@wannabeamummysobad I completely understand your concerns, and as an HR professional it makes me sad that women still feel this way... I include myself in this. I will be 34 also and have spent many years building a successful career through the ranks and am proud of my position and what I've achieved in my career, and hope to continue on my current trajectory. I too plan to take full 52 weeks and then annual leave tagged onto the end too.
The bottom line is do what's right for you, not your company. You are highly protected under employment legislation currently (in some cases even when you haven't told you employer your pregant - risks assessments, for example, should be completed by employers for all female employees of child bearing age, purely due to the fact that pregant women don't have to tell their employer until 15 weeks before their due date! And the employer is obliged to remove the risk regardless).
Ultimately, you are entitled to return to the same role if you return to work after maternity leave within 6 months, and a same level role (including pay and seniority) if you return after 6 months.
Being sidelined is discrimination. Not paying bonus due to pregancy and maternity leave is discrimination. Not having the opportunity to progress or apply/be considered for a promotion whilst pregant or on maternity leave is discrimination.
Feel assured your protections under the law.
It is easy for me to say as I am well aware of employment rights.....try not to overthink it and I am sure your employer will be supportive! If not, it sounds like other companies will be ready to snap you up :)
Xx