I would appreciate any advice on this topic. I've developed OCD like symptoms since becoming pregnant (never a problem before). I've started counselling and am waiting for the mental health team to send someone out to work with me in my home (push me to do things that scare me) but since this started two months ago things have been worse and worse. Some I can't make food or drinks for myself so if I'm home and DH is at work I don't eat or drink unless he leaves me something. He makes me a packed lunch for work. I have a fear of a few specific illnesses (toxoplasmosis and listeria from eating, HIV and hepatitis C from basically any contact with the outside world). I feel like there are always tiny particles of cat poo or infected blood in my house, in my handbag, car etc.
Anyway I've posted before about that and I don't want to duplicate. My question is whether I should bring my maternity leave start date forward. I'm due 13th March and ATM my plan is AL from the start of March and then maternity leave from 12th (unless the baby turns up early). However, I'm worried now that finishing so close to my due date is a problem as it doesn't leave me a lot of time to deal with being in the house by myself. It would be career suicide to do that, as I am solely responsible for a project at work, I only started this job in the summer, and my replacement isn't being advertised for until January. If the project folds early because nobody is working on it the funding will be pulled and I will be made redundant. At the same time my symptoms are getting so severe that I almost think 'f**k it' to the job.