Working while pregnant

I took off 12 weeks -- those extra weeks help if you can swing it. Even if you can get 8 weeks via FMLA or something.

The morning sickness gets better -- I promise!

[Gwendolyn]

Morning sickness will pass...like a miracle in the 12th week the clouds parted and it was smooth sailing...save your time off for afterwords. I had to go back very quickly (DS was born the first week of classes) and I would have given anything to have traded the months of summer break that I had off while pregnant for time with the babe. Sip water, keep the foods that comfort on hand...You can do it!!!

[planet]

I found working in the third trimester to be harder than in the first. You might want to consider taking a couple of weeks off before the due date depending on where you live. Waddling through the snow and finding warm jackets to cover a huge belly can be tough. I also got very tired during tri3 though. If you are upfront with your prospective employer (and very confident) about your pregnancy needs you might find a job where you will have the support you need. Good luck and may you have a smooth pregnancy!

[HeartRN]

I went back to being a full time ICU nurse when DD was 8 weeks. I worked full-time in the ICU until my doc wouldn't let me while pregnant and I could barely move from all the swelling/girth change It was really rough feeling so nauseous around things that are baseline disgusting in an ICU environment, let alone adding the drama of pregnancy! Take care, it can be done, but it will more than likely be pretty exhausting.

**Afterthought with a disclaimer**I know it's not for everybody, but when I returned to work, I really wanted to ensure DD was close to 100% breastfed. I was able to keep a great supply by co-sleeping, because she would just latch on through the night. This also made for a great supply for pumping during the day (when I could dive into the call room to pump--haha!!) Additionally, I completely believe this was good because it brought us together again after being apart for 12 hour shifts. She transitioned to a crib at 10 months without any big issue, and she was almost 100% breastfed until she was 1....it worked well for us, and if you decide to breastfeed and are working fulltime, maybe it could work for you, too..again, I know it's not for everybody, but thought I'd share. Working full time with a tiny baby is no easy thing. Take it easy, and I am sending warm thoughts your way that the morning sickness will resolve soon!