Can I/ should I finish work earlier??

[ethelfleda]

I'm currently 32 weeks. Originally planned on finishing end of Oct at 38 weeks. Employer has known about pregnancy since 12 weeks. Its been a very straight forward low risk pregnancy so far (touch wood) I've only had time off for appointments.

Within the last month to six weeks, the stress and pressure has gone though the roof due to me covering for others holidays etc... it generally is a toxic environment to work in also! Although my boss has hugely appreciated it and it has been noted that they couldn't have coped without me!
Anyway, after yet another spate of over time recently to try and get caught up, I just feel like I can't do it anymore! My body seems to be telling me to slow down... I'm so tired and can't tell what symptoms are pregnancy related and which ones are stress related! It has been suggested to me by a few people (DH included!) That I bring my leaving date forward by two weeks so I can relax and prepare for our new arrival!
Am I able to do this (first of all!) Is be giving them a months notice... and secondly - should I?? Should I hang on and have more time with my baby?? I'm having a year off with him

Thanks for reason and sorry for the long post!!

I was due to finish at 38 weeks and ended up finishing at 36 and told my work 4 days prior to finishing (I'd been in and out of hospital so don't think it was a surprise). That feeling when I made the decision felt like a enormous weight had been lifted. I went into labour on the days I'd been due to finish so glad I started early! I wasn't bored at all, I loved it!

I've asked to leave early, after some serious thinking about it I knew I just couldn't do it anymore, im totally exhausted. I was meant to be leaving at 39 weeks but will now be leaving at 37+6.

I haven't given the 28 days notice period and they were totally fine with it, I leave on Friday.

Do what feels right, hope your conversation with your boss goes well today.

I had my baby six days ago and finished work at 38+2. I had a really good pregnancy with no issues until week 37 where my blood pressure went through the rough and I started being monitored for pre eclampsia. All symptoms went as soon as I finished work because it was the most stressful time of the year and I was working stupid hours.

I wish I'd finished maybe a week earlier just to relax.

I'm finishing at 35 weeks although i considered to finish much earlier as my work are just awful and struggling to cope with pain and tiredness.
I always say if money isn't an issue then it's fine. If money and time weren't against me if leave at 29 weeks

You could always go off sick as an option?

Conversation went well with boss this morning. He is fine with me finishing earlier and even said I can leave earlier in the day if I need to etc
We have a handover plan now.as well so I can start to wind down. A good result all round!
Thank you for your replies everyone - I feel like a weight has been lifted!