Venting. Sorry.

I'm glad they are helping you!  Make them help even more :)

I'm actually surprised how well it's going.  Don't get me wrong, it ain't all hummingbirds and butterflies (frakking allergies on steroids, RLPs galore) and I expect to have pretty bad back pain coming up soon as I have spina bifida occulta in my lower back.  The back pain is starting after a lot of walking already so I'm sure it's going to only get worse.  But I know I'm lucky.  I only hope he's as easy after he comes out! lol

I will say this - while I think we all appreciate your amazing dedication, you have to take care of you too.  Stay as long as you have to for financial and insurance reasons, but if you can't stay for the tests, well, the Earth won't stop turning ;)

Holy Mother of Joseph! I had no idea you had back issues .. no bueno! I would really be pitching a fit, so you're doing great! 

Letting it out is good.

Your story is similar to mine.  I am a little ahead of you and it seems to have gotten tough over the last 2-3 weeks.  Feeling breathless, tired, emotions all over the place (my poor husband) leg pains, cramping etc. 

My Dr. did take me out of work so that has helped a little, but I think from now until the big day we can expect lots of discomforts. 

I do remember reading that when the baby drops into the pelvis it helps with some of the breathlessness and heaviness.  Not sure when exactly that happens.

I am not sure what the laws are where you live, but here you are protected if you are pregnant and entitled to disability payments while out.  Also, your employer needs to give you your job back, or a comparable one, when you return. 

Good luck to you.  You are almost there.

Thanks, lady ... Just looking at your avatar picture makes me wanna run away from home and sit on that beach! Ha! I appreciate your kind words ... man, getting old and having babies is not for sissies! You're right about the laws and my boss is amazing ... he wants me to do what's best for me .. its mostly me being a control freak! 

Venting doesn't mean that you are not thankful for being pregnant. Its letting go of the frustrations associated with being pregnant that most everyday people don't want to hear.  I remember with my second one on the way- I was so beat. My DD was only 14 months when I just wanted to hide in bed because I was so tired (I think mine hit around 32 weeks- when I was just worn out)...Plus I worked full time outside of the home, and had two teenagers with special needs.  Oh- and I found out my husband was addicted to pain killers and had to go to rehab- so I was alone.  It wasn't easy- but some how I did it.  I am sure you can do it too. Make it as long as you can.  I know I stayed at wor****il 2 days before my c-section (scheduled at exactly 39 weeks).  I figured I could use 1 day to prepare and rest.  I certainly remember feeling like my legs were going to bust because of the swelling...and my toddler was completely oblivious to my pain / discomfort (thankfully)- I just played on the floor like nothing was different but it wasn't easy. I hope you are able to get some of those aches and pains to ease up!

Oh, thank you so much for your support - that's really sweet of you to check in. Yes, you had a lot of challenges! Wow! My DH is just a knucklehead sometimes, but mostly pretty helpful. I am just super tired. I think I made the decision in my head to work til May 13th, and then its time to let it go. That will be after testing and I can take a break without feeling like I am abandoning the kids or anything. Plus ,we're in escrow right now, so I will need a couple weeks to get the house set up before this one makes her debut. Yikes!
Thanks again! 

vent away sweetie.  You're entitled to it.. big time!  You're human... with another human baking inside of you. Whatever timing you chose for your LOA will be perfect.  Just trust yourself and those students of yours will be very well prepared to continue to move forward in their education.  Remember that you are the one who is preparing them.  And they have such a loving and supportive teacher.  You are a strong woman and it's ok to feel your feelings.  In fact I'd be worried if you didn't allow yourself to express your feelings.

I hear you hun! I was that way with Keiran. I couldn't figure out why it was so bad. I had a hard time with Tristan but nothing compared to keiran. My OB said it was because it was baby #2 and apparently it can be alot worse... especially when they are so close. (my boys are 17 months apart). 

Do what you can and remember...  your health and baby's are more important than testing (although your dedication shows what a good teacher you are)!

 So sorry you are having a rough time, I don't have any good advice or answers, just wanted you to know I was reading and thinking about you!