Help! Should I take early maternity leave or not?

Question

First time mom to be and struggling. I work in the medical field and have a highly demanding job. I am also only 5 feet and have been struggling with SOB and sharp rib pains b/c of constant kicking in my rib cage. I really don't know how much longer I will be able to continue working with this constant pain. I only get 2 months off and really want to enjoy all 2 months with my baby once she gets here. I may be able to work in some PTO time to take off a week or two early but I am nervous to take off too early since I have no idea when I will deliver. My mom delivered both her kids at 36 weeks but this will be my first. I am 36 weeks in a few days and plan to at least finish out the month. I would appreciate any advice and thoughts from other moms. Thank you!

Answer

I recommend trying to work as long as you possible can, because once your baby is here your gonna dread having to go back to work early

Answer

I too work in the medical field as a nurse working 12 hr night shifts. It is getting tough but I'm delivering where I work so I plan to work up until the day. You have to listen to your body but I do know it's better to stay active and keep moving if you are able to tolerate it. If you just relax at home and do not move around as much it could delay the start of labor. I'm 37 wks 2cm dilated and 50% effaced. I'm hoping I continue to see progression each week. Stick it out if you can mamma you are almost there!!! Good luck!

Answer

Stay as long as you can. But slack off as much as you can too. Like really are they gunna bitch at a very pregnant woman? Just do the best you can and the least you can that's all that matters. Good luck !

Answer

I wanted to take leave as early as possible but ended up working until almost 39 weeks. That last week was absolutely miserable and I know I could not have done another week. 
Is there any way you can request shorter shifts so you don't use a bunch of time before baby comes?

Answer

Im in a similar situation. I actually had to stop work few days ago for health reasons. I stopped at 37 weeks. I will be returning back to work when she is 6 weeks old :(

Im a sole trader so unfortunatly if i dont work we dont have an income. Next pregancy ill be stopping earlier and making sure i can take longet off as i really struggled with high blood pressure and retaining fluid this one

Answer

I recommend that you try to work as much as  possible. When my first child he came at 35 weeks and three days as I only had those two months with him. It was very difficult going back to work. This time around I get 12 weeks so I may go two weeks early because at least now MIL will stay with baby when I return back to work.

Answer

I am a nurse and I literally will be working a 12 hour dayshift this Saturday and Sunday and then off for my scheduled csection first thing Monday! Hoping baby stays in before then!

Answer

I'm working till I deliver but it's because I can't afford it and only taking 2 weeks off. I work in the medical field though and know how hard it is. It's truly up to you and your family

Answer

I start mine Monday. I decided I needed a couple stress free weeks to prepare! 💚

Answer

I did and I'm loving it!

Help! Should I take early maternity leave or not?

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