Work and the third trimester

[Roeslein]

Those of you who are working full time, how do you manage at work? I have two months to go before maternity leave and am struggling between the long commute (which always causes my pelvic pain to worsen, plus I am scared of falling as it is crowded and no one offers a seat ever), almost constant low-level headaches and brain fog (was off sick for a week due to anemia earlier in pregnancy, and I suspect my iron levels have taken a dip again, as these are the symptoms I had then) and general exhaustion. Really not performing at my normal level at the moment, e.g. have been dozing off in long meetings and struggling to focus and stay engaged - people have been noticing and mentioning it to my boss, who is not happy, but it is a permanent struggle to keep my eyes open. I already work from home one day a week, can't increase that unfortunately. I sleep relatively well, apart from the PGP and frequent toilet visits. I have spoken to the midwife and asked for more tests (bloods to see if anemia has returned) but she doesn't seem to take my concerns seriously and brushes them off as normal pregnancy fatigue. Is this normal though? If so how is everyone else seemingly managing to stay productive until a week before their due date?

I’d go to the GP and repeat your request for blood tests. You know what anaemia’s like when you’ve had it.

I think it really depends on the person - some people have it easier in the third trimester than others. I’d consider being more proactive about the priority seats on the train though...

Seconded that you should go to GP and ask again. It might be common, but it isn't 'normal' as in how everyone feels - I'm 34 weeks and don't feel like that. I feel basically normal - not sleeping brilliantly at night, but otherwise fine and when I get a good night I feel pretty energetic. I'm not saying that to be smug, but the opposite - it sounds like work's much easier for me than you, so you shouldn't beat yourself up about other pregnant women managing to stay at work longer or more successfully, it's not the same challenge for everyone.

I didn't try and went on mat leave as soon as I could. I would have really struggled with the commute, bus (awful suspension, was getting off feeling sick and exhausted every evening) and walk from bus stop (fine when not pregnant).

I worked in a very understaffed department and was often lone working. I had already had to start saying no to doing certain things I physically couldn't but there would be no one else in to do it.

Working until just before a due date isn't realistic for some jobs.

Can you afford to take maternity leave early?

I'm a teacher so I spend most of the day on my feet, bending down to look at work, taking children around the corridors etc. It's a tiring and mentally demanding job. In my first pregnancy I felt pretty much fine even in the third tri and worked until 38 weeks. In my second I had HG and stopped at 34 weeks as I was still vomiting multiple times a day. Each pregnancy is different so don't compare yourself to anyone else - if you feel exhausted and can afford it, consider starting maternity leave earlier than planned.