First time mum to be. Maternity help....

[Emmaaalou]

Hi. I'm currently 19+4weeks. I've been told I need to start thinking about when I'm going to take my maternity etc. When's the earliest I can take it? I work in care permanent nights. I'm starting to struggle now. I have no idea about maternity, What I'm entitled too or anything and I can't seem to find anyone who can support or give me guidance. I'm currently suffering from high blood pressure and I'm trying not to get stressed out over all this but I'm feeling so pressured and overwhelmed I don't know what to do. Any help would be amazing! I'm due 27th August I've worked in my current employment for nearly 3 years. Thanks for ready x

Earliest you can take is 15 weeks before your due date if memory serves me correctly. X

www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave

This says you can start your leave 11 weeks before the week you’re due. Nights sound tough, especially when pregnant. Is it worth trying to have a chat with your employer about what’s going to happen when baby is here? Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy.

www.gov.uk/pay-leave-for-parents

The earliest is 9th June but your employer should make 'reasonable adjustments' before that so you could request a change in shifts for example.

"If you do night work and your doctor advises that you should stop for health and safety reasons, you have the right to transfer to day work or, if that is not possible, to be suspended on full pay. You must provide a medical certificate."
www.maternityaction.org.uk/advice-2/mums-dads-scenarios/pregnant/pregnant-at-work/ (under "health and safety")

Before falling pregnant I was having a lot of health issues with my back and joints and now it's only getting worse due to not being on the medication I was. My employer doesn't make time to speak to me about it to be honest. I've had the risk assessment talk about using the hoist and equipment that's it. They struggle to find people for nights and there are no day positions going. I just feel like no matter what I do I'm not going to win. My partner wants me to start maternity as soon as I can as he's worried about both me and baby. X

It used to be 27 weeks - check the current rules though. Unless you are not planning to return, remember this will reduce your maternity after birth.

I would talk to your midwife/Dr. As a pp said your employer has to make adjustments and if you can't do nights has to offer you days or suspend on full pay. It doesn't matter that there are no day shifts vacant. It's hard to be selfish when you know colleagues will suffer, but you need to put you and baby first.

I plan to return but only for a short time. It would be too much for my parents to have baby if both myself and partner are nights due to their health. Unless work can work around me then maybe it would change. I really appriciate everyone's response thank you all so much. I guess nect is to find out if the big boss is going to pay or if I have to get it elsewhere...

Have you actually read the replies?
Next step is to talk to your doctor.

As for returning to work after maternity leave, you would have to use paid childcare like most working parents, or not return to work, which is an equally valid choice.

It used to be 27 weeks - check the current rules though. Unless you are not planning to return, remember this will reduce your maternity after birth.

Not in the last 20 years, it hasn’t been.

Yes I've read my replies. I've booked to see Dr as soon as which is in 3 weeks time as for my midwife I don't have one who is consistent. The 2 I've had so far have stepped in and left so I feel on my own to just get on with it which is why I turned to this to try get some sort of support. I'm sorry if you feel I haven't read the replies. I'm just struggling today.

Sorry you are struggling
Try and get an earlier appointment with the doctor if you can.
Your employer does have a legal responsibility to respect your rights as a pregnant woman.
If you are in too much pain you can take time off sick and "self certify" for up to 5 days I think before you need a doctor's note.

I left at 29 weeks what you are entitled to depends on how long you have been working there and if the offer OMP (occupational maternity pay) but if you don’t return you will have to pay that back.

Thanks the only downside to that is I then start to stress out because I worry about paying the bills with me been off sick. I had 2 days off that month due to hospital admission and just to see ends meet I'm having to try and pick up some shifts just so I'm not struggling money wise :( xx

You should be entitled to sick pay

Your employer has to accommodate you to the best that they can. If you mentioned days would be better for you etc they would have to switch you to days. There are so many laws protecting pregnant women and their rights. I will be stepping out of my role soon in my job and going onto lighter duties which they had to accommodate me for. Also any appts you need should be covered by your employer maternity related x

You should be entitled to sick pay

SSP doesn’t kick in until you’ve been off at least 3 days.

Your employer has to accommodate you to the best that they can. If you mentioned days would be better for you etc they would have to switch you to days.

No. They don’t have to.

If you are in too much pain you can take time off sick and "self certify" for up to 5 days I think before you need a doctor's note.

7 days.

Why do people advise without knowing the answer?

Because people are posting quickly and off the top of their head. I usually look things up to confirm if I'm not 100% sure, but in this case I didn't bother, I was eating lunch with my toddler.
In my defence I did say 5 days "I think" And it's true that OP will be entitled to SSP after 3 days of sickness. She might also be entitled to contractual sick pay, although that's unlikely since she doesn't seem to have been paid for previous sickness absences.