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

Original poster

maternity leave

6 replies

SnowWhite26 · 11/05/2015 08:42

Hi.
I have quite a physical job with children.I am thinking of taking my mat leave as soon as I can.This means about 2 half months before due date which sounds extreme but im struggling.Has anyone else been in a similar situation?

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Lunastarfish · 11/05/2015 09:13

I started mat leave last week at 30 weeks, however, this was due to having a fixed term job which finished then. I don't qualify for SMP and could apply for maternity allowance at 29 weeks. I'm glad I have started maternity leave as I have suffered exhaustion throughout my pregnancy and despite having a desk job working made it so much harder.

The question you need to all yourself is how long do you intend to take for maternity leave as leaving early will cut into the time you will get to spend with your baby.

You could go off sick if physically you are really struggling (this could be better if you have a contractual sickness policy instead of SSP). However if you are still sick at 36 weeks maternity leave will automatically kick in

AbbeyRoadCrossing · 11/05/2015 09:34

I had a preemie last time so am going at 32 weeks this time just in case. With my 1st I was struggling and never left work as I had DS and the leave automatically kicked in. I wish I'd listened to my body more and left earlier.
Do what's best for you. People will say you'll be bored but I'm not the sort of person that gets bored in my own company, others are though and everyone's different

Original poster
SnowWhite26 · 11/05/2015 15:15

Thanks.I will wait till nearer the time and then decide.I guess I can choose nearer the time x

OP posts:
AbbeyRoadCrossing · 11/05/2015 15:32

Yes, you haven't got to let them know you're pregnant until 25 weeks unless you want to. And I think it's 28 days notice to change your maternity dates. Maternity action is a great website if you need to check anything, all the best

LadyCatherineDeTurd · 11/05/2015 16:51

I did with DC2, partly because of an agreement we came to as an alternative to redundancy, but would've done it anyway due to bad SPD and just generally feeling crap. There's nothing wrong with finishing at 29 weeks if you need to. The reason the law allows it is because some women are ill and can't carry on any longer.

rosedavo · 12/05/2015 09:55

This week is my last week (im 34 weeks) and im using all my hols before maternity leave to make it last longer, but i could have gone weeks ago tbh and i only work 2 days a week! Go when you want, i got alot of people guilting me for not staying untill i pop :s but im not listening to them

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