Pregnant and working...how do you do it?!?!?

I'm an ER nurse and currently 26 weeks pregnant with my 1st child. My 1st trimester hit me hard with fatigue...my 2nd trimester has been absolutely amazing! I had all my energy back, I was able to get everything done that I needed to do, etc. I'm approaching the end of my 2nd trimester and moving into my 3rd, and, BAM, the fatigue is back with a vengeance...only this time I'm carrying around an extra 25lbs and dealing with sore, swollen feet, hip pain, and constant moodiness. Any tips on how to get through the day AND have my days off actually feel restful and productive? I feel like all I do is sleep when not at work.

Medical leave. You're welcome.

Stupid answer, Sour Lemon. You're a moron.

Stupid answer, Sour Lemon. You're a moron.

I worked out very well for me. I went off at 24 weeks. I hope you get some smarter answers that work for you, though.

I only got 12 weeks of FMLA so I needed that for maternity leave. Medical leave wasn't an option.

The best advice I've got is to work every other day. It's the only way I got through it. I had pain with every step because I had SPD. It was awful. There were some days I couldn't walk after my shift because it I had been on my feet so long. Otherwise, if you have the option of light duty you could ask about that if you want. I didn't have that option but my best friend did at her hospital.

If you can afford it maybe cut down shifts or see if you could work shorter shifts. I had a desk job when I was pregnant and by 7.5 months my manager allowed me to work from home so that I didn't have to make the commute in my car, it was just too much with all the water weight I was carrying in my legs (I had free flinstone feet). I was then forced into bedrest my last three weeks due to HTN if I wasn't lying on my left side. I could have never survived hospital nursing back then. I have no idea how some of you do it.

Stupid answer, Sour Lemon. You're a moron.

I guess you weren't exaggerating with the moodiness. Holy cow.

Please don't respond to the "moron" remark. It's been reported for moderation.

Many of us have been pregnant and had to work. I did for my pregnancies up til delivery. I took it easy at home, ate high quality nutrition and made sure I slept when tired, and exercised a bit.

You're young and healthy. You can do this if you perhaps, scale down on hours and really allow yourself rest and good nutrition.

Or maybe you can't.

You have to decide what you can do. The sacrifices you make for your family have only just begun. It's never easier being a parent than when the kid is still yet to be born. Challenges will face you throughout parenthood, so get used to getting creative, now---- before the child arrives.

At least you don't have another child making demands on you. Think about that when considering subsequent children. It gets more challenging with each child you have, trust me.

Good luck.

Stupid answer, Sour Lemon. You're a moron.

OP, how old are you? Next time specify you only want sugar coated answers..

As far as your post..I am 34 weeks pregnant, swollen as a tick, work full time, have a small daughter and am a full time FNP student trying to get 180 clinical hours in before my daughter arrives. I relate to the fatigue. My best advice is get through it. Try to focus on the positives. I am pregnant, I am employed. I am blessed. Focus on the positives in your life. Your bundle of joy will be here soon and you'll never feel a love so strong, believe me. Best of luck

I worked out very well for me. I went off at 24 weeks. I hope you get some smarter answers that work for you, though.

It's the moodiness OP stated LOL

I worked until 36 weeks. Swollen, tired, and cranky. I left on medical leave when I was no longer useful. I did nothing but sleep on my days off. My husband picked up all the slack at home.