When to throw in towel at work when carrying twins

[amberEMTP]

Well as I get bigger I have noticed that it is becoming more and more difficult at work. I am still in my first trimester but at the end and headed into my second trimester. I am a paramedic and I do a lot of heavy lifting but just noticed that I cannot get close enough to lift a patient anymore. I have had many problems with morning sickness lasting all day and as a result have been in and out of the hospital with dehydration. I know thatI cannot afford to take off right now and I know that my time is limited due to carrying twins. I am more concerned with getting two healthy babies here and also worried about money with not working. I was wondering when should I throw in the towel and just slow down. I know that it is alot different carrying 2 rather than 1 because I have ecperienced both types of pregnancies and worked till the last few months in the past....I guess I am afraid to admit that I cant do it anymore and slow down cause I have worked on an ambulance for years but I also know that I am not willing to sacrifice my babies for my career. I go to the dr on the 19 and I will be in my second trimester should I tell her then and what sort of preparations should I make at work as far as FMLA?

[amberEMTP]

Well the dr took me off saying that with my job that having to lift all that weight and me constantly being sick and my blood pressure is high that i am not able to work. I am so worried that financially it will be hard on us but I am trying to have some faith. I was 10 weeks when he pulled me off an ambulance and he did that for the remainder of the pregnancy until 12 weeks postpardum. I asked about light duty but I would have to drive 2 hours to our main station and the dr won't let me he has put so many restrictions on me and he says that he does that to most of his multiple moms but I am scared and worried. I know that I probably shouldn't be but I guess since I have never been through this before I am scared as if I am having a baby for the first time. I am 11 weeks now and growing I look 4 months pregnant....How are all you feeling this week I know that it has been hard on many of you moms out there but I am praying for all of you

[jakesgal88]

Well how did everything go? Have you seen the doctor yet? My doctor gave me work restrictions to only be on my feet for four hours and my employer was required to find me a sit down job to do by law. Maybe you could stay at work and do some light duty things. My doctor said she will keep giving me more restrictions until it is necessary to put me on a leave. (I am only 12wks pregnant).

[heatherlynn22]

my doc wouldn't let me work from the get go. i did walk 4-6 miles/day up until i was put on bed rest at 24 weeks. then i was told i could only be on my feet a total of 90 minutes/day.

[babyb]

I stopped work at 18 weeks.I am a dental assistant and was finding it hard to lean over my patients already at that stage. My Dr, had no problems signing me a note so I could go on early leave. He said people with physical jobs he finds they last 20 weeks or so. I was having tons of braxton hicks and pelvic/tailbone pain as well. I wasn't put on strict bedrest but given instructions to take it easy.I felt kind of lame because I was sure I could work until 28 weeks, and no problems. I was delusional, my  body had other ideas. I think when you talk to your Dr, you guys can figure out the best plan for you :)

[amberEMTP]

thank you for all the advice. I am going in tomorrow and the dr is concerned that I have been in and out of the hospital for dehydration and severe morning sickness...I know that I have to slow down and yet im only 11weeks...I have not been at my job a year yet so i have to go on leave of abscence and do not qualify for FMLA but that is ok I want to do the best for my babies...I had a previous pregnancy that had similar complications I just hope that slowing down and staying home will keep them in till full term

[mysty2001]

I worked till 2pm on the day I had my first set of twins - standing on my feet all day - I also continued to walk 2-5 miles a day - babies were born perfect!
My second set my doc put me on bedrest the thursday before they came so that I would not go into labor before he worked the hospital again!  I continued to work from home though

[kindergal]

Tell your Dr and she will probably help you make your decision.  I went in for my 28 week appt, and my Dr. examined me and immediately whipped out his pad and wrote--Strict bedrest--NO MORE WORKING!  I had not planned that, but it helped keep those babies in for 8 more weeks.
Talk to your HR dept. regarding FMLA...it can be tricky and will need documentation from your Dr.