So run down...

[MissTwister]

I'm nearly 35 weeks and am so run down. Last week I got a raging gum infection that's not properly gone. Now I've come down with a horrible head cold, sore throat, sweating at night and also have some lovely mouth ulcers to top it all off!

I have been really busy at work but I wouldn't say ridiculously so, its not like I've been working till midnight but I guess I have been stressed.

Is this normal? Am I just ill? Do I need to do anything about this ie see a doctor?

Thanks all

I think what you need to do is rest!

I rarely take time off, I know it's difficult when work are busy (or reluctant to unchain you, like mine) but I think a few days in bed might help.

See a doc too of you're worried, but I hunk your body is telling you to slow down. When do you go on mat leave?

Think, not hunk.... Bloody iPad.

Is this your first baby - ie if you take time off, can you actually rest at home or will you be looking after a toddler?

If you can rest, then my advice is to go on mat leave early and rest. I say that as someone who worked til 39 weeks in a very, very high-pressured job.

If I'd known then what I know now - ie that I would barely get a day's rest for the next two years - I'd have gone on mat leave earlier and slept before the baby arrived.

I certainly won't be able to do that with this pregnancy, not with a rambunctious toddler at home!

Your body is telling you to rest...is there any way at all you can go early?m

I've actually called in sick today but have already had a million emails of stuff to be done with imminent deadlines, its relentless. It's the worst possible time at work as we're finishing a massive project and the deadline is 3 days before my maternity leave. But if I don't do the work it wont reflect well on me and I'm concerned about being sidelined whilst off for various reasons.

I am working till just over 37 weeks so 3 more weeks including this one. I don't think I could finish earlier and dont really want to as I want the time off after with baby.....

Oh and yes it is first baby so no other children to look after

Ok, if you can't finish earlier then you can't - but don't underestimate the importance of getting some rest, and some headspace now.

Scary as it sounds, this is probably the last time you'll get for the next 16-odd years to properly relax on your own! And it sounds like you need it.

37 weeks should hopefully give you three weeks at home to relax, though. And you don't have long to wait .

If I could go back in time and go at 35, or indeed 37 weeks, I would. This time I'll probably stay til I go into labour, as being at work is easier than chasing a two-year-old around...!

I always take Floravital when I am run down (and every day now I am pregnant) and it's my elixir of life!

I am the same - I am completely exhausted. I'm 34 weeks today and have another week and 2 days of work to go, plus a toddler running around. I don't know how I will cope with being so zonked.

It is difficult I know, but your health is more important. Cliche alert, but true.

My job is really pressured and they scream blue murder if I'm off for any reason (American boss, sees no reason for European vacations, her little gems have included 'Christmas isn't a holiday in Europe, I expect full cover" and "will you be taking more than four weeks maternity?" )

I worked half of last week feeling utterly dire then on Wednesday I could take no more and called in sick. They will manage, they may have a tantrum but they will cope.

You and your baby are more important. It's possible you'll deliver before your due date anyway - what is their plan then? I keep trying to ram it down my lot's throats that a team that must have one person in to survive is a daft idea and weak planning. I'm not getting very far, admittedly. And I am back at work today, feeling shitty. I'm such a hypocrite :)

I'd rest up if I were you - as pps have said, you might not get the chance to for a very long time!

Thanks all - have made the decision not to work this afternoon and to rest and then will try and work from home tomorrow. At least I can have a lay in then and avoid the rush hour commute.

On the positive side I think my gum infection is getting better!