Too early to start maternity leave?

Question

I am 31 weeks pregnant. I recently was transfered to a new location for work, which also meant my husband and I had to move over two hours away from home. The new place is extremely demanding and stressful. I feel like I'm being pulled in 100 directions non stop all day long. I eat right, and rest when I can(which isn't very often during the day) Is 31 weeks a "normal" time to start a maternity leave. I feel like I'm being weak, and I should be able to handle this..but I'm getting to the point where it takes me hours to recover when I get home. I know everyone is different, but I just want some imput to at least see if there are other women in similar situtations. Should I continue to try to "tough it out"? I'm afraid I'll put myself in the hospital before I finally say, 'enough is enough' Thanks.

Answer 1

When I was pregnant, I cut back my hours during the 2nd trimester, and I took leave at about 33 weeks. Do what feels best for you . I couldn't stand on my feet all day anymore, and my job was really nasty to me about taking time off for doctors appointments, so I said the hell with it, and took leave. Remember you only get ONE SHOT at having a healthy pregnancy and baby.
My baby died and sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I had let my doctor talk me into an earlier leave because of the stress. Maybe I would have picked up on something if I had rested more.
The really Sh*tty part was that I wasn't covered by FMLA since I had just started my job right before I got pregnant. So I had to request a "personal leave." I was only allowed 12 weeks, and they said that when I went on reduced time, those missing hours counted toward my leave, shortening it up a bit. And after my baby died, they wouldn't extend my leave at all. So I had to go back even though I wasn't completely ready. Thankfully, after a few months of pure hell, I transferred to a much better position, in a quiet office. So please check on your company's policy before you request your leave.!

Answer 2

You have to do what is right for you and your baby. Thirty one weeks is not too early. A lot of women work as long as possible if they're healthy and the job isn't too demanding, but there is no law saying you have to. You should however check with your benefits coordinator to see what their maternity leave policy is.

One more thing to consider is that if the job is stressful now and you're already feeling like you're being pulled in 100 directions, it's only going to get worse if you continue working full-time while nurturing a baby and raising a toddler. Babies have so many needs that it seems like your day never ends ... not to mention the sleepless nights with a teething or colicky baby. You may want to think about finding another job after the baby comes if this one is that demanding.

Answer 3

I am 32 weeks yesterday and left work early today and am calling in tomorrow due to being completely exhausted. I have slept most of the day since leaving at 10:30 this morning. I go to the doc on thursday and am going to discuss being taken off.
I am like u, i am completely exhausted and dont recooperate once i am home after work. I hit the bed and thats where i stay accept to use the rest room and get something to eat and drink (I live alone). I am however, 39 yrs old, so I am no spring chicken. This is my first pregnancy and its draining the life outta me.
I am not sure if the doc has to give a legitimate medical reason for taking u off early like we want, but I am definately going to talk to them about it.
I dont think u should try to tough it out. I know how u feel and our bodies are talking to us for a reason. Whatever the cause, we are feeling this way on purpose and need to address it.
So, talk to ur doc. See what ur options are and I hope all works out for u and me both. 7 weeks of rest before baby gets here sounds really good to me. I may get really fat, but I dont care.....lol
Good luck hun.

Answer 4

Here's the problem, the state only gives u 12 weeks, if you go on Maternity leave under FMLA before you give birth, you'll have less time off and if you have no money saved(fmla unpaid) then that's even worse. I am feeling the same way. I have to go on light duty. They may cut my hours , but my baby is what's important. Maybe instead of leaving, you can shorten your hours? If you can live on one income, then , i would say go ahead, i always have the financial in mind :)
Congrats and I feel you should do what's best for you and your family :)

Answer 5

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Answer 6

well im 34 weeks and i stioll work full time at a vet and believe me i'm tired. if i could go on maternity leave now then i would but i don't ge tpaid maternity leave andd i can't afford to leave now but i would. the docs may make me leave because i am already 2 cm dialated and 50 % effaced so i need to start taking it easy. do what you think is best

Answer 7

I thought it was a personal choice when to take maternity leave.. go on, just take it, you may as well make the most of your time resting because afterwards you wont be able to!
If your employer has a problem with that, go out on stress leave! and tell them that any complications your baby suffers due to stress they will be accountable for!

Answer 8

its never to early u do what u think is right 4 u i went when i was 38 weeks working full time just got too much and u relax befor ur little bundle arrives and destress u will feel 10 times better.

Answer 9

YOU DO WHAT IS BEST FOR THAT BUNDLE OF JOY INSIDE OF YOU!
DON'T LET NO BODY STRESS YOU WHILE YOUR PREGO......
IT ANIT WORTH IT I JUST HAD MINE LAST YEAR DECEMBER IT'S NOT WORTH YOU SHOULD RELAX AND SLEEP!