Opinions Please

[ClipMyWings]

I'm looking for advice on a situation I'm currently in. I'm also waiting for a call back from my OB and after speaking with her, I'm guessing that'll be the final word but I just wanted to hear everyone's thoughts.

Some background. I had a miscarriage last April & I was at approximately 10 weeks. The doctor said most probably it was due to chromosomal issues.

I'm currently nearly 6 weeks pregnant, I'm 38 years old, I get sick somewhat easily due to a terrible immune system b/c I have Type 2 Diabetes.

Ok, so back in October, I had been asked & agreed to teach 2 courses during the Spring semester which begins in 2 weeks. One of the courses I've taught many times before, the other one I've never taught before & it was stressing me out. I'd be teaching these courses before my regular full time job where I work with primarily outpatient's who are Schizophrenic (clinical interviews, groups, etc)

My schedule would go from my current 9-5ish to 8-6:30 Monday through Thursday.

On Monday I went to the doctor as I've been sick since last week with Pharyngitis and a cold with a low grade fever. My regular GP told me that he really didn't think I should take on so much work and should only do my regular full time job. He gave me a note, excusing me from teaching, etc.

I explained this all to the Dept. Chair as well as her secretary (I have had more contact with her secretary than the Dept Chair since I've started teaching over these past 2 years). The secretary, Jay, called me and told me to please take care of myself, said the baby comes first, etc, very sweet and did make mention that the Dept Chair was going to possibly blacklist me from teaching again in the future (the money is decent & I enjoy it) and possibly ask me to teach anyway, even though I had a doctor's note saying not to.

So fast forward to today. Dept Chair replies and says she's found someone to teach the class that I was stressing over to begin with and asked if I was still able to teach the one I'm familiar with. I feel like I could do it, it's not too bad to only teach 2 days per week. Yes, those will be long days, but I've done it before.

Then again, I've never been pregnant before. Maybe i'll appreciate the time to relax and having a second job will be to stressful.

So what would you guys do if you were in my position? Am I going to be miserable in a few months and wishing I didn't say yes? I haven't responded yet and also haven't heard back from my OB yet to see what she thinks.

(PS: Sorry this is so long, I just wanted to explain it all fully)

 

[maybebaby3]

I'm a teacher and the job is demanding. I will be doing my normal hours (8.45-3.30/4.30 depending on day + stuff done at home in preparation for school) I will work til my due date. If its the spring semester you're set to teach you'll probably be ok as that is 2nd tri when you're generally feeling best! It's difficult to say for certain though! Money would be handy for the baby tho!!

 

[ClipMyWings]

Thanks for the quick response. I'd start teaching in a week, so unfortunately, it'd cut right into my first trimester. I've taught classes before and you know, I didn't even think of all of the work I do in preparing for the next class or grading papers and tests (they don't give us a TA, so we do all of the work ourselves).

 

[AllieM]

I say if the $$$ is worth it, go for it! We are all stronger than we give ourselves credit for!

 

[Anthrogirl]

I say if the $$$ is worth it, go for it! We are all stronger than we give ourselves credit for!

Here, Here!!! And besides, the first trimester is always the toughest in terms of immunity issues, fatigue, and stress! You can do it, I remember the early months with my 3rd teaching, grant writing, and finishing the coursework for my PhD. It was DEADLY!!! Researching and dissertating with #3 is WAY easier!