weekly pregnancy calendar week 36

Photo by bam61907

We're following a first-time pregnant mom, Brittany (bam61907), on her exciting journey from bump to baby. Check back every Wednesday for the latest developments!

Week 36
What's Happening with Mom:

My boss, the owner of a small law practice, and I discussed my maternity leave for the first time last week, and the news wasn't good. We had previously talked about me taking six weeks off, but I never talked to him about getting paid or not. Every time I planned to talk to him about it, we was in a bad mood so I just kept putting it off.

He said I can take the time I need and my job will still be available, but he cannot offer any paid leave, partial or otherwise. 

I was really bummed. I was not expecting him to offer me full maternity leave pay, but I thought maybe a week or two.

But it is what it is, and I guess we will just have to make due for the six weeks I'm taking off. He is lucky I am not taking 12 weeks, since by law he cannot fire me if I decided on the full amount.

I am worried, since we are used to two incomes. We have been saving money, but it is limited.  My husband is in the military so he does not make a whole heck of a lot, but people do it all the time. It will be tight, but we will make it.

I am trying not to worry about it too much and I am looking forward to the six week break from work as well as the time I will be able to spend with Aubrey.

On the pregnancy side, I have to pee frequently, I have back pain and contractions, very bad period like cramping. I am not sure if the cramping is related to dilation or progression beginning. I have not seen any blood, and the cramping, although painful at times, is still bearable, so I am not worrying about it too much.

What's Happening with Baby:

I'm around 18 inches long and about 5 1/2 pounds. The irises of my eyes are blue, and I have soft nails on the end of my toes and fingers. Remember what the tech said about my hair during the ultrasound? It's about 1 to 2 inches long. I'm getting ready for my big entrance (or exit!), and my head will start to descend into Mom's pelvis any time now.

Question of the Week from Answers:

Are employers legally required to offer paid maternity leave? -- anonymous

mommystiebler: No, they're not. I ran into this with my pregnancy. There is a difference between Family Medical Leave and what you are supposed to get paid for. Your employer is only required to hold your job for 12 weeks unpaid, according to FMLA.

If you have short term disability, they pay you for the amount of time your policy states. If you go past the 12 weeks with bedrest or after the birth of your child combined, they are not legally required to hold your job.

I had to go back after 8 weeks because we couldn't afford any more time off, and my short term disability cut off at 6 weeks.
 
Past weeks: