Maternity leave

[misstilly]

Hi I'm 29 weeks pregnant and have a stressful sales job which involves driving up to 6 hours a day. I'm starting to feel uncomfortable with pelvic pain and headaches so am contemplating finishing this week. I have 3 weeks of holiday I can use before maternity would start in December at 32 weeks. However I'm wondering if I would regret finishing so early when I have to go back earlier than planned. Has anyone else finished this soon, if so did you regret it? Thanks

I finished at 32 weeks but it was because I was signed off. The first few weeks were ok but after that I got incredibly bored. Maternity leave goes so quickly once the baby is here. My DD is five months old and I am already dreading going back at the ens of January. On that basis I would eek it out as long as you can, however if you are in pain speak to the doctor and see if they can sign you off for a few weeks.

Following with interest! I'm also 29 weeks and this is my last week. Bit worried I'm going to get really bored but I've got a physical job and a long drive so I think its the right time.
If your stressed and struggling with the driving the best option might be to finish a bit earlier and let your self rest.

I went off at 30 weeks and did not regret it although I do agree I was pretty bored - esp as baby was 2 weeks overdue!. I had enough leave to have had 13 months off. I did not go back to work though after which obviously helps!! Just do what is right for you and the baby. I was in a job I hated so I really was happy to go. I love my job now (well like maybe not love !), I work part time and am going off at 35 weeks but 37 weeks as I get 2 weeks off at XMAS because my work is closed. I am happy with that.

I have enough leave so I wouldn't need to go back until Feb as long as nothing changes financially. I've spoken with DH and he is happy for me to do what I feel is best for me and baby so have a meeting with my boss tomorrow to discuss this. I'm not enjoying my job anymore either which isn't helping motivate me in a morning! Thank you for advice I think I'm going to go for it and finish on Friday, feels such a relief so I think it's the right decision.

If you're uncomfortable you may be able to get signed off from the driving - if so, your employer has a legal duty to find alternative working conditions/ work for you or they must let you be off work on full pay until you choose to got on nst leave. If I were you I'd explore that route first.

*mat (not nst)

February 2016 or 2017? 2017, not a problem. 2016 then you need to stay in work.

Feb 2017, I've tried to get in the doctors to speak about being signed off from driving but a fit to work from home just can't get an appointment for 3 weeks unless I'm one of the lucky ones who gets through at 8am.

From my experience whenever you go back to work it feels too early and you don't want to leave your baby ! I think it's much easier to take care of yourself now and ensure you are in good health when the baby arrives than push yourself now and be ruined when all hell breaks loose!

Helpful??

I'm 31 weeks and I'm contemplating leaving sooner getting a note off the doc. I tried to talk to her today but she didn't seem to care but got midwife appointment tomorrow so I'll talk to her about it all.