How much are you doing?

[Andjxx]

I am 22 weeks ATM and wondering if I am overdoing it or not?

We have just moved into a new place and I have been doing a lot of unpacking etc in the past two weeks, I have also just moved areas from relatively desk bound job to one that requires me to walk and be on my feet for the majority of the day.

Put house work and general domestic duties on top of that and some days I feel like I may be overdoing it.
How do you know?

[alioops]

Your body will tell you when you have done too much. If you feel like you need a rest, the have one.

[samm]

I know eaxactly how you feel!

At 21 weeks - i am finally realising and working out when to have a rest, especially at work as it is a very fast paced environment. You will know when to rest - you might feel a little weary, your hips or ligaments may ache or in my case, the brain feels a little jumbled - i then sit or lie down an have 5 mins to rest. i have also realised that my normal long work hours cause me to be more tired than i used to get so i try and ensure i leave work by 5.45pm.

i then have to go home, cook dinner and do any house work. I've slacked off a bit there and only do tiny bits of work before having an afternoon nap on the weekends!

Just listen to what your body is telling you

[OceanPrincess]

Andj I know what you mean!

For me I have a very clear indicator when I'm doing too much - my feet, legs and ankles swell up horribly and I have no choice but to sit down and put them up somewhere!

But I have also noticed the ache in the back and the jumbled brain.

I could not handle being on my feet all day, don't know how you're doing it

[Andjxx]

Ocean Princess - I think it is a mater of not having a choice! Thats just my job.

Although today I wasn't feeling that great and I spoke up and they let me do some computer work for part of the day. By the end of the day today I felt much better than I have been. I think that I just need to speak up rather than suffer in silence.

[Arcadia]

Hmmm...yes the question of how much is too much?

Up until this week I have been working two jobs and running around like nothing has changed, but it has been really hard at times. For me, it has taken me some time to accept that my energy levels are a bit different now. I just didn't want to let anyone down - and we needed the cash.

There really isn't a right or wrong answer, but I really wish I'd spoken up sooner about cutting back at work - it seemed too hard for too long - but once I'd voiced it, everyone was really accommodating.

Remember that you may need space to rest not only physically, but emotionally. You need time to bond with your baby and come to terms with the changes in your life.

Good luck with it...

[runnermum]

well said - our bodies tell us when we are overdoing it !!

Our family is in the process of moving interstate in 6 weeks time - I am currently 26 week preggo. Some say we are crazy, but it took 3 years to get preggo with number 2 so I am not complaining. It will mean a new job, new home, new city, no family or friends to call upon, and my son is starting school the day the baby is due.

So far I feel good about it all - physically I feel fine because I run/swim/yoga/weights 7 days a week and this helps me sleep and keep my sanity!

Listen to YOUR body - mine today did feel a little tired so I did less and had some time to myself. Cut back on your work if you need to for sure and do some enjoyable things for YOU. It may be that you need emotional and mental downtime as someone else already cleverly said!!

Be kind to you and your body and baby will respond!

[puppies]

I am starting to feel the same way. I am getting aches in the back and tummy and just find it hard to concentrate or be motivated. I cant exactly take a lay down at work either. So may have to start backing off on my hours. Although I cant afford to loose any of my income right now. So may have to ask the boss if I can work from home 1 day a week till I pack it in 6 weeks.

ALthough annoyingly DH said to me last night that I just have to toughen up a bit! I am like maybe I dont want to, maybe I want to enjoy this opportunity to take it all in. I think he gets told stories by other women. Oh I worked right up till the day by baby was born and I was fine. I know I have heard that kind of story also and it annoys me. Cause then I am expected to do the same!

[Arcadia]

I agree puppies! I admire those women who worked right up until the end of their pg, but it doesn't make it easier for the rest of us who are expected to do the same.

I have been shocked at how unmotivated to work I have become...and I love my job! Its definitely a sign that my energy is actually going elsewhere.

I say take the opportunity to slow down if you can. This is a special time in our lives, that should be cherished, not rushed...it has taken me 28 weeks to realise this, and I'm glad I finally have.

I am still happy to work and exercise and go out and do everything else, just not at the same pace...

When you put yourself first, you put the baby first...surely that's what everyone would want?