How many weeks did you work until? (& thoughts about my situation?)

Did you work until close to the time you gave birth (if you didn't need to go on bed rest for a medical reason)?

I work long days/evenings til 9/9:30 pm and I don't get a dinner break. (I'm a therapist and am forced to schedule appointments back to back).

I'm thinking ahead here, but I'm debating whether to try to cut down my hours....or stop working early even if I don't require medical bed rest.

It's very difficult for me to eat properly with the way my schedule is.....and I'm in a very negative work environment, not to mention the stress of clients with severe issues.

I'm just not coping with the strain all that well. Always feel run-down and I don't want it to affect the babies' development. Or give me depression! I am burning out.

Of course, we want to save up as much money as possible before the twins arrive (I will most likely not go back to this job but will try to find something flexible when I feel ready).

And I have better maternity coverage than DH's plan has.....but we'll do what we have to in order to make things work so we keep the health of the babies as top priority of course.

Any thoughts or similar experiences?



ETA: I'm reading Barbara Luke's book about having a healthy multiple pregnancy and her recommendations for weight gain. I'm way under what she recommends. And she seems to emphasize that this is a very important factor.

I'm not 100% sure what I weighed before I got pregnant, but at 17 weeks, I've gained probably only about 3-5 lbs.

Message edited 5/13/2012 7:37:21 PM.

Re: How many weeks did you work until? (& thoughts about my situation?)

I'm almost 14 weeks and lost a lb from 8-11 weeks. I haven't gained anything at all. I'm not in the second tri until wed so I don't think I need to be gaining yet. So you are 3 weeks into the second tri so I wouldn't worry about 3.5 lb.

Can you keep quick calorie and protein rich foods in your desk? Like maybe whole wheat bread with PB? Or whole fat cheese or yogurt?

If I were in your situation I'd try to work as close to my dd as possible BUT leave or take vaca time if it got too stressful at the end. Can you tell them you plan to come back to keep your maternity benefits but not go back?

Re: How many weeks did you work until? (& thoughts about my situation?)

Every pregnancy is different, but I will tell you that before getting pregnant I worked 40 hours a week. My job is a not-too-stressful desk job 9-5, so I figured I would go as long as possible. At 26 weeks the Dr told me I could keep working if I could 30 min rest around midday on my side with my feet up (I was starting to swell and my blood pressure was creeping). I did that for a month and at 30 weeks I couldn't do it anymore and went part time (I think it was 3 days a week). At 34 weeks and I was DONE and stayed home until I had my girls at 35w4d. Honestly, you can try to plan ahead but there is no way to know how YOU are going to feel. I know there are ladies on here that worked up to 36 and beyond! I give them major credit.

I went with my gut and when it was too much for me, I resigned myself to the couch!

Re: How many weeks did you work until? (& thoughts about my situation?)

I worked up until 34 weeks and only stopped because I had strep throat that kicked my butt. I gained almost 80 pounds and was dragging at the end but had 2 healthy 6 lb babies at 37w4d. :) They are thriving and I have 10 lbs to lose. I didn't eat as healthy as I would have liked near the end. That sounds like you're doing great with the weight gain! My appetite was insatiable so it was impossible to not gain the crazy weight. Near the end I couldn't stomach a whole meal because I literally had no room for it to digest so I wound up with horrible heartburn if I ate too much. With that said, I think you might be OK if you pack lots of little snacks --- something with protein is a MUST or else you will still feel hungry afterwards. If you really can't eat meals, you need to find a way to be constantly munching. If you can sneak in ziploc baggies of apples and peanut butter, etc., and LOTS of water to keep you going. There's no way of knowing how you're going to feel from one day to the next... but I have to say that keeping my feet up while I was at work, even when I wasn't swollen, and staying hydrated are really what I feel helped me carry the babies so long. I thought I was going to be superwoman and work until I delivered... but it worked out well in the end. I've learned that you can plan as much as you want, but the babies always have different plans for you!! ha Good luck!! :)

Re: How many weeks did you work until? (& thoughts about my situation?)

My dr. told me in the beginning that he usually tells his multiple moms to stop working around 24 weeks, regardless if there's any issues or not. I ended up having a shortened cervix at my 24 week check up so I was put on bedrest at that point anyway.

I was gaining weight very slowly too. In fact I think I lost 2 lbs. at first (no issues with MS so not sure why I lost weight) and by the time I had them at 30 weeks I had only gained 18 lbs. altogether. My dr. was never concerned with my lack of weight gain and the babies were normal weights for their gestational age.

As for your job, I would definitely try to cut back on your hours if you can. At the very least make time every day for a long lunch where you can sit down and have a good meal.

Re: How many weeks did you work until? (& thoughts about my situation?)

sorry you're feeling stressed about the job. I agree with the other posters about having some snacks on hand to help you get through the day if you dont have time. My job is hectic at times and I often dont have lunch... DH reminds me.. this is not about you or your job... your babies come first so you need to make the time. As for the weight gain and Dr luke's book. I also read it and used it as more of a guide.. her caloric intake isnt doable for me... I was eating 1300-1500 calories before being pg to maintain my weight, it's not possible to go up to 3,000. That being said, I ate when I was hungry and have gained 10 lbs in 17 weeks. Everyone will gain/lose differently, try not to beat yourself up about it. Just make time to eat and never let yourself get hungry.
As for the stress, have you tried meditation/deep breathing exercises between clients? That might help you destress a bit.. even if its only for a minute or two. If you can cut your schedule while maintaining your benefits, I think that's the best of both worlds.
I hope that helps!! Good luck!!

Re: How many weeks did you work until? (& thoughts about my situation?)

My OB told me up front that he pulls all his twin moms out of work at 26 weeks. His goal was always for me to reach at least 35 weeks and he has a high success rate by doing this.

I was kinda shocked because I have a desk job, close commute, not too much stress. I had a pretty easy pregnancy - no issues, thank god. But right around 26 weeks I started to feel huge and my feet would swell (it was also the end of the summer). I delivered my boys at 37w3d healthy.

Knowing I was going out so early, I did all my research with HR so I knew exactly what I was entitled to, had all my paperwork in order which gave me some peace of mind. My suggestion is start looking into all this now and ask them about different scenarios.

As far as the weight gain, I never read any books and he never really gave me a recommendation. People are just built differently. I really didn't gain until the very end but the babies were always right on target at their sonos so as long as the sonos went ok, I was fine.

GL!

Re: How many weeks did you work until? (& thoughts about my situation?)

I was a SAHM when I got pregnant with the twins. I was never put on bedrest and managed to run after my (then) 2 year old all the way until delivery (37w2d). I say play it by ear and make decisions based off how you are feeling.

I intended to work until the end with my first pregnancy. But I wound up going on bedrest at 32 weeks due to pregnancy induced high blood pressure and signs of pre eclempsia. So you just never really know.

As far as weight gain is concerned. Everyone is different. With my singleton pregnancy I gained 65lbs and not in a healthy way. With my twin pregnancy I gained 25 pounds! My doctor was never concerned with the weight gain. And don't forget, you really start packing on the pounds in the end. The baby gains like a pound a week from 34 weeks on (if I remember correctly).

Re: How many weeks did you work until? (& thoughts about my situation?)

I intended on working as far as I could. I was due 3/23 and wanted to at least work into the first week of March.

I asked a similar question on the boards when I was 21w5d. With my son, I worked until 3 days before I had him and had a totally uneventful pregnancy.

WELL, the day after posting that I went to a doctor's appointment and found out my cervix was dangerously short and that I had unknowingly been having contractions upwards of 8-12/hour (I just thought I was feeling normal pregnancy things!) and was sent immediately to the hospital (literally.. left that doctor's appointment and drove to hospital). Stayed there for a week and was put on bed rest for the remainder of my pregnancy. STRICT bed rest where I was only able to get up to use the bathroom & take a <10 minute shower. That was from 21w6d until I had the babies at 34w4d.

Pregnancies.. especially with twins can be really unpredictable so just be prepared for the many situations that can arise and have backup plans!

Re: How many weeks did you work until? (& thoughts about my situation?)

I worked full-time up until delivery at 37 1/2 weeks. I only gained 29 lbs, but had 10 still on me from my first one. I had two healthy babies at 6lb 13oz and 5lb 14oz.

If I were in a job that was too stressful and not a great environment, then I would slowly widdle my work hours down if I could afford it. No one wants to be pregnant and stressed every day.

Good luck!

Re: How many weeks did you work until? (& thoughts about my situation?)

I'm 35 wks and stil working f/t. I don't have a stressful job, and I'm not on my feet all day. I see my OB and peri every week, and my cervix is a great length, so they see no problem working for another 2-3 weeks.

Re: How many weeks did you work until? (& thoughts about my situation?)

I'm a college professor and I worked until the semester was over. My last final was when I was 35 weeks. My twins came at 37 weeks, 2 days.

The last two weeks were ROUGH. My back was killing me - I felt like I could barely walk. I dont think I would have been able to work those weeks.

Re: How many weeks did you work until? (& thoughts about my situation?)

Re: How many weeks did you work until? (& thoughts about my situation?)

Financially, I needed to work as long as possible. My dr didn't have any rules for work (part of why i love her). I commuted on the LIRR until I was 33 weeks and then worked from home until I gave birth at 36 weeks. I only stopped commuting bc G. had low fluid and the drs were concerned. I think you'll know when it's time to cut back or stop working!!!!

Re: How many weeks did you work until? (& thoughts about my situation?)

i worked until the last day - 36 weeks 2 days. i gave birth 36 weeks 3 days - i had to be induced because if high blood pressure in the very last week and protein in my urine.

as far as weight gain, i feel like dr lukes book is only a guideline. as long as your babies are growing properly, keep doing what you are doing and listen to your doctors.

i never force fed food to myself or chugged down milkshakes or ate a ton of liver pate etc..i feel like doing that only makes your body gain weight, not the babies.

your body will tel you when you are tired or when you sre hungry. my only advice is to ljust isten to your body and your cravings, dont ignore them.

if you are hungry- eat., if you are craving ice cream, indulge. if you want a hamburger- order it.

Re: How many weeks did you work until? (& thoughts about my situation?)

I worked until 30 weeks and was then put on bedrest.
As far as weight gain, I don't remember where I was at 17 weeks, but I gained about 35lbs total with my twins.

Re: How many weeks did you work until? (& thoughts about my situation?)

I was put on bedrest at 27 weeks. However Im a teacher and stopped working at 20 weeks because of the summer I had my girls at 30 weeks.

I read lukes book as well.I gained a total of 35 lbs. I did try and gain as much as I could, when I could. I had horrible morning sickness and then at about 20 weeks, horrible heart burn and reflux started. I also didnt have a lot of space to put food at that point.

Re: How many weeks did you work until? (& thoughts about my situation?)

I can't imagine working those long hours, having stressful clients and not eating properly with a twin pregnancy. This pregnancy is already more tiring and uncomfortable them my singleton pregnancy and I can only imagine how tired I will feel as a get further along. I would definitly try to take a few steps back and tone it down a little even if it meant sacrificing some money. If you were feeling great I'd say keep going full force but I truly believe that we have to listen to our bodies even if it means cutting back a few days from work. In the meantime I think you should stock up on healthy food/snacks and eat throughout the day. You should also make sure you are drinking tons if water and putting your feet up. Sometimes I don't even feel the need to put my feet up but I do just bc I know it's good for me. Maybe You can talk to your current doctor and see if you can get a doctors note in your favor regarding work??? I know some people work as long as possible but you have to go by how you are feeling. Everyone is different. Good luck:)

Re: How many weeks did you work until? (& thoughts about my situation?)

I worked until 35 weeks. I assumed I'd be out much earlier than that though but it didn't work out that way. I have a desk job but the hr commute on the subway really was taking it's toll on me. I had my 35wk appt on a Wed and my OB signed me out of work even though I didn't have a medical need. My last day was that Friday and by Monday I couldn't even stand so I worked the absolute last day that i would have been able to. I will add that my job was not stressful and I ate all day long. Sounds like you will probably need to reduce your hours.

I read Dr. Luke's book too and I really think it made a huge difference for me. I never counted calories but I did eat small snacks constantly and focused on the foods she specifically mentions. I also made sure I drank 120 oz of water every day. I never had any issues, no shortened cerivx, no contractions, etc, and I had to be induced at 38wks. I was barely 1cm at that point and my docs think I would have made it at about a week longer but were big already. My boys were just shy of 8lbs and 6lbs and I think following her advice had a lot to do with it. Of course every body works differently but this is what worked for me. In total I gained 55lbs.