Finishing work: Suck it up or keep going?

[louise987]

Currently 32 weeks with DD2. Due to finish work in 4 weeks.
I've had SPD for the last month and this last week I've had acute back pain which hasn't eased after having a specific pregnancy sports massage for it. (Apparently the back pain should ease when baby drops?!) Still awaiting physio referral but midwives estimate 2 week wait.

I do a desk job (4 days) and find the hour drive to work painful, then I'm finding it difficult to concentrate on work being in constant pain. Part of me just wants to keep going with the end so near but the other side of me is thinking sod it - start my leave early. I could end up being so bored stuck at home and potentially have weeks to go until baby arrives!

Did anyone else stop work early due to pregnancy related pain and were you pleased to? I'm dreading the potential onslaught of 'you're pregnant not ill / she's over egging it / being lazy' comments from colleagues and family and reluctant to take daily pain medication...

I would take it early and make the most of the time you have to relax. I took early leave with my son due to preeclampsia and diabetes. I wanted to make sure I was relaxed and looking after myself.

First time I had a week between finishing and delivering. Was meant to be 3 but pesky DS came early! That week was Christmas and we hosted (never again!). I was exhausted, in pain and really wish I'd finished earlier.

This time I'm finishing at 34 weeks! Not taking any chances.

If I were you I'd go sooner rather than later.

I had severe spd in all 3 pregnancies- got worse with each
Struggled through #1, was awful
On crutches by 30 weeks with #2, so went for 2 private osteopathy sessions - was then able to walk without crutches! The pain didn't disappear but was totally manageable
For Baby #3, had an osteo session every 2 weeks from 28 weeks and stayed off crutches completely
Try a session (if you can) before giving up work!
I had to go privately (nhs waiting list too long for Physio) cost me £40 per session
Good luck xx

I was signed off work with SPD at 15 weeks and did not return. Couldn't drive the hour commute each way, or really walk for that matter. So yeah take it easy, it can get worse if you're not careful. I would try to take some time off as sick leave though, so you don't loose too much of your recovery and baby time later. I found nhs Physio useless, but they did refer for hydrotherapy which felt lovely and helped (and was basically floating in a warm pool chatting to other expectant mums doing some simple movements). Physio taping helped support bump better and take some of the strain off my pelvis, even still I had to resort to using one of my mums walking sticks if I wanted to leave the house for 5 months! 🙈

I collapsed in front of my class at work when I was approx 26 weeks due to SPD in my second pregnancy. My legs just gave out - the doctors banned me from driving and I was put on sick until my maternity started at 36 weeks.
I had always planned to go til the end but sometimes your body has other ideas. I would get a sick note for the next couple of weeks before your mat leave starts so not to loose it on the other side. It is not shameful and no, pregnancy is not an illness but it can be debilitating in many ways. You will need some time before baby comes to rest - don’t be a hero, trust me your work won’t give you any extra thanks for slogging it out those last few weeks.

I started at about 34 weeks because it meant I could go back at a more convenient time, but really struggled with SPD that I got no help for so was very relieved in the end.

Personally, having a good wedge of time off beforehand was great for me. Everything in the house was sorted, I had loads of freezer meals done, had time to socialise a bit and also had some time to myself.

I highly recommend it. Having time to sit around and be bored is far better than the alternative of not being rested etc if they do decide to rock up early!

I finish on Friday....I will be 34 weeks on Monday. I have really gone back and forth with the decision....6 weeks before due date seems a lot...and have not met many women personally who have done that....however.....for me I know it's the right thing. I have not slept more than 2 hours a night for weeks because of how much pain I am in at night. I have a stressful management job and my baby brain is making it hard to focus and perform as I wish...I decided it was better for my little boy that I am fully relaxed and healthy in the last few weeks and ready for him to arrive. I say....if you are asking this question then that implies you think you are ready to stop...listen to your body and enjoy some you time xx

I'm going to finish a week earlier that I'd planned, supported by working from home one day a week for next 4 weeks. If you can finish early then do it. I doubt you'll regret it!

I will be finishing at 33 weeks.

Seems early but my previous two were born at 36w2d and 36w5d so it may only be a couple of weeks before I am aware if all goes well that il be off for a few weeks before but frankly at least I can enjoy the build up to Christmas and family time.

I'm only 24 weeks and I'm tired of my 2.5 - 3 hour bus / train commute already 😳

I'm 36 weeks today and finishing work tomorrow. I had planned to work until 38 weeks but ended up telling HR I wanted to go early as I'm exhausted and too uncomfortable with SPD to carry on. Wish I'd gone even earlier now as these last couple of weeks have been so draining and, I know it's a cliché but you really don't get a medal for carrying on.