soldiering on July 19, 2007
I am nine months pregnant and still working VERY full time at my job.
I have never done this before - previously I was working from home or not working in the last part of my pregnancies - and I am really beginning to find it difficult. I still enjoy and am energized by my job. I don’t dread going or anything. It’s just that I get really tired and achey and sore and just exhausted by afternoon. I certainly don’t have any energy to cook or grocery shop or do anything else remotely useful after I finally get home.
Any tips and hints from those who have been there done that on how to keep working effectively thru that last month?
Because I think I need some pregnancy crack or something to keep my energy up.
I worked right up until I went into labor, which was three weeks early and a total surprise. I had no signs of early labor, so it caught me offguard.
I was exhausted the entire pregnancy. The only thing that helped was keeping moving (which is probably why I went into early labor). I got up from my desk and walked around a lot. Occasionally I would shut my office door (thank God for an office) and actually fall asleep on the floor. If you saw how disgusting the carpet is, you’d be surprised. I was that tired. Anyway, for the rest of the time, I just kept moving, walking, finding excuses to be vertical. Good luck.
I too am struggling at the moment with the last 6 weeks. My advise is to take it easy when you go home and go to sleep early. Don;t do anything, social engagements etc that aren;t necessary. Use the weekends to relax and sleep and don;t try to get stuff done. Let others help and wait on you.
Have you checked to make sure you are not anemic, that would make you more tired then one would normally be at the end of pregnancy?
Drink coffee and eat chocolate
I worked until the month before my twins were born. I was so exhausted I would come home and nap before I started on dinner or anything else. My husband picked up a lot of extra slack, but we also ate take out frequently. It was a financial drain, but it was necessary. I also took naps during lunch at work (I was working at the Public television station and my bosses and co-workers were very supportive and even found a couch to put in my cubicle!). Good luck!
[...] anybody has any suggestions for her on how to keep moving, let her know. Or just give her some [...]
we ate out a lot which cut down on cooking & dishes.
maybe not the option for a family of 5 already though..
I have to confess I worked up until my due dates and then I started only working part time. This only works if you have a really nice boss (men are good too because they are scared to death you might give birth in the office). But it’s important to take an afternoon nap. You never know when the baby is going to decide to arrive and how long it will decide to take to debut so rest is really important. Chocolate is good too
Sorry can’t help–both my babies came early. Making it to 36-37 weeks was bad enough–I think I would have been totally useless after that. I’m impressed you’re still going to work!
Nap! Find a place to hide, even if it’s your car and take a nap. Whenever you can do it without cutting off the circulation in your legs, keep your feet propped. Maybe you could sit on a birthing ball instead of an office chair. You could just bounce all day.
Take long baths after work. Well, that won’t give you energy, but it’s the most comfortable you’ll feel all day.
Hold clearly to what’s going on in your own self. The baby’s in you, but not in your consciousness and spirit (yet). Take a hot bath; go in late to work (I did); read; take cod liver oil if you must … my first was a week late and my water broke after I took it. My second was 9 days late. Started contractions 2 hours after taking it. Try to honor yourself, and the baby, and the process, as equal dance partners.
Best Wishes! (and I’ve got 8/15 in the pool - cod liver oil or not!)
I would say listen to your body and rest, rest, rest!
Lots of marinating all day and then quick grilling at night types of meals. Keep hydrated and make sure you take your prenatals (or whatever supplements you might be on) then…
rest some more!
You’ll have so much energy after your little one arrives. You’ll need it too!!