Quick help needed please

[Eminybob]

I'm 27 weeks pg, and suffering pretty badly from work related stress, which had culminated in insomnia which is gotten so bad over the last couple of weeks that every day I'm feeling sick, shaky and generally exhausted.

I have told the midwife a couple of weeks ago who said if it got too much to go to gp as baby's health is important.

It's gotten to a point now where I woke last night with palpitations and was crying because I was so tired but couldn't sleep (awake from about 1, think I finally got back to sleep after 5)

I've been putting off going to the docs because I'm pretty sure I need signing off but I have a job where I would be letting clients down who have been booked into see me with a 2 week wait. Plus I feel my boss would be disappointed in me.

But my questions are, is this putting my baby at risk? What are the risks of stress and exhaustion on him?

Plus, my doctor has a week and a half wait for an appointment currently. Would this class as an emergency to get an earlier appointment?

I don't feel I can go in to work today I feel so tired, should I call in sick and stay off until I've seen a doctor?

Also, to add another thing in the mix, not sure if related (I really hope not) I have felt reduced movement recently (last couple of weeks) I can still feel him but not as frequently or strongly as before, and the last couple of days especially less. Could this be related and should I call the midwife?

Sorry it's long I'm just lay here in tears and don't know what to do for the best.

Poor you - you sound totally exhausted.

My advice? Always put yourself and the wee one first. You might just need a week of proper rest, who knows?

Doctor today - yy to emergency appointment and also midwife. Get checked over ASAP.

X

I know how you must feel about not wanting to let work down, but your baby is too precious to take any risks. I think you are right to stay away from work until you've seen your doctor, who can properly assess the situation and advise you. Also, I would call your midwife today about the reduced movements. I really hope you get the support you need and all the best with the rest of your pregnancy.

Thank you. I kind of know that it's what I need to do but need to hear it from someone else as I always feel like a fraud taking time off work, even when I'm on my deathbed. DP is no help, he would literally go to work on his deathbed and lacks a little empathy.

Agree with others, you should take some time off, see your GP and call your MW today about the reduced movement. A short break may be all you need.

you can self cert for a week before needing a doctors note by the way. ringing the gp and saying your pregnant and need an urgent appt usually means they will listen and oblige

Definitely take the time off. Look after yourself!

It's quite simple - can you go on like this? No. So something has to change as soon as possible. You're not serving your work or personal requirements well at the moment so the best thing is to get a full health check for you and baby and then deal with the situation. Good luck!

Sorry to hear your feeling like this op. I'm 29 weeks and having a real problem sleeping too. We are moving in about 3/4 weeks so it's a stressful time! My toddler doesn't let me rest in the day at all so totally know how you feel. Id do anything to have a break so yes get yourself to the doctor and get signed off. Don't feel bad, work is not as important as you and your baby's health. I finished work 2 months early because it was to much for me to cope with with everything going on. Look after yourself xx

Thanks for all your help. I called the midwife and they asked me to go in straight away for a check up and baby looks fine. They didn't do a scan, just checked heartbeat but she doesn't seem concerned, just said to keep an eye on the movement over the next 24 hours.

Didn't get a drs appt but did speak to one on the phone and she's signed me off for 2 weeks. I feel incredibly guilty about letting down my clients and colleagues, but also know it's best for me and baby.

Thanks again.

I think you've done the right thing getting a nite for two weeks off - to be honest even if you weren't pregnant it sounds like you're at the point where you're stress levels need to come down. I know it's a tough call to make, but if you didn't have the time off now it's most likely that you'd get worse in the next two weeks, and end up needing more time off. At least that was my experience of work related stress a couple years ago. Better to try and nip it in the bud, and if you're not ready in two weeks, or need reduced hours, go back to your GP.

Don't feel guilty about clients... They can wait! You & baby are more important right now.