I do a very physically active job 5 days a week (work in a lab) that involves running around most of the day. I am 32 weeks and am totally physically exhausted. I had a cold the week before last and had to take 4 days off (and was ill both weekends). I have bad back pain most days and last week slipped on some water in the lab and had to get checked out in hospital. A resultant twisted ankle meant that I had another day off work. I have eczema all over my legs (never had that before) awful haemarrhoids probably from too much standing (bleed constantly) and just generally feel like my body is falling apart. I also have a 16 mo to take care of.
I have officially said I will start leave at 35 1/2 weeks. I have a visitor coming from Spain tomorrow who will work with me in the lab for the week. Can I go on maternity leave early after this? my work's official line is that I have to give 28 day notice to change the start date.