Should I just accept it and start ML?

[Chocoholic26]

I know this has been done lots but just looking for advice.So ive been off work Monday and Tuesday. Feeling pretty dreadful to be honest. Not sleeping a wink at nights, have had a bit of a dodgey tummy, sore hips and just generally knackered. I'm 33weeks plus 2 and am so tempted to phone work and say I'm finishing up at end of next week and start ML the following Monday when ill be 35 weeks. Dunno what to do, any advice? Feel like I'm not doing my job properly (I'm a teacher) but if I hang on until 2nd April then I don't have to start ML until after Easter hols when I'll be 39weeks so don't have to go back as early. Argghhh I'm torn, don't know what to do. Help xx

It really is a personal decision for you to make. Can you imagine yourself working for another three weeks? Is that physically possible with how run down you are feeling? Or if you did take ML early, do you think you would regret it?

Maybe take some time today to think of the pros and cons of both, and decide what's right for you. As a side note, I thought if you called in sick a certain amount of weeks before DD, your ML automatically starts? Or have I got that wrong?

I dragged myself through to 37/38 weeks last time. I was really glad I did as bubs was 12 days late! Personal choice

Do it. I worked until 37 weeks last time, had a weekend at home and then my waters went the following Monday - I was due to be in work that day. I wish I'd finished much sooner. I'll be finishing at 35 weeks this time.

I agree with GoooRooo. My first came at 35 weeks was on annual leave at the time. After that stopped at 34 weeks for the next two even though they ended up being overdue.

The automatic start of maternity leave is when you have to take time off work for pregnancy-related matters within 4 weeks of your due date.

Thanks ladies, it's nice to to hear what other people have done/intending to do. After thinking about it all afternoon I think I'm going to try and push on. Because of holidays I'll be 36 +4 when I actually finish so only a week and a bit more if I was to stop at the end of next week. I can do it (I hope!) Hoping I don't go too early but I'm thinking the possibility of going two weeks overdue and having 7weeks off would be silly. Fingers crossed all works out. Thanks for your comments xx

I stopped at 38 weeks last time and DD was 2 weeks late. I'm stopping next week when I'll be 38 weeks again. I , like you am now struggling but........ I spoke to my DR who has put me in reduced hours which is making the last few weeks much more manageable ( and doesn't affect ML or pay etc) so maybe worth a consideration?
That way you don't compromise your ML but make the home stretch a bit easier for you?
Good luck!

I was working from home Monday and wasn't feeling well which led to being off sick Tuesday and Wednesday. I got a call from work early afternoon yesterday from my line manager suggesting that I start my maternity leave three weeks early. I was due to finish on 2nd April at 36w. With low bp, all day morning sickness/acid reflux which increased in severity to the point of not being able to keep anything including water down since Sunday (as a result I've lost almost half a stone), mild SPD and low iron levels, I suppose their concern is that I won't meet deadlines at work and it would be difficult to forecast timelines for the next few weeks. I have accepted their offer but I feel lost at the prospect of having nothing to do for seven weeks before due date.