Sick whilst On maternity leave (post baby)

[Mrs40]

I know if you are sick and it's pregnancy related before you have your baby there is a timescale when you have to start maternity leave rather than be sick.
I have it the other way round. I'm now 7 weeks into maternity leave and I have a post op infection which means I'm admitted to hospital.
As the op was from my section would this count as pregnancy related or stand alone infection related sickness and even if it was can I 'go sick' rather than use up my maternity leave stuck in a hospital bed crying my eyes out. I'd get paid more being sick than on maternity and it'd mean when I get out I could have a but longer off to make up for this period of pain where I've not even been able to get out with the pram.

Clutching at straws probably but if anyone knows would be great to get some advice

[ValiaH]

As I understand it, once you're on maternity leave, you're on maternity leave, and if you wanted to be 'sick' you would need to return to work. After something like 36 weeks of pregnancy if you go on pregnancy related sick leave then your maternity leave is automatically triggered, rather than it being sick leave. It sucks that you've been admitted to hospital, and I hope your recovery is quick.

[Mrs40]

Thanks I thought I was clutching at straws!

[SarahOoo]

Maternity leave is maternity leave...makes no difference if you are sick or go on holiday.

You were really clutching at straws there!

[MrsDoylesladder]

I had same situation- nope mat leave is mat leave. Hope you are on the mend soon. It's wretched being too poorly to care for your newborn.