Struggling at work

[EllyNC291]

I’m 29 weeks pregnant and have been struggling with work since the first trimester. I work in the nhs in a very busy job that means I’m on my feet for very long periods, I’m struggling with sleeping most nights so am extremely tired which is ramping up my anxiety, and I start getting bump/hip/back pain after about 30mins of being on my feet. This all just means I’m finding work so hard! I have about a month left followed by some annual leave and then my maternity leave, but both the dr and my midwife keep suggesting I get signed off work and rest now. My question is, is it too early? I feel like it would be best for me and baby, but In the back of my mind I feel like I’m being a bit pathetic? Did anyone else have a particularly strenuous job and finish quite early?

You're better off taking their advice and looking after yourself. I really wanted to go on mat leave at 38 weeks but take my 5 weeks AL before hand knowing I was due in the height of summer. My boss persuaded me not to. Me and baby started struggling at 32 weeks and she wasnt growing well. I ended up signed off after that anyway and would have much rather planned to go off when I need to rather than feeling guilty. As soon as I was off baby started growing again.

I am 31 weeks this week and I've been off since since 28 weeks signed off my GP. I've had such a hard pregnancy with complications of Gestational diabetes and bleeding from placenta previa main thing for me was the exhaustion and I worked evenings for NHS 💤

So do what feels right for you I took 3 weeks signed off then I'll be on leave for about 4 weeks before maternity leave kicks in and it was best thing I did I felt guilty at first as this is DC3 and worked a lot longer with my other two, but growing a tiny human is hard work and I don't regret my decision.

Do what feels best for you and don't be hard on yourself xx

I am 28 weeks and have been signed off since 24 weeks until maternity leave starts due to spd

I’m a private carer now, 32 weeks tmrw and REALLY struggling! My colleague told me this morning that they have noticed me deteriorate over the last week so are trying to take the load for me as much as they can (my clients are double handed)
However I was a nurse with my previous pregnancies and I went off sick at about 24 (SPD and physically not up to it) weeks with my first and probably same gestation as you with my second, just couldn’t do it past those dates!
I gotta keep plowing on as much as I can this time due to being self employed! More time I take off now the less time I will have off when the baby is here (I’m literally talking a few weeks due to finances!)
Growing a baby really is hard work at times! Please do what you feel is right for you and your little one! x

If they have offered to sign you off, follow their advice. I'm 24 weeks, signed off since 22 weeks. I've had to keep going back to be signed off every 2 weeks which is a bit anxiety inducing, but far better than being at work - spd, back sprain, 4 hours sleep a night, traumatic sickness til week 18, work stress (somewhat hostile workplace). All led to antenatal depression.
Docs seem less than keen to sign me off for good as they think I should try to keep in touch at work. They may well be right about that, for me.
I think if you are struggling, the time is invaluable. My health feels a lot better now I can focus on looking after myself. I've been able to put some real thought into planning. And pregnancy sick leave doesn't go on your record, unlike after you go back from maternity leave. E.g. if you take mat leave very early (I was tempted to) you have to go back sooner, and with all these issues I'm concerned about how I will be by then.
Hope you feel better very soon whatever you decide x

I’m in the first trimester and have extreme pain in my abdomen as well as tummy bloating.

I don’t think my pain threshold is too low. I walked around with a kidney stone in my urether for weeks before I had emergency surgery to remove it and I’ve had several gallstone attacks before that was removed.

I’m told that pain is normal, I just find it so difficult.

Even the first dating scan where they make you drink a litre of water and press on your uterus triggered a bout of morning sickness and I felt awful for the rest of the day.

I’m lucky I have flexibility with work and my own office so I can get up whenever I please.

It's not pathetic, listen to your body and listen to the advice from the health professionals.

My job is constantly on my feet, lots of lifting awkward loads and lots of having to bend and crouch in awkward positions. I'm only 18 weeks and struggling awfully already. I was made to sit down yesterday with a cold towel on my head in front of a Dan because apparently I went a very grey/green colour. I was hoping to take maternity as late as possible but if I keep having days like yesterday I'll be looking to go at the earliest point. Yours and your baby's health has to come first

i agree with previous posters, i work in care, finding it very difficult, I'm 27 weeks and going on maternity leave as soon as I can, listen to your body and your health professionals, do not feel pathetic, you're growing a human being inside of you! yeah, some women work right up to the end, good for them, but it really is a personal decision regarding what is right for you and your baby, best of luck, and put your feet up pronto x

Thank you all you’ve made me feel so much better about this decision!!!