AIBU in coming off work about a month before my due date?

[PeppermintPasty]

Firstly, forgive me-I'm unfeasibly knackered, so may have lost a bit of perspective.My due date is 3rd week in April and I was leaving work(3 days a week) on 31 March. However, I am sinking a bit as I'm unable to sleep atm for all the obvious reasons(and now the psychological impact of not sleeping at night has become an issue all on its own). Therefore I'm now leaving on 26 March. I feel a bit of a weak drip though nothing has been said at work. In fact they're all supportive of me generally. Just can't shake off the guilt. AIBU? Or will you all tell me to shut up and get on with leaving work. Probably what I need to hear, unless of course I am BU...Duh, my brain is fried. I worked right up with my first.

Leaving a month before is fairly standard isn't it?! I thought that's what midwives recommended!! If you can afford to do it you would be mad not to.

I left at 36 weeks with my first child and those 4 weeks of chilling out, napping, getting stuff ready were lovely. Enjoy them!

If depends on how much time you are taking. With mine paid leave was only 12 weeks, then 14 and 18 respectively, so working as late as possible was vital. It was hard but there was no choice However if you have the choice, go with it! No point in making yourself ill.

YANBU and don't you dare feel guilty!

My third pregnancy here
Worked up until a week before the CS with my first
Worked on the day I delivered my second
This time, took holiday at 36 weeks, and started maternity leave at 37 weeks.
Felt like you, a wuss, but I couldn't have carried on, I was so grumpy and tired this time
And can't help but feel this baby is going to be overdue, so potentially 6 weeks off work
Who cares, that's what maternity leave is there for
So YANBU

Many years ago I read somewhere that midwives recommended finishing work at around 30 weeks if possible (obv not possible for everyone)

I was working fulltime when pregnant with dc2 and finished up around two months before my due date. I really think it did me good - was the easiest birth out of the three. I had time to do gentle exercise beforehand so was fitter than with the others and more relaxed.

if you can afford it I would say go for it!

If you feel bad could you do just two days for the extra week? Or work from home? Or do reduced hours on the three days?

Having said that I think its totally fine to stop at 36 weeks, is this your first baby? I remember being sooo tired, but managed to limp on until 38 weeks by only working 10-4 (instead of 8-6) and that was just enough to keep me going. Then ds1 was 10 days over so I still got almost 4 weeks off

Sounds sensible! I'm due on 20th April and finished work the Friday just gone. Am now knackered but seem to remember feeling like this with my first pregnancy and after napping for the 1st week felt alot better. Just wish I could find the time to nap this time! Give yourself a break and some time off, your body is working incredibly hard.

And what with it being sunny, there is lots of cleaning you can do [manic smile]
The combination of being 38 weeks and spring is powerful
Have also finished some course work, so all in all, the leave has been useful

I left at a luxurious 32 weeks with my first, and felt not one shred of guilt.

It is a really good idea to take as much time as you feel you want/need. I swam, met up with people, did antenatal yoga, got our house and garden a bit more sorted (had just moved), dozed, watched the olympics and generally divested myself of the stresses of work. I am so glad I did it. (as it was DS was 2 weeks early so I only go 6 weeks)

I totally don't get the "machismo" of people working till they are 6cm dilated. It's not heroic.

Bugger off and enjoy yourself (and enjoy being alone whilst you still can)

I'm going on annual leave at 36 weeks (this week - woo hoo!) and start mat leave at 37 weeks - thought this was about normal?

I feel quite well so could probably carry on for a few more weeks but mentally all I am thinking about now is the baby, so really it better for work that I go now!

I was good for nothing towards the end and so tired from a long commute I think they were glad when I left!

Really, don't be a martyr, everyone is is focussed on their own lives and in 2 weeks time NOONE but you will remember at what point you left, enjoy the leave, it's what it's there for

oh I love you all, just what I need to hear -I'm too feeble to grin hoho.

I finished as soon as I could!

I was signed off on and off before that too as I had such bad morning sickness and couldn't face the commute-30min walk 45 min train 10 min walk.

You have absolutely nothing to feel guilty about; forget about work and concentrate on taking care of yourself and doing nice things with your other little one. Good luck

nice peanuts themed name too

My DH cousin was planning on working until 39 weeks. As it turned out, she delivered at 38+2, was at work until the day before she gave birth, and had the biggest shock of her life (first baby, early, nothing ready etc). Go for it and enjoy your last few weeks.

YANBU, DS arrived a month before his due date and I really feel I missed out on those weeks of enjoying myself (and manic cleaning). Be kind to yourself.

Darrell dunno if you remember me from your TTC thread ages ago? Congrats on your pregnancy & imminent arrival

YANBU

I am dropping to 4 days a week (from 5) from 34 weeks, taking annual leave from 37 weeks and starting maternity leave from my official due date.

You need to look after yourself and build up some sleep before baba arrives.

When I had ds1, my employers required a medical certificate to prove I was fit to work after 29 weeks. I was, as it happens and went on till 36 weeks when I regularly started to fall asleep at my desk! Having finally given up work I really made the best of the time off and I still recall the happy times out having posh coffee or lazing around breaking deckchair covers...!

So no,YANBU in wanting to stop work now.

I've started my maternity leave at 29 weeks and do not feel the tiniest amount of guilt!

I am using the time to focus on myself and getting the house ready. I am gradually catching up with all the things I won't be able to do when the baby comes.

Enjoy your time off, there might not be much time to relax with a newborn.