Early Maternity?

[Chrlychnl]

I'm currently 23+1 weeks, I'm a full time support worker for adults with severe learning and physical disabilities and I'm struggling So much as there isn't so much a "light duty" job in this place. I had a trip to the hospital last night due to being in so much pain in my stomach back and legs, examinations were fine and was given pain relief and to take a few days off to rest. I still don't have a risk assessment despite constantly reminding literally every single staff member of this, but it still hasn't been done. I am in so much pain after every 7.5 hour shift that I'm barely even able to walk sometimes! We are short staffed most days which puts extra strain on my body too as much as I try not to do things, I'm having to because there is nobody else around. Not only that they are putting me down for late sleep and early shifts all in one go which is not at all fair especially when the night staff do nothing but make noise so you get no sleep! And regardless of me saying I'm struggling and don't want to do them anymore. I'm planning to go on early maternity, which would be 5th January as I'm due on 23rd March, but I can't help feeling wrong for it because of those I care for, as well as it meaning not spending as much time with baby. Am I right to take leave early? Or am I being silly?

[PotteringAlong]

I think it’s far far too early. If you are 2 weeks late you’re talking about the best part of 3 months before you have your baby. How long are you planning on having off?

[PotteringAlong]

For context, if you have a due date of the 23rd March, my most overdue baby wouldn’t have been born until 8th April.

[GrumpyHoonMain]

Get yourself signed off until 36 weeks and then take mat leave from 36 weeks?

[Chrlychnl]

As it's such a physically and mentally demanding and draining job it has been put forth to me to think about taking it early because of how much I'm struggling. I have no annual leave to take otherwise I would have put in for that. It's just making me ill with how much I'm having to do. But on returning to work I would be changing to either 16 hours or 22.5 hours a week as it would mean not spending as much time away from little one

[Snowflake9]

Ask your midwife of she can provide anything for your employer so they are more inclined to do the risk assessment for you.

You are also well within your rights to say no to anything you feel would harm your baby.

I wouldn't take early leave. Do you have any holiday you could use ? X

[absolutezero0k]

I did it - went off as early as you're allowed too (I found the commute excruciating, would literally weep in pain on the train). It also meant I got some golden time with my eldest. Do what's right for you (but make sure you understand the implications in terms of childcare, pay going back etc before deciding)

[Chrlychnl]

I'm on good terms with my manager so it isn't a case of she won't do it but she forgets then never gets a chance with constant problems within the home. I would think about being signed off but it would affect my pay significantly so I can't physically afford to do that at the moment. See, Our safe number at work is 8 and we work on 3 if not 4 staff to 9 residents two of which are 1:1 and I can only work with limited of them as they can be somewhat violent when in behaviours but I'm not stupid enough to be too close. They try to work around me but it's hard when I'm 1 of 3 or 4 staff members on shift. My midwife had suggested taking early leave if no annual leave to take but then I'm torn between doing so if it's what's best for both mine and the babies health or do I just suck it up and work through the pain if the baby is healthy, as difficult as it may be? I'm generally torn just need some advice before making any rash decisions

[Mintypea5]

The main thing you need to consider really is how long Maternity you plan to take altogether. If you go early and are late you're going to have already had 3 months off. How much does that leave you with the baby after? If you're only taking 6 months for example are you prepared to go back when baby is only 3 minyan old (it may be harder than you expect to leave them) also the pay implications.

You might be better off being signed off sick but GP for a period and then start maternity closer to due date