12-24 weeks pregnant (part2)

AquamarineMonkey

I had an emergency section with DS so we ended up staying in hospital 5 days so not only parents but most of our friends and family came to visit us in hospital. And then they all visited again when we went home. Either my mum or OH's mum was at the house during the day for the first 3 weeks and I was really grateful of their support so me and OH could get some sleep while they looked after baby. I don't know if I would have wanted that if I'd been able to have him naturally and I'm hoping for a natural birth this time but think I'll still allow visitors immediately, although maybe I should give DS time to bond with his sibling first?

I was planning on working up to 39 weeks with DS but unfortunately I ended up having complications and on medical advice took maternity leave from 29 weeks, and the last couple of weeks were a real struggle for me. This time I'm planning on taking maternity at 36 weeks but I've got no childcare for the 2 weeks before that so I might take a couple of weeks holiday before and finish at 34 weeks instead. Hopefully I won't have complications this time! One of my friends worked until 38 and a half weeks in her last pregnancy and she has a really physical job, she's pregnant again and is planning on doing the same. She's having an easy pregnancy again she says. I suppose it's all down to how you feel individually. I'm finding pregnancy much easier this time so I'm hoping I'll last a bit longer at work!

mrshappy

I'm hoping to work up to 2 weeks before I'm due, but I have been told that I'm higher risk for pre eclampsia, so will be playing it by ear later on. Last time I was told I had to finish 6 weeks before my due date, which meant I was back at work when DS was 3 months, thanks to the mat leave rules back then. This time I will be taking as long as I can

DigForVictory

Best single month to go back is May - all those Bank Holidays...

cllola

Thanks for the replies. Obviously if i have some kind of complication and its recommended i finish earlier for health reasons then i will. I dont have a particularly active job but my commute involves a car journey and then a bus ride into work. I think that is the bit i'm least looking forward to!

Hopefully there wont be a repeat of 5 years ago though! i was 34 weeks with DS and it snowed really heavily during the day, the hospital i was working in was on top of a hill and cars and bussess couldnt get anywhere near it to pick anyone up. i had to walk 2 miles in thick snow to the OH as that was the closest he could get with the car!

neverdespairgirl

RobotsinDisguse wrote: »

neverdespairgirl - wow you have such an amazing relationship with your mum! It's nice to know that's real and possible and just not in the movies

No credit to me - my mother's wonderful, it would take a serious cross-patch to mind her being around, as she's entirely helpful and loving and great company. I, on the other hand, can be a right pain in the whatsit!

fireyfirenze

I'm currently pondering this question! id like as long as possible off but my job is quite physical, most things I won't actually be able to do when I get a big bump! iv asked a few other girls I work with and they finished at 35 weeks. so maybe I'll do that. it's hard when you don't know what you're going to be like isn't it?

jen_1985_04

My baby is due 8th May - I plan on taking maternity leave from this date, however I am hoping to have my last working day (using holidays) 9th April.

So not counting the Bank holidays, I will be using 17 days holidays.

So got 10 days left to take - going to take a week off in February and a week off in March - I'm hardly going to be in lol

becca0417

Just popping by from the other thread... I'm going on mat leave at 33 weeks. It is very early but I'm a primary school teacher with a very demanding class & not planning on going back. It was either start mat leave at 33 or 38.5 weeks!
I think it really depends on the type of job you do and how your pregnancy goes.

cllola

fireyfirenze wrote: »

I'm currently pondering this question! id like as long as possible off but my job is quite physical, most things I won't actually be able to do when I get a big bump! iv asked a few other girls I work with and they finished at 35 weeks. so maybe I'll do that. it's hard when you don't know what you're going to be like isn't it?

It really is...I mean i've done it before and i still have no idea how i will feel at 8 months pregnant facing 3-4 weeks of full time work!! Mother nature makes you forget how uncomfortable we are at this stage so we go and do it all over again!

I might take a day off a week for the last 3 weeks or so, at least it will feel like part time then!

neverdespairgirl

I stopped travelling all over the place at 7.5 months last time - I couldn't face going to a court in Bradford, or Wales, or anything. I stopped going to court at all at 38 weeks, and did paperwork up to just before my due date. I'll do similar this time.