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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

When did you stop working pre-birth?

39 replies

coastalchick · 16/03/2018 15:59

My last day (first baby) currently due to be 37 weeks and 4 days (I only work 4 days a week) but from 33 weeks am cutting down (using holiday) to 3 days a week.

Do you think that will be ok? I’m already blinking exhausted at only 14 weeks but live offshore and the max can have off is 7 months so want to spend as much of that with baby as possible

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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ThatGirl82 · 16/03/2018 16:04

I stopped at 37 weeks but should have left earlier as I was exhausted, and baby arrived a week early so I didn’t get as long to just relax as I had wanted.

I am glad now though as I won’t have to go back until she is 10 months.

Girlwiththearabstrap · 16/03/2018 16:25

I worked till the day I went in to be (unexpectedly) induced at just before 35 weeks. I'd planned to work up till 39 weeks.
This time I'm also planning to work up till 39 weeks but am prepared to be flexible and will go early if I need to. I'd rather have time with the baby than time on my own before feeling massive! 33 weeks now so still a fair bit to go. I'm tired but feeling well enough.

Qvar · 16/03/2018 16:28

As soon as legally possible. There's nothing to be gained from martyredom and my pregnancies weren't easy

MaverickSnoopy · 16/03/2018 16:29

38 weeks in my first pregnancy and 28 weeks in my second pregnancy, due to pgp and sciatica. Will be finishing at 28 weeks again this time as I've been suffering with pgp from 3 weeks so I know I'm in for a battle. I'm 10 weeks now and already in lots of pain. Thankfully I'm only working 14 of the remaining weeks due to holiday and I'm part time. Just wouldn't manage otherwise.

I had pgp in my first pregnancy but not as bad and now that I have children to look after too my body works much harder than it did in my first pregnancy.

I think it's a very personal decision and what works for one person won't work for someone else. Some people will be bored at home and others really won't have a choice.

RoryAndLogan · 16/03/2018 16:30

I stopped at 35 and baby arrived the next day

Hellsbellscockleshells · 16/03/2018 16:32

I got really really tired the last month and worked up until the week before DD was born and she was a week only. I was an older mum was anemic and had low blood pressure.

autumncountryrose · 16/03/2018 16:35

I took annual leave from 32 weeks and started my maternity leave at 35 weeks.

I'm not going back after, and I had obs coly and was shattered!

MrsRonBurgundy · 16/03/2018 16:44

I’m taking annual leave for 3 weeks from 35 weeks so my mat leave starts when I’m 38 weeks.
I’m currently 32 weeks and wish I could break up now. Have developed SPD and am struggling now but I have too much to do to wrap up before I finish

Original poster

coastalchick · 16/03/2018 17:20

I’m an older mum too - baby due 5 days before my 40th!

OP posts:

Latenightreader · 16/03/2018 17:26

Read this with interest Coastalchick - I'm pregnant for the first time too and due the day before my 40th! My plans for a party have been put on hold...

jeezlouise85 · 16/03/2018 17:29

I set my maternity leave to start on my due date and was glad I did. I was exhausted at 14 weeks too, but totally fine at 40 weeks (although I have a desk-based job).
My DS was 9 days late so I’m glad I had the leave at the other side when he was actually here.

affectionincoldclimate · 16/03/2018 17:33

I had my first baby 4 months before hitting 40. Not sure the age played a role but I was pretty knackered so I went off at 36 weeks and it was not a moment too soon. My job is desk based office stuff but pretty intense mentally and the London commute was horrendous so I really enjoyed my 4 weeks at home. DD was born on due date so I was glad I didn't stretch it out and then ended up with two weeks lead to life of sleeplessness

Sparklesdontshine · 16/03/2018 17:42

I'm an older mum too, I'm planning on finishing at 30 weeks.

boodles101 · 16/03/2018 19:04

I had a weeks annual leave at 37 weeks and the officially mat leave at 38. DS didn't arrive til over 41 weeks so I was bored to tears and spent most of the days just walking the dog trying to get things going ( didn't help!) I had quite an easy pregnancy and probably would have been able to work at least another week. I even had a 2 hour commute each way! But it all depends in how your pregnancy is going and how you think you might cope later on. No point in struggling to work if you don't need to.

Original poster

coastalchick · 16/03/2018 19:50

Difficult one isn’t it - guess just don’t know how I’ll be feeling nearer the time/whether he’ll be early or late!!!

@Latenightreader - good to have someone in same position as me!

OP posts:

Teaandbiscuits35 · 16/03/2018 19:56

I took two weeks annual leave at 35 weeks and then maternity at 37. I wanted as much time as possible with the baby after but my pregnancy was hard and I felt like shit.

DextroDependant · 16/03/2018 20:02

First baby 38 weeks, finished on Friday and had baby on Monday.
Second baby 37 weeks, finished on Friday had baby on Saturday.
Third baby 36 weeks, he didn't arrive to 39+2 and I felt like I was just sitting around waiting for him to arrive.

Like you I wanted as much time off with the baby afterwards as possible.

jcsc · 16/03/2018 20:08

I'm 35 weeks today and today was my last day at work.
I'm pregnant with twins - baby 4 and 5 and I'm absolutely exhausted

KatharinaRosalie · 16/03/2018 20:11

Didn't with DC1, was at work on Friday, he was born on a Sunday at 41 weeks.
4 hours before DC2...my PA said I looked a bit uncomfortable and maybe I should go get checked out. Was 38 weeks.

Falconhoof1 · 16/03/2018 20:23

First baby 37 weeks as I only got 1 week to relax as she was early. 2nd baby I stopped at 35 weeks. He was also early by exactly the same amount as DC1!

phoenix1973 · 16/03/2018 22:18

As soon as legally allowed. Only doing it once, so enjoyed my final 3 months 😄

Arapaima · 17/03/2018 06:11

I worked until 37.5 weeks off, but then DC1 was a week late so I ended up having nearly a month off, which was more than I needed tbh.

ohlittlepea · 17/03/2018 06:16

1st pregnancy 35 weeks (3 weeks a/l) so actual maternity started at 38 weeks)

2nd pregnancy will be 33 weeks (new annual leave year so 7 weeks a/l, mat leave will start on my due date).

I work 13 hr shifts constantly on my feet so working till 40 weeks isnt really an option. Looking forwards to having some quality time with my older child before little one arrives this time.

Cloudwalk · 17/03/2018 06:43

I had great plans to work until week 38 with a 1hr 40min commute, long working hours and tough client.

Ended up leaving week 34 due to rib flare, spg (sore pelvis) and sheer exhaustion.

Managed to take extra time due to holiday accumulation, fab boss and doctors note. I think as long as you have a plan / are ok with starting ml earlier then see how you go. Every body and person is different and you will know when the time is right,

SofiaAmes · 17/03/2018 06:57

I worked right up until labor with both of mine. I was 37 and 39 when I had them. I had pretty bad labor/deliveries and was very glad to have the time off afterwards. Do you have to make the decision now?

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