Starting mat leave early :(

[PumpkinPie2013]

Just feeling a bit rubbish really so wanted to have a self indulgent moan!

I'm 27 weeks with baby 1 and not having an easy time of things at all Baby is perfectly fine and moving loads which is brill and I'm so excited to meet him/her but I feel terrible!

I have low blood pressure usually and the last couple of weeks it has become very low which means I can't go long without eating, need to drink water constantly and am having real difficulty standing/walking round

Problem is my job (science teacher) is very hectic and not a role which can be done sitting down. I also go round to other schools doing things which again involves running around/driving/standing.

Since I came back to work 2 weeks ago I've really struggled and come close to actually fainting on more than one occasion

So, to cut a long story short I was planning to work until end of October but now need to finish at the end of September. This gives me and my employers chance to make sure everything is sorted before I go and I'll be doing lighter duties until then.

So, I'll be finishing work at 31 weeks. I'm happy to go on maternity leave then as it won't have any affect on when I plan to return (next Sept) or anything. My employers are being very good about it which is very nice and I know I'm really lucky but for some reason I feel so guilty loads of other people have worked right up to 37/38 weeks and while I know everyone is different I just feel like I'm really lazy in comparison

Has anyone else finished (or plan to finish) early? I've a lot to do at home so plan to just get organised/rest/get people in to do things which is difficult if you're both working. My husband is really supportive which is also great.

sorry it's so long! x

Don't worry, I finished as early as I could at 29 weeks. I worked as a sales person in retail so struggled on my feet all day and sales were effected and I was miserable, plus commuting 45mins each way daily. I probably could have gone on a few more weeks but I thought why not enjoy the last time in my life I'll have all this time to do what I want. Starting to get a bit bored now at 37 weeks but I've really enjoyed pottering about by myself, reading in the garden, baking, seeing friends and catching up on movies I've been meaning to see. I now feel calm, relaxed, prepared and ready for my new arrival and also spent lots of time with dh before we become 3. Don't feel bad not everyone has to work down to the wire. You're growing a person you deserve a rest

I have already finished and I am 28 weeks because I have spd.
I felt bad but need to be well for when baby comes x

I get how you feel. I am 27 weeks tomorrow and although everything is going great (Blood pressure and everything is fine) I am so tired. I have planned my maternity leave to start at 35 weeks but have a weeks annual leave first and I can't wait, am counting down the weeks. As I am carrying twins I am/feel massive already and have a lot of low down pressure due to twin one always being so low. I am lucky however that I work in an office, and a very quiet one at that so can get away with cat naps during the day! This involves and extra chair for my feet. My employers and colleagues are all very supportive and understand this is just something I have to do and as long as my work gets done no one minds. My DP is also very supportive and we often go to bed between 8:30 and 9:00, will I drop off he just cuddles me and reads my book, no complaining about my half hourly 'rolling' over due to sore hips.

I know its a different situation from yours, and I would really be struggling in your career, I applaud you for doing as well as you are Don't be hard on yourself and as you have said everyone is different and you are far from lazy. I like to say to my DP that even when I am napping or just taking it easy it's nice to know I am also doing something VERY important and VERY tiring in growing our babies inside me. This in itself is a massive achievement and I'm sure you feel the same. So when your managing to have some quiet time please remember your still being very busy indeed, and get your DH to bring you a slice of

You are also lucky that starting leave earlier will not impact when you have to return

I hope this ramble has helped in some way x

I'm only 7 weeks but I plan to leave at 28-30 weeks I have a busy job on my feet all day and need to beagle to concentrate. Which I know I will struggle with I also work 6 days a week. So by that time I want to have a stress free pregnancy and relax I know what you mean because I do feel a bit guilty leaving early but when I was speaking with my manager the other day he was very supportive and said it was completely up to me when I leave for maternity. I spoke about this with my mum and she said when she was pregnant with me 26 years ago you had to leave a 6 months. I believe you should try and relax enjoy last few months with bump taking it easy. Shopping for nursey and baby clothes. All the things we won't have time to do when at work all week.

Pink apple86 made some good points. Do things before baby is born things you enjoy catching up with friends and family hobbies most of all just put your feet up. Don't be hard on your self Hun :) xx

I finished at 27 weeks with baby #3. Took three weeks a/l then onto maternity. It was bliss! Lots of peace when kids went to school, naps, leisurely organisation for baby, crafts, baking. A lovely period of time which i value greatly.

I finished at 32 weeks and I am so so so glad I did (now that my LO is 13 weeks I have the benefit of hindsight). Honestly it was one of the best times of my life. Take it, and enjoy it. Life will never be the same again!

Honestly don't be sad, be happy that you have this wonderful opportunity to have your own free time

I had to go leave work at 21 weeks due to high blood pressure and my daughter was born at 24 weeks. You should leave when you feel your body needs the break more even though the earlier you go on maternity leave the less time you get to spend with your baby. Unfortunately for me my baby was in hospital for 3 months and then I got to spend approx 5 months at home with him before returning to work

Thank you so much for all of the lovely replies

I'm going to plan all of things I will be able to do while I have some time on my hands before baby arrives and look forward to the much needed rest! x

Please don't feel guilty! I truly think that most women finish so late because of the way their maternity leave works in regards to having to decide whether to prioritise time off before the birth vs. time with the baby afterwards (I know I am). You're in the position that it doesn't affect when you will return, so I really wouldn't worry about it! I know they say that pregnancy isn't an illness, but it can make even the healthiest person feel ill, and that can only be worse if you're having a tough pregnancy as you are.
Enjoy the time off before your baby arrives, look after yourself, and please don't waste anther moment feeling guilty or inadequate.

Hiya. I'm the same baby is find. But I am exhausted abd working in catering I'm on my feet all day and work aren't helping or letting me do light duties...

Been signed off for 2 weeks. Which they had a ago at me for... So I'm going to have start my leave at 29 weeks. I feel so guilty but at the end of the day its not just us anymore we have a lil human being relying on us to stay safe and healthy...

Every pregnancy is different for every person... And sometimes we just have to stop and look at what is best for us and the baby...

Try not to feel bad. At the end of the day we have to do what is best x

Can you not be signed off on sick leave and take your mat leave as planned? I had to finish work at 30 weeks signed off sick by doctor until my mat leave kicked in as planned at 36 weeks (nhs worker btw)

There is no shame in looking after yourself in this way OP. Teaching is a busy enough job as it is and then you have your own health/energy concerns. You also sound like you have a supportive employer who understands the some of the demands of later pregnancy. Please don't compare yourself with other workers as every pregnancy is different. You will soon have time to focus just on yourself and getting things ready for the new arrival (exciting!).