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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

How do people manage to work to the end????!

42 replies

Bigbadgeorge · 13/04/2015 11:05

I get that every pregnancy is different and some people fair better than others but though I had every intention of working til 39 weeks here I am at 36 weeks really struggling!!! Stopping at the end of this week now, phew!
I have SPD and reflux making me vomit regularly and a toddler who doesn't sleep through. I'm on my feet for my job, though managing to do more desk work. I'm done in!

Hats off to those that make it!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Rebecca1608 · 14/04/2015 00:12

I've already finished now but I didn't think about doing that as I'd already been on the sick earlier on (around a month or so ago) for anemia & also was told by my manager that they could start my maternity at any time after 20+ weeks if I have so many sick days. Which was quite shit for me as I'll be going back to work earlier although I'll be having my babies around 36 weeks. I'd have liked to stay a bit longer.

Threesoundslikealot · 14/04/2015 00:30

Your manager is wrong. You are only obliged to move to maternity leave at 36 weeks. If you are still on annual leave, you're not done yet. They are cheating you out of six weeks maternity leave. Do you have an HR department?

applecore0317 · 14/04/2015 02:00

Rebecca
www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/leave

Start date and early births
Usually, the earliest you can start your leave is 11 weeks before the expected week of childbirth.

Leave will also start:

the day after the birth if the baby is early or
automatically if you’re off work for a pregnancy-related illness in the 4 weeks before the week (Sunday to Saturday) that your baby is due

Threesoundslikealot · 14/04/2015 07:18

So your manager may (best case) have misunderstood the rules, which are that 29 weeks is the earliest you can take maternity leave if you want to.

Otherwise, it only automatically starts if you are signed off sick at 36 weeks.

Rebecca1608 · 14/04/2015 09:02

Aaah, I'm sure he told me it was 25 weeks. So my hols finish May 2nd, I'll start my maternity and supposedly go back in Jan but I've still got around 7 weeks+ before I'll be going in for my section at around 36 weeks. We have a head office, that no-one has any contact details for funnily enough & have to go through him or another manager for details which has before (not the same circumstances) has caused a bit of a hoo-ha At work.

AbbeyRoadCrossing · 14/04/2015 09:09

Rebecca maternity action is a very good website about your rights. It sounds as those your work at best don't know the law, at worse have deliberately misled you.

Threesoundslikealot · 14/04/2015 09:30

Can you not google the contact details for your head office? Switchboard at least. And yy to checking out Maternity Action. Also talk to your GP or midwife about being signed off - they should also be well aware of the law here as it's very common.

applecore0317 · 14/04/2015 09:41

It was my consultant thay advised me of the law as I was worried about being signed off. I then read it on my works maternity policy, worth seeing if you can find that on the works intranet

Original poster

Bigbadgeorge · 14/04/2015 15:53

I hope that you get this sorted Rebecca, it does sound like you've been misinformed.....be a bit pushy as it must be tough enough being pregnant with twins (financially as well as physically)- you deserve the correct support from work!

OP posts:

pepperfish · 14/04/2015 17:58

I just left at 34 weeks, had meant to go at 37. I just couldn't hack it any longer. Higher than it should be BP, feet swollen and tight, shattered, tearful and stressed. Midwife told me to do myself a favour, wise lady.

Huge kudos to those that manage to the end. No way will I leave it that late next time!!

LorelaiVictoriaGilmore · 14/04/2015 18:04

I have no idea and no intention of finding out! I have a desk job but an hour long commute involving walking, train, tube and then more walking. I'm 20 weeks now and struggling! Only 16 more weeks to go, if everything goes to plan!

BallroomWithNoBalls · 14/04/2015 18:34

I wish I could go to work rather than be a sahm to a toddler and heavily pregnant! Much more tiring and no allowances made! I worked til 34 weeks last time round and I'm approaching that now - must tell my toddler I'm off duty

avocadotoast · 15/04/2015 08:31

I really have no idea. I'm finishing at the end of this week, I'll be 35+6. Cannot bloody wait. Someone at work is due the week after me and she's ploughing on for a good few more weeks, I feel like she's an absolute hero.

I do only work in an office but I am a massive whiner and sitting in an office chair all day puts a lot of pressure on areas that are already quite sore. I just want to spend all day alternating between my ball and the sofa!

HazleNutt · 15/04/2015 09:15

Pregnancies are so different, dragging yourself to work when you feel horrible and shattered is no heroism, that's just stupid and damaging to your health. And on the other hand, if you're lucky and feeling fine, there's not much difference if you're sitting at work or at home - so I certainly don't think I'm a hero, was just lucky not to have any health issues.

ragged · 15/04/2015 09:43

SPD must suck.
There's a long list of other problems I never had: fatigue, UTIs, back pain, piles, constipation, headaches, & only mild heartburn with some pregnancies. I still went running & cycled for miles & miles right up to 39 weeks.

So I'm one of those ppl who got stronger & stronger at the end. I could have stayed pg forever (ignoring the watermelon belly).
Weeks 6-13 always Hell for me, though, and caring for a newborn was beyond exhausting. It's early pregnancy and the first 10 weeks after birth I can't understand how people bear it so well.

hoarseoldfrog · 15/04/2015 09:53

I had to finish at 32 weeks on midwife advice as stress of work affecting blood pressure and started having panic attacks. Luckily had 5 weeks leave to use. Spent 2 months at home and am so glad, was able to fully prepare a d did lots of relaxation, healthy eating and gentle exercise. At work I was in survival mode, eating crap and just coming home and falling asleep. May be why I have recovered well from my section 2 weeks ago.
Still felt guilty about finishing so early but it's really important to listen to your body and do what's best for you.

TheFillyjonk · 15/04/2015 10:00

I'm supposed to go in six weeks time, at about 36 weeks. But I honestly feel ready to go now - not only is the pain and fatigue getting unbearable but I truly can't give two stuffs about my job anymore! I know that's a terrible attitude but it's my PFB... I really sympathise with all of you struggling and deeply admire those who worked/are working up to the end.

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