Hi, I've heard that a common mistake for students is that that they go into the viva not knowing what the key findings are in their reference material.

Good luck for your viva and congratulations on submitting! Let us all know how it went!

wow bit of a bleak perspective there PC_Geek. I know in academia having kids is some crazy taboo, but I think if you keep your connections with your supervisor/department and friends you've made along the way you should be able to drift back in. I think most job opportunities are based on 'who you know' as well as academic achievement.
Also any post doc supervisor's main concern is about losing funding more than anything, If you start a post doc and find yourself pregnant within a week you can see how they may be peeved. Speak to your supervisor when you are ready to start a family I'm sure a compromise can be reached.
And remember having kids is supposed to be a great experience, enjoy it! don't get so wound up about your career prospects that you miss out!

....You lose the cat, only to find she's been buried alive by papers, submitted to her fate and has fallen asleep.

That's great! lucky for you its buy one get one free, but for a limited time only

sjo4, No wait i've mis-read your response you're in your 4th year? I'm in my 3rd, so you're not doing the same PhD.
But i think you may be able to work out who i am!

Hey sjo4,

I'm in my final year too, doing the last of the practical work (filling gaps etc)

I must admit i'm a little freaked out, I think i know you're supervisor (also mine at one point!) and i think i was supposed to be doing your PhD! but ended up doing another one instead!

I don't want to name names but we should keep in touch! we have scary connections (or should i say connexins!)

Hey sjo4,

are you doing a PhD at GCAL? what is your subject area?

Howdy Y'all!
What is everyone upto on there all nighters? Thesis time? or Lab work? I'm going to attempt a late one again tonight, although just lab work so its a red bull or two pour moi!

Beta blockers are usually precribed for anxiety, they are great for reducing the physical symptoms of stress, i would recommend seeing your GP for a short course.
The best thing i think you can do is talk about how you are feeling to friends/family, take time to play a sport or do something that will completly distract you (if only for a few min!) so you don't dwell on it, and above all, deep breaths, you can do it, you've passed all the biggest hurdles already!