Working long hours - come and reassure me

[highlove]

My job is desk-based but intense - very busy, demanding and at times pretty stressful. I'm having to work quite long hours at the moment - anywhere between 50 and 60 hours typically. It should ease up a bit in 2-3 weeks and I'm taking mat leave earlier than planned, finishing at about 30 weeks. In the meantime there aren't really any adjustments that can be made short of me going sick which I REALLY don't want to do. So I'm kind of stuck with it.

My DH really wants my to cut down the hours I'm having to do but as I've told him, it would actually be more stressful worrying about stuff not getting done.

I am, of course, worried about the impact in having on baby. Does anyone know if I am having a negative impact? Any reassuring stories of people doing much more than me and all being totally fine? Am I worrying unduly? Or do I need to get a grip and prioritise and find a way to stop all this? Thoughts welcome please!

Ahhh..sorry to hear you're having a bad time. No advice Im afraid...but am posting as Im in a similar position (though only very early in first trimester) so will be hanging around to hear comments!

I worked very hard until 2 days before birth and same day as birth with my two, and they're both perfect in every way :). But I was knackered and in retrospect wish I'd taken it a bit easier - you have to after the baby is born, after all, so it is possible, even if it doesn't feel like it.

Um I did a physical and mentally demanding and incredibly stressful job when pregnant ontop of that I was driving 2000miles a week and was often out of the house from 4am until midnight. Not ideal but I was use to it! I was still working the day dd was born fit health and over 10lbs. Which was pretty amazing as I had horrific hypermisis I was convinced there was no way she was getting enough nutrition!

If you feel capable and not unnecessary stressed then I wouldn't worry about, if your worried maybe chat to your midwife or boss would it be possible to work from home occasionally or similar?

Make sure you put your feet up at home though! Shop online, get dh cleaning etc it really helped me to not do anything but work and grow dd!

I wouldn't worry, my job is similar with an 80 mile commute and 10-12 hour days and I worked up until 37 weeks with high stress etc. As far as I'm aware it hasn't caused the little one any harm. I think this is fairly standard, most people I know with high pressure jobs have worked until the last couple of weeks and many others at my work have worked until due date - 37 weeks was considered quite early! x

I think your taking the right choice of leaving at 30 weeks you need to rest. My job is stressful and I'm on my feet all day I don't think I will cope up untill 37 plus weeks like you I plan to leave 30 weeks.

There seems to be pressure on women to work untill the ready to pop. But I think you should take some time out before baby is born be completely relaxed and stress free.

I'm 16 weeks and I'm struggling as it is will constant sickness and my ligaments are starting to ache now. God help me in another 2 month, I'm giving it a month and if I feel worse I'm going to ask to drop a day at work as I work 6 days hopefully they will coparte and allow it.

I have took any time off in the 5 years I've worked there 1 sick day in that time. Even now whilst I'm pregnant I've made more appointments around work or swapped haven't had any extra time off. So I think I'm due a favour or 6 lol

I hope you can work out a better work schedule. Ps whether ur sat or standing either ways it's bloody uncomfortable !

Great to leave at 30 weeks. That will give you plenty of time to rest up, even if the baby is early.

I don't think being tired / stressed will impact the baby. My advice would be to let everything else (housework, social life) go as much as possible so you can rest when you're not working.

I was working hours like that as a trainee teacher (plus all weekend) as I was trying to get qualified before the baby arrived (managed it too!) I was worried about the stress but DD turned out to be the most smiley, chilled child imaginable. I worked up till about 32 weeks I think. I then spent four weeks on leave waiting for DD to arrive and was actually more stressed from all the doing nothing! Obviously, make any reasonable adjustments you can - I hope DH is doing the lion's share of the cooking, cleaning and washing etc. I think you will be fine & I agree about not doing things causing more stress than just doing them.

I found myself particularly motivated and focused during my last 2 pregnancies. Worked til day I went in for induction at 42 weeks, albeit from home so no travel- stopped that at 38 weeks although never a significant part of my job.

I remember sitting on the floor bundling documents at midnight at around 37 weeks. Both kids are fine.

By if your not comfortable with it, do try and take it easy. Not for the sake of the baby but because otherwise you'll be miserable. And pregnancy is tough at the best of times.

Thanks everyone - all really useful. And reassured to know I'm no doing baby any damage!

I do feel like it's a bit of a cop-out to go so early - I'd fully intended to stay till at least 36/38 weeks. But having a proper break feels like the right thing to do and nobody's going to thank me for staying to the last minute, so sod it!

Thanks ladies.

I was working silly hours and commuting 2/3 hours a day. I was worried I was going to let work down. Then at 26 weeks I had a significant bleed followed by a cold and a chest infection which kept me off work for two weeks and made me realise my priorities. I was then referred to a consultant who signed me off for the rest of my pregnancy. I had a week at work to list what I do and ongoing projects and tie up any loose ends. Work is coping perfectly well without me and I am healthier for it.

My point is, remember your priorities and start tying up and handing over work now. You must think about the health of you and your baby.

I know it is hard, but I had a reality check and that made me really understan what is important.

Don't get me wrong, I felt guilty and planned to go to 37 weeks, but now I am where I am, I feel safer.

I hope I haven't rambled on too long and have helped in some way.