How to make it through work in the 3rd trimester

[gumshoegirl007]

For all of you working mamas, how are you making it through the 3rd trimester?  I just hit 33 weeks last week and it's like I crashed into a wall.  I'm so tired all of the time and unable to focus/concentrate at all.  In part, it's because I'm exhausted (I haven't been sleeping well for the past two months) and I think the other part is simply being pregnant.

My job is a desk job that involves lots and lots of writing at this time of year.  I can write for 35 of my 37.5 hours here at the office, and it's not necessarily all that captivating at this moment in time.  I have a hard time sitting at my desk without wanting to fall asleep.  I get up and move a lot, but that seems to help only minimally. 

There's only five weeks left until I go on maternity leave (one five-day work week, followed by four-four day work weeks), any tips on how to maximize my productivity and make it through?

[annaconda]

Just want to say that I sympathize with you... I'm not quite that far along but have been going through a merger and am just starting my third trimester.  I have a day job and a night job... day job is mundane, night is teaching yoga so that one is, though tiring, completely engaging.

I'm cutting my hours way back in my day job and am down now to about 28 a week... should be 25 soon, and am coming back from maternity at 20.

I hope you can get good rest and get up and keep the blood moving and do whatever it is that keeps you going... 33 weeks you're almost there!!!  Good luck.

[forest~mama]

I don't have advice, but I sympathize. I'm 37w and work part time at a desk. I'm trying to work until baby comes out but I'm not being as productive as usual, and find myself looking at baby stuff during downtime. Not like me at all!

[Virginia884]

I am 36 weeks and am really starting to slow at this point. I work at a desk for most of my day, but am up walking around a lot, too, depending on the situation. I put my feet up under the desk when I can. I sleep later and go into work later when I can. Eating better helps my energy, so does drinking a ton of water. Really, I'm just counting the days until baby comes and I can go on maternity leave. My work load isn't really going to decrease at all, it's actually growing a bit, as I have to do all my normal work plus train others for my absence, and work some in advance, but I just push through and think about spending my months at home with baby. Having DH help more at home so I don't get even more wiped out there works. Can DW take more of the work load at home so you can recoup from work? 

[EnchantedMamma]

I make it because I have to.

My work seems to be mostly understanding... :)  I try to make up for my on-and-off shortcomings when I do feel well. I stay late or work harder whenever possible.

I can't afford to be off of work. I am not sure I can even afford 12 wks maternity leave.

I remind myself there are others with harder jobs to endure and NO ability to take leave afterward. I heard of a waitress who had to go back after 2 weeks. I can't imagine.

I do my best to cope with what blessings/challenges I have.

[kareniswaiting]

Finding some ways to improve your sleep may help. I started increasing my prenatal yoga and prenatal workouts in general and sleep much better. They aren't very hard workout but even trundling up the stairs is hard now!

I sympathize as well. I work 3, 12 hour nights shifts a week as an RN on a busy med-surg floor. The other evening I was so tired I cried and thought about calling in, but am saving my PTO for one more weekend off. I just keep going because it is the default. You'll get through it. 

Drink lots of water and make sure you are eating well. I am planning on leaving a week early on maternity leave. Maybe two would be better for you?

Good luck. 

[lsmama]

I'm a high school teacher and I'll be 38 weeks on Sunday.  I've actually felt better the last 3 weeks than I did from 32 - 35 weeks.  Those were the worst for me.  I quit going to the gym at 35 weeks b/c I felt like working out was actually ribbing me of energy.  I've also started going to bed right after I put DD (3 yo) to bed at 7:30.  1 nice strong cup of coffee in the am is also critical for me, though I know others probably would not approve of that. 

I hope you feel better soon!  It's pretty crazy, but it also makes these last few weeks go a lot faster!