struggling

[blueandstressed]

I am currently 31 weeks + 3 with my first. I am a teacher in a key year with additional responsibilities. Since midweek, I have been off work.

I spent most of my midwife appointment in tears. My midwife advised me to self-certify for a week and then re-evaluate how I feel next week. I have been having symptoms of stress such as vomiting and digestive problems.

I feel exceptionally guilty that I am not in work.. One part of me wants to back to work as I don't want to let any body down, but the other half of me is terrified by the though and I burst into tears every time I think about it. Even thinking about opening my work e-mails makes me become teary.

My maternity leave is due to start at 37weeks + 2. I don't know how I will get through my remaining weeks of work. I know and realise that I need to put myself first, but I am finding this difficult as work is very intense and has key members of staff missing - I feel I am adding to the problem - and this leads to me becoming more upset. I want to work but my emotions go through the roof when I think about it.

Has anyone else had experience of this? My husband has been great, but is worried about me. He wants me to have at least all of next week off but I feel like I will be letting down a lot of people.

Thanks for reading.

[Didntcomeheretofuckspiders]

Disn’t want to read and run.

It’s so hard when you have so much on your plate and you feel like there is no way out but you have to remember that you and your baby come first. Have you spoken to the deputy head/head about how you are feeling and asked what support can be put in place for you? Maybe you could pass some duties onto another member of staff? Who is taking over your role when you leave?

[Springersprung]

Can offer sympathy, but little in the way of advice I'm afraid. Also a teacher and have been struggling with extreme exhaustion for most of the pregnancy. Can't stay awake and finding it impossible to keep on top of workload. Had a complete meltdown at school the other day. Have been told I have to ask colleagues for help and support, but they are also stressed, so it just adds to my guilt. As I said, no advice, but lots of sympathy!

[Nichola2310]

I can sympathise as I’m in agony every day at work (only 15 weeks). I’ve been offered a sick cert by the doctor but feel it’s far too early to go out sick, feel bad for letting me team down. However after an absolutely awful week I’ve booked a day and a half off next week, and expect that I will have to keep reducing my hours with holiday leave and then go out sick.

Every pregnancy is different, some people get luckier than others. You need to do what you can to manage yours, and you can only do your best.