31 Weeks

I'm feeling really weird about this for some reason....I've been having awful respiratory issues from the flu a few weeks ago that are FINALLY beginning to clear up so that all I'm having is my usual pregnancy rhinitis stuff...I feel really weak and tired, though.

I have a desk job and work in school improvement for a regional education service district. The OB (I'm with the high risk maternal/fetal folks exclusively due to a variety of factors) has been asking me for a few weeks now what I think about stopping work. So far, I've kept on going as my blood pressure, etc., has been fine. I started out as a much larger woman and haven't gained any weight at all this pregnancy. The babies are doing well....the u/s last week showed Baby A at 3 lbs 9 oz and Baby B at 3 lbs 15 oz and that was at 29 weeks 5 days! They seem to be getting all they need.

Anyway...I was hoping to work until beginning or middle of May. I will have a scheduled c-section sometime around 37 to 38 weeks if all goes well...that would put me in the final two weeks of May. Here it is not quite the middle of April, though, and now I'm going to be off work...Monday I experienced a ton of Braxton Hicks. Every time I moved, it seemed, I would get a contraction. The OB did the fetal fibronectin (sp?) swab and it came back negative, my cervix was closed and long so that was good. I have had trace amounts of protein in my urine for a few weeks now but just a little bit of swelling in my legs that goes away with elevation. She wrote on my disability paperwork (I have insurance) that I had threatened pre-term labor, asthma, and fatigue as the medical reasons for going on leave now. Early in the pregnancy I developed a DVT and Pulmonary Embolism so I am on blood thinners, too. I did have some intermittent bed rest at 8 weeks as I developed some bleeding as a result of a sub chorionic hematoma (that has since cleared up). She wrote that in, as well.

I dunno...I feel guilty, somehow, for stopping work so early. What is wrong with me???

 

I'm not part of this due date club, but wanted to weigh in. I had to stop working at 17 weeks (and that was before I knew I was carrying twins!). My back hurt tremendously and I was teaching preschool. My body told me I couldn't handle it any more. I'm so glad I stopped working and took the time to focus on myself for a few months before being consumed by the babies. It is your choice, but one you do not need to feel guilty over.

 

Right around 32 weeks, I asked my doctor to give me a note so I could stop working. I had been working in the field and my commute was about 20 minutes and I was able to carpool with DH. When my project ended, my commute because 45-60 minutes and I could no longer carpool. I couldn't do it anymore. I ended up working part-time (me setting my hours) so I could finish up the project I was working on and then went completely off work around 36 weeks. I had no problems with my pregnancy, but I just couldn't do it anymore. Listen to your body and don't feel guilty if you decide to stop now. Your health and the health of your babies is most important.

 

I stopped working at 31w because of PTL. The FFN was negative and I had a long cervix. I worked 12hr/4day a week. At first I was so happy that I was off work. I could sleep when I needed to and just finish the stuff that needed to be done.

I do believe that I would not have been able to cook these babies for as long as I have been if I was still working. Plus, you get a bit uncomfortable at the end. I'd say listen to your body, but do not be surprised if you cannot do much more.

GL,
Jenn

 

Don't feel guilty, here in Sweden all mothers of mulitples are automatically put on sick leave from v24 regardless if they are feeling great or not. Better to be on the careful side, I say. Cheers Julia

 

I totally understand how you might feel gulity...I was put on bed rest 2 weeks ago at 24 weeks and I am miserable. I went for my visit to the high risk dr and he told me that I was having contractions (I could not feel them) and that I had a short cervix (he didn't tell me how short) and that I had to stop working NOW.

I was/am angry about this. I am one that is always on the go ad and I am terribly upset that I am eating up some of my maternity time for after the babies come....I was expecting to be home 12 weeks with them and now I will only be home for 6.

Anyways, my situation is what made me sign up for twinstuff forums and I have gotten tons of support, most of which people have shared that YOU NEED TO LISTEN TO THE DR if you want healthy babies....

Good luck

 

Don't feel guilty.. I know it's normal to, but you only get one chance to grow these babies! If your doctor is urging you to get off work, I'd say do it!

 

QUOTE(sheila185 @ Apr 9 2009, 05:04 PM) [snapback]1266401[/snapback]
I totally understand how you might feel gulity...I was put on bed rest 2 weeks ago at 24 weeks and I am miserable. I went for my visit to the high risk dr and he told me that I was having contractions (I could not feel them) and that I had a short cervix (he didn't tell me how short) and that I had to stop working NOW.

I was/am angry about this. I am one that is always on the go ad and I am terribly upset that I am eating up some of my maternity time for after the babies come....I was expecting to be home 12 weeks with them and now I will only be home for 6.

Anyways, my situation is what made me sign up for twinstuff forums and I have gotten tons of support, most of which people have shared that YOU NEED TO LISTEN TO THE DR if you want healthy babies....

Good luck


Idon't understand? does your sick leave come out of your maternity leave? That sounds so unfair! It doesn't make sense that you will have to leave the babies so early now beacause of doctors orders. In Sweden maternity leave can start only 2 weeks before your due date. I understand that this is so fustrating for you and your family. hugs J