for 7 years and have probably been unhappy there for the last 4. Stayed so long cause of my coworkers, good benefits, & a lot of paid time off but my husband and I have decided this will be my last year there and I'll probably finish out in January before the baby is born and do the stay at home mom thing for some time before I take on something new and close to my house.

I don't care what anyone else thinks at this point if this is what my husband and I choose to do for our budding family. Do what's best for you and be happy

wisemomma24 · August 2015

I work in a state nursing home 12-15 hrs a day with a couple days off ect and 20 1/2 weeks pregnant with my 3rd I work on a psych unit with them being twice my size.. Morning sickness comes and goes and everything else in between that could be possibly be wrong lol... But I'm going to try to work up till my delivery. So yea do what's best for you..

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