did you/do you work while pregnant?

Question

I am only 5 1/2 weeks pregnant and having a horrible time just getting out of bed in the morning and staying awake at work. My boss is such a jerk, he yells, hes demanding, he talks down to us girls and I have no patience left anymore with him. Hes stressing me out and I dread going in every morning. That on top of the pregnancy exhaustion is getting to me. I work 9-2 then pick up my 2 sons from school and take care of them, the house, laundry,the dinner, etc. My husband tries to help but his work hours are from 7am-9pm. Is it hard on the baby to stay in a job like this or should I just stick it out? I figure Ill probably quit in May anyways. Did you work while pregnant and what helped you throughout the day? thanks :)

Answer 1

First of all, you poor dear! The first trimester is the worst. It's probably not doing much harm to the baby (they have their own way of getting what they need from you,) but it sounds like it's super hard on you. Your boss shouldn't demean you, is there somebody higher up in the company you can talk to - like an HR person? Does this man own the company? Pregnant or not, a work environment like that can be very hard on anyone. And maybe while you are going through the first trimester you can ease up on the housework? Your house may be a little messy but it might be better for you. If you can afford to quit your job a little earlier than May maybe that would help too. If there was some light at the end of the tunnel? Good Luck!

Answer 2

Well you have 2 boys already so you should know that within the first trimester you do tend to feel alot more tired and irritable due to all of the drastic changes your body is going through, hormonally and pyshically. Your body is increasing blood flow at crazy rates to build the placenta right now. So I wouldn't a decision at this moment in time of whether or not I want to quit my job. By the time you hit your second trimester you may feel like you're getting your energy back, I know that's how I felt. And I work from 9am-5pm Mon-Fri. and I have a 5 year old son that I pick up from school everyday as well, I as well have to do laundry, cook dinner and everything else in the house. I wish my BF worked from 7-9pm sometimes when I leave from work my boyfriend come home from work. I hate working I don't think i'll ever enjoy it until i'm working for mauh. But just stick it out for a little bit more, just keep on trying to stay positive it won't be like this forever. Everything always has a way of working itself out once you stay positive, maybe your boss will get fired and you'll get his position, who knows.

Answer 3

I worked until I was 4 months. I went on medical leave (not pregnancy related) and then found out I was 5 months along. When my medical leave was up, my OB put me on restriction and light duty. Because there is no such thing as "light duty" in a nursing home, I had to quit. Any kind of stress is not healthy for baby. If you can, talk to your boss about your situation. Does he know your pregnant? If he does, then consider part time work. I know its hard to keep up financially. But think of the financial burden if your health or worse, your pregnancy is in jeopardy. I would ask your family and friends for help with the house work and your other children. I'm sure they would help.

I hope you start to feel better and congrats on the new baby!!! ;)

Answer 4

If your "exhaustion" is truly wearing you down to the point that you're more susceptible to infections (especially the ones two sons can bring home!) then yes, this can be bad for the unborn baby. The more time you have to devote to getting better the more nutrients your body will take before letting the baby get his share, so he won't be able to grow & develop as well as he otherwise would. Stress is a major no-no in pregnancy (easier said then done, though, right?).

Personally I wanted to work through my pregnancy, but I worked the morning shift in a factory (they switched me to an area that would be safe for me, which was nice) but I had morning sickness everyday all day, and when i had to keep leaving my station every ten minutes or so and i'd be gone for 5-30, i wasn't a very productive worker. I don't blame them, though I'm not sure it was technically legal, but they came and talked to me after about a week saying that I could take a week off (i was also a newer employee and had no sick time), unpaid, and come back. If i still got sick when i came back then i could either resign or face being fired. I took my week, tried again and resigned before lunch my first day back.

Once the morning sickness passed I tried to get another job, but no one would hire me because I was pregnant and told them that NO i would not be working after the baby was born. Unfortunate, we could've used the extra income, but this way I've been able to put me & baby first 100% of the time. I get plenty of sleep, eat & drink whenever i'm hungry and get to switch positions, stand, sit, rest with legs up, whatever i want whenever i want, and i know my baby thanks me for it!

Answer 5

I worked until week 36, but i really enjoyed going to work.
I remember the first 3 months of pregnancy were a struggle, I was exhausted. Try to get some sleep as soon as you've put your sons to bed and rely on your husband after 9pm.
Try not to get too stressed at work, they are more important things in your life at the moment.
I would not quit the job yet though, if it gets unbearable go off sick and as long as it is pregnancy related your current boss can't do anything to you (ie sack you) you will be protected by law. Check your entitlement to sick pay first.
Good luck

Answer 6

I worked full-time until the day before I delivered, which was at 40 weeks. Of course it was my first pregnancy and my employer was very understanding - allowing me to take off for doctor appointments, etc...

If you work for a corporation, I would talk to the HR manager. What your boss is doing is a form of harassment. If you don't think it will help, then quit and file for unemployment. Tell the unemployment office that you quit because your boss was causing you stress during your pregnancy. You will most likely get approved for it. Stress is not good for a pregnancy at any stage. With 2 other children, a husband and household to take care of, you've got your hands full. If the money is not an issue, definitely quit.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 7

Everyone is different. If you can be financially stable enough to stay home I would say do it. But I felt the same way at first. I am 11 weeks now and I do pretty well at work. The extreme fatigue (at least for me) has gone away. But first and foremost you need to be concerned about the baby and your body. If you are really stressed it can cause a miscarriage. I know because I got pregnant 2 years ago (not good timing) and my situation stressed me out so much that I miscarried. So just remember to stay calm and do what is necessary for you.

Answer 8

I worked right up till I delivered. I have a very easy job. Sitting at a pc all day with my feet up. My boss is way cool and for the most part it is a laid back job. I went back to work 2.5 weeks after the baby too. Anyways, I think you should find a new job. If you fear quitting because of insurance reasons you can apply for Medicaid or whatever. You should not dread getting out of bed because of work. That's the WORST I have so been there before it is no way to live, especially when you have a little one in your belly. Please for the sake of you and your family start looking for something a little more enjoyable! Good luck to you and your family!

Answer 9

I worked with my 2nd child only. I had a job I liked, so it wasn't bad. I know someone who took medical leave for her first trimester because she was extremely sick and exhausted. I left after she was 9 months old. I missed her too much!!

It's probably not good for the baby if you're exhausted and stressed all the time. If you can afford (or can make it work) without working, I say stay home. Your kids are only little once and you don't want to miss it!!

Answer 10

As for working, I am 18 weeks pregnant and am working and plan on working until 2 weeks before my due date. I like my job and my boss is not like that so its different....You need to do something about your boss though if he truly is taht bad bc thats not right to be like that regardless of whether your pregnant or not. As for your sickness stick it through bc you should get most of your energy back in the second trimester at least thats what they say and is what happened with me. By the way you are very lucky with the hours you have so really try and do something about your boss bc Im getting by and I work 8 sometimes 730 - 430 ...so try to stick it out especially if you pplan on quiting in May anyway.....As for what helps me through my day, I just try to stay busy!! Good luck!!!