Did anyone else struggle at work 8 months pregnant?

[YellowChick56]

Has anyone else struggled at work whilst in the third trimester? Brain fog, tiredness, uncomfortable, back pain etc.

I feel like I can't do anything right and that I'm always being "told off" but the boss for not working fast enough, making small mistakes which I wouldn't usually but I think that's a result of the pregnancy insomnia. Just wondering if it's me or if everyone else has had struggles. I'm trying my best but it never seems to be good enough at the moment.

Yes, both mentally and physically. I ended up going on mat leave a week early as I was just so exhausted.

Yup! I worked until 38 weeks and since she was born at 39 weeks I didn't get to do the fun lunches/massage I'd had planned. Work is hard. Being 8 months pregnant is also hard. Doing both together is the reason I would be finishing work at 35/6 weeks IF I had another one.

Gosh, yes. I was functioning at exhausted pigeon level, but fortunately had a very understanding team and worked from home for most of the final month. I went on mat leave at 36 weeks. Sorry that your boss isn’t being more forgiving. They should know better and ease up!

I’m struggling at the moment! I’ve been having to take extra breaks and finish up a bit early because I’m just exhausted.

Luckily I work at home and my boss and team are super understanding. Almost everyone I manage has kids so they all get that I’m not my normal self.

I start my leave at 36 weeks so not long to go.

Yes - you need to call in sick if you're ill or have an occupational health assessment

Yes, very much so. My brain just didn't work properly the last few weeks. I went off at 37 weeks but if I were to do it again I'd go at 35.

I struggled too but my employer was supportive. I was able to work from home at the end to wrap things up without needing to travel which was causing me pain and i had hg so they let me set my own start times in the morning and just worked my hours flexibly across the week. Do you have a risk management plan for work? I'd ask to meet with your manager to ask for some adjustments that might help you. If they're difficult about it go through pregnant then screwed, oh or citizens advice.

With my first, I really really struggled and was so glad it was during Covid when we were home all the time. I was exhausted, uncomfortable and couldn’t think properly. I struggled to function. I worked until 38 weeks and gave birth the day after I started mat leave!

With my second, I was comfortable, glowing and carrying my toddler until the day I gave birth!

Thanks all. That is really helpful. I'm glad I'm not the only one who has felt like this, I just feel like a failure at the moment with everything at work. I will speak with HR next week instead of struggling on like I have been.

It's interesting to hear when everyone finishes up for their Mat leave. This is our first baby and if we have a second I will look at finishing work earlier.

I didn't realise your employer had to be more accommodating either so useful to know.

I worked up until Christmas eve.. she was born 4 weeks later.. this was in quality control in a factory in 1984.. l was stood all day long..
I was fine.. no problems.. tired a lot but went to bed early.
Luckily with second l wasn't working at all.. husband provided.

I worked until 36 weeks with my second as I was scared I would give birth earlier than when I had my first. In the end, I had 3 weeks off before baby was born and so glad I did. I had a much needed break, and it gave me an opportunity to catch up with various friends and to do some self pampering!