Having to go on early maternity leave - feeling such a wimp

[froggers1]

I was meant to work until 32 weeks - I am 37 and have a 3 yr old already but I have been feeling really wiped out the last couple of weeks - tired, sore throat etc and went to the docs yesterday and he gave me some iron and took some bloods and without me asking signed me off for 2 weeks..I have decided to bring my maternity leave forward and go off at 29 weeks - the earliest you can go but then I am going to try and go in to work for the last few days. Feel a bit lame but I am shattered and have a pretty responsible job plus a 10 mile drive each way....spoke to my boss and the first thing she said was, ' oh shit'. and then back tracked and went oh i mean for you....Feeling a bit of a lightweight......plus quite sad potentially won't see anyone again - only been there 7 mths and not going back as it was a contract. :( :( cheer me up!

If you are sick you can take sick leave rather than start maternity early - they cannot force you to go off before 36 weeks. That is a right protected by law.

I suppose it depends on your contract/sick pay etc as to which works out best for you though, if you get SMP etc.

Sorry to hear you are feeling bad. Cheer up - it's worth it!

I sympathize greatly. I have been feeling rubbish and suffering headaches been tested for pre eclampsia this week and nothing but can't cope with work. Am 30+4 was going to work till 37 but just can't bringing it forward to 34 but so worried about money its untrue. However I just need to do what's right for me. Dh supports me. I just feel bad when people say they had such easy pregnancy and worked till last minute. My boss makes me feel like that too!! Xx

Kirsty - I am only temping so I only qualify for statutory sick pay so not sure I can be bothered with keep going to the docs and the stress of whether they will keep signing me off. So, I have decided to just quit while ahead if you see what I mean...maybe I am being too soft!

Caz - I am a bit worried about money but like you my DH says do whats best etc. My temp job was only meant to be for 6 weeks so done well to get this far and qualify for maternity leave! I am with you with on the other people going on about how easy it was for them...worked til they dropped etc...I went off early last time too as I was so tired but if I am honest I hated that job so was glad to get out!! Hope your headaches get better - have you tried massage or osteopath?

Another one here going on mat leave as early as possible, feel bad as if i'm not coping but luckily my family are being very supportive. Doesn't make things any easier though :( x