when to stop working???

When is everyone planning to stop working?

I work about an hour to an hour 1/2 from home and my hospital.
I'm due August 17th - was thinking of stopping around August 7th and use my two weeks of vacation. But than the 12 weeks kicks in even if no baby. I'm worried I'll go two weeks late. But I have no idea how I will feel in August, driving on the LIE. I also imagine I will have more doc. appointments closer to my date.

I also want to use my vacation before the baby in case I can find a new job closer to home while on maternity leave.

Re: when to stop working???

It's a tough question to answer. I had a hard time figuring out when to stop working. I had anticipated working right up until the end of my pregnancy, well, actually, the end of the school year which is a week before my due date. But my body had other plans. I just couldn't handle it anymore. So, yesterday, at a little over 37 weeks, was my last day of work. It's different for me, though, because I am only missing 7 days of work for the rest of the year, then it's summer vacation anyway, so it didn't really matter that I left.
I would talk to your dr., see what he/she thinks. Also, see if your job is flexible enough to allow you to decide closer to August.

Re: when to stop working???

Yes, I agree that if your job lets you, decided a little closer to your due date. I felt the same way about working until the end. Now I have decided to work 9-3 instead of 9-5 for the next two weeks and then I am using my vacation days to take the last week off. Even if I go late. I do too much running around and my feet and ankles can't hold me up anymore, lol.

Re: when to stop working???

Can you play it by ear? See how you're feeling in July? That's what I hope to do. I may even ask to work part time if getting up in the morning gets tough or working a full day is too hard.

Re: when to stop working???

Usually even if you are physically feeling fine you have trouble sleeping toward the last 2-4 weeks. You may even want to have some time alone since you won't have any for the next ?? years.

I was due on March 22nd, stopped working on March 2nd and had DD on March 26th. I am so glad I had that time to relax, finish last minute baby stuff and spend time alone.

Re: when to stop working???

Thanks Everyone!!!!

Re: when to stop working???

Do what you feel is right for you.

I'm planning on working up to the last minute - but it has been hard. I am due a week from Thursday. It is physically tolling getting myself up before 6:00 and not getting home till 7:30.

So as of right now tomorrow might be my last day or the day after that..or who knows.

Re: when to stop working???

I am also due a week from Thurs Kate! I am still working full time. I am trying to work up till delivery so that I can use my 8 weeks off all at home with the baby but its getting hard. Each week is more torturous. I am playing it by ear but may have to leave after this week...

Re: when to stop working???

Im planning on working till the end.

Re: when to stop working???

I planned to work until the week before my due date with both pregnancccccccies but with both I was told I HAD to stop working 6 weeks before my due date bc of HBP. Oh well I got much needed rest