Once pregnant I was 100% certain I would work until I popped - literally, even if it meant my waters breaking in the middle of the office. However as time grew closer to my due date I decided (for many reasons) it was right for me to take a week off before my official due date.
Leading up to the due date I found myself becoming restless at work, physically I was fine and due to an easy pregnancy I didnt feel any physical strain being at work, however I knew as I was due to finish I wanted to finish now rather than later. My workload had become non existent which perhaps didnt help and I knew I was completely ready at home for when the baby made an appearance so I was debating for a while whether to be restless at work or restless at home.
When it came to it I finished work a week earlier than my due date. Although I haven't reached my due date yet I don't feel in the slightest restless at home, I feel relaxed and completely ready to take on the next step. I think finishing that slightly bit earlier has helped me mentally to be in the best possible mind frame, I've woken up when I wanted to, taken midday baths - because why not? Taken long walks and enjoyed just being.
In the last trimester I have found my sleeping patterns to not be great usually being awake between 3-5am most nights or more and resorting to sleeping on the sofa. Since finishing work I have been sleeping through the night (and in my own bed!!), for example, last night I was tired, usually I wouldn't give in pre-pregnancy but since becoming pregnant if my bodies tired I'm taking the rest - Last night I slept from 9:30pm until 8am (I probably would have slept longer however my husband had come in from nightshift). This may just be coincidence but I've found the week off to really help me - labour is going to be a big challenge physically and emotionally and resting as much as possible before the big event can only be a positive right?
If you're debating what to do, if the option is there, take it! Use the time to mentally and physically prepare yourself, rest as much as possible and use the time to listen to podcasts or watch YouTube videos surrounding labour or pregnancy - if that suits you, for me I want to be as informed as possible so I've really made use of these.
It's also nice, if your situation allows, to soak in the time with your partner before becoming a family of 3 (or more!)
Until next time,
All our love Baby C and Me X
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