Morning all - on a couple of days leave here as DD was 5 yesterday and really didn't want to miss that. Spoilt rotten by family and friends but hey last birthday as an only child so we thought why not.
Crazykat Sorry to hear you are feeling so down withthe pain, it is a horrible feeling and is demoralising and tiring. Speak to your midwife and GP about pain relief and other non medical ways to reduce the pain. Using relaxation techniques can be really effective and I use something called Pzizz which you can download on iTunes onto aniphone or ipod if you have one. It's only about £2 for the app and is really effective. You can use the energiser version ofr short "nap" periods and it leaves you feeling awake and refreshed afterwards - my OT recommended it before I was pregnant and I use it to help manage my pain (non pg related)
Miffster Good that you have a new midwife and she sounds proactive. I have been really lucky this time however I have made sure I ask if there is something I feel I need or want. Don't forget the health professionals will assume everything is ok unless you tell them - that goes for everyone on here - if you are concerned then speak to someone medical, the staff won't know there is something wrong or worrying you if you don't say something 
DF I have 2 cats you can have 
neither of which we ever really wanted - we just acquired - one came with my DH from his previous relationship (yep all he got was the cat!) and one was bought for my DD by Grandma for her 1st birthday 
kellestar You definately need a Dr for a Sick Certificate especially for pregnancy - you can't self certify for more than 7 days and I wouldn't do it for pregnancy related illness unless it's something simple like a tummy bug. If you think you need signing off go and see your Dr sooner rather than later as he/she may be able to write to your employer (with your consent ) to say you need your work to be reviewed or maybe move to part time hours or working from hme if that is possible. Keep a record of things that happen in work just in case 
if they are not supporting you as they should do then they are liable - do you have an occupational health nurse at work? See them if you have any other concerns.
Notso your midwife shouldn't just tick boxes although many of them feel they have discussed things but we don't realise that was that bit of the appt! Speak up and ask again for an appointment to discuss it if you are not happy.
Maternity Leave - I am booked to start on 28th Nov and EDD is 6 Dec so looks like I am the one working the latest. However work has already said I should reduce to core working hours which will mean Mon lunchtime to Thurs afternoon as we do 0800-1700 which works out at a 40 hour week minimum. Once we have moved I will work more from home and do shorter days - possibly 10-3. I also still have about 5-6 weeks annual leave to take so may do shorter weeks eg just tues - thurs. I plan to carry over at least 15 days leave for next year so I can use it to work shorter weeks on my return to work. I was late by a week with DD1 and expect to be with this one as well so not overly fussed about finishing work later - DH is at home full time so he will be doing most of the preparation work this time as he missed out last time because of work. Although he did mention yesterday he might get a job when we move if only for a few months whilst i am off work so he can bring in some extra money - clearly he wants a new LandRover
Well better get DD ready for school - hope you all have a good day!
P.S. Haven't seen Amy again for a while - Amy hope you are ok!!