Going on maternity leave early and giving notice

[Slavetominidictator]

I'm 29 weeks pregnant, also have a two year old and work part time. I'm due at the end of March. I was planning to work until 39 weeks to minimise the disruption to work, however, I had a growth scan ten days ago as I'm at risk of placental dysfunction and the baby is not as big as my dates would suggest it should be. I'm returning for a repeat growth scan in a week to ascertain if it's just a small baby or if there is an issue with the growth rate.
I am really exhausted, much more so than during my previous pregnancy, presumably because of looking after a toddler. I wondered if I can go on maternity leave sooner to try to rest a bit before the birth. How much notice do I need to give if I need to change my dates? This is just hypothetical, as I will do my best to stay as long as I can, but would like to know, so I can plan.
Thanks very much.

[dementedpixie]

you need to give 28 days notice to change the leave start date unless your T&C's gives a different amount of time

[NeedaDiscoNap]

I think you need to give 28 days' notice in writing but I suppose it depends how formal your workplace is.

I had to go on mat leave early for the same reasons as you (minus the toddler!) - small baby with growth scans. I found out when I was 36+5 I was being induced the following Monday so went into work the next day and told them I was starting mat leave immediately. They couldn't do much about it as it was for medical reasons (and DD arrived before the planned induction!).

[SilverStars]

I think you can get signed off on pay/sick pay depending on your work policies until 36 weeks due to medical reasons

[Slavetominidictator]

Thanks very much for both responses. That's really helpful. My main reason for wanting to work longer is that I teach in a secondary school and really don't want to leave my exam classes any sooner than I have to - leaving at Easter is bad enough anyway. But disco, your situation makes me think I should probably think of the baby a bit more.

[Primaryteach87]

From 36 weeks, If it's for a medical reason (which it is) you just get signed off and it automatically 'triggers' your maternity leave. No notice needed at all. If before then, just get signed off until maternity leave starts from 36 weeks. This happened to a colleague and everyone was very understanding. Baby comes first.

[NeedaDiscoNap]

slave, I am also a secondary teacher so absolutely understand your situation. I wanted to work until 39 weeks but I had a two week old baby by then! Knowing what I know now (won't go into details, but DD was v small when born and have since learned why) I would have stopped even earlier. Hope all works out ok for you .

[expectantmum79]

It's a difficult job at the best of times but you really can't predict how you're going to feel at 39 weeks. If you go off sick within a month of maternity at our place maternity leave automatically starts (also a teacher). I was convinced I'd work up until 37-38 weeks but was physically and mentally exhausted by week 36. I have a friend who is going through similar at the moment, luckily her school have already recruited her replacement so they're team teaching. She plans to leave a week earlier than anticipated.

[Primaryteach87]

PS it's wonderful you are so committed to your pupils, but remember that they are ultimately the school's responsibility and not yours alone. Your baby on the other hand only has you. Don't allow guilt to push yourself harder than you should (as teachers have a habit of doing!).

[blowinahoolie]

I was signed off on sick leave from 20 weeks and then went straight on to Mat Leave at earliest opportunity when pregnant with my first DC. Due to the lay out of the building, I was unable to get up and down stairs to do my job, I had SPD.

[JennyBlueWren]

We have to give 21 days notice (unless a doctor's note) -am also a teacher but at the opposite end in Nursery! Had planned to work till 39 weeks but after a tiring day today I'm wondering if I'll last that long.

[babyoven32]

Not sure on notice period, but I am 28 weeks, a secondary school teacher and currently signed off with SPD. I completely relate to the feeling of guilt. I was hoping to work up until the end of term (27th march) and due11th April in Easter hols. Unsure I will be able to do that now and also wondering what to do! We have a lot of stairs at my school and I can't avoid them as toilets are downstairs and I need to go ALL THE TIME. I've been told by colleagues to not worry about being off and to just take care of myself and baby. It is hard, especially with exam groups, because you want the absolute best for them, but like Primaryteach87 says - those students have lots of support, your baby only has you. So, hard as it is for me to take my own advice, do what is best for you and baby, struggling at work isn't going to give the students what they need anyway, and they may get a better deal with maternity cover. Take care xxx

[Allthenamesareusedup]

I am 34+4, and planning to work til Scottish half term, Feb 13th. Am also a teacher. However I am beyond exhausted (have 2kids already) and was wondering the same thing. Good luck OP! Hope your work make it easy for you to stop when needed.