27 weeks and struggling at work already.

[LonelyCactus]

I work as a waitress in a busy restuarant/coffee shop. I'm only 27w5d and struggling. My shifts are only 6 hours long and only 2-4 days a week so it shouldn't be this hard already! I don't even have a bump yet, I'm still wearing my regular clothes.

By the end of my shift I'm so exhausted I have to have a nap when I get home which isn't fair on my family. If I don't nap I get super mardy and miserable. My hips and back ache and get so sore it hurts to walk up the stairs or even lay down on the bed.
The constant bending down is hurting my belly, despite the lack of bump. Carrying heavy trays is also starting to hurt my back. I can't sit down at work, not even for 5 minutes.

Does anyone have any tips or advice so I can stick it out for another 7 weeks?
I wear comfortable and supportive shoes. I'm not able to sit down. I can't do a different job/role.

I feel like I'm just being lazy and should suck it up. It wasn't this hard with my previous pregnancy and I worked right up until 38 weeks in a busier restaurant full time!

I think it's harder second time round! I'm 32 weeks with second and my ds is 4. It has been a real struggle the whole pregnancy not just because of 'bump' but tiredness. If I overdo it I am done for few days. I drastically cut my hours at work and have slowly learned to take it a little easier rather than be running around busy all the time. Be kind to yourself and if you can afford to take leave earlier or get signed off by a doctor.

There's a reason why you can take maternity leave from 29 weeks - don't put too much pressure on yourself to stick it out if you're not able

I can't start my maternity leave any sooner because I don't think I could afford to and my boss hasn't hired my replacement yet and won't until June.

I used to work 4-6 shifts but when my boss found out I was pregnant she cut me down to 1-2 shifts a week so now I haven't worked enough to qualify for maternity pay from what I can figure out. If I can stick it out for 7 more weeks I've managed to pick up a 3rd shift for each of those weeks thanks to my manager which will help so much.

I usually really enjoy my job but it's taking it's toll at the minute, physically and mentally. Probably doesn't help that I feel really down.

That's a bit rubbish and your boss doesn't seem nice at all! After all I'm sure normal maternity pay is paid by the government rather than from your employer so should be no skin off their nose. Could you not get your hours upped on the rota then get doctor to sign you off? Maybe you could speak to your boss and explain the situation? Maybe they will be a little more sympathetic?