Maternity leave

[EmilyJ90]

When did you go on maternity leave? Long story short I’m struggling massively with my back find it hard to walk. My commute to work includes a 15 minute walk from my bus to my work place (doesn’t sound like much I know, but I’m in so much pain!) I’m due March 5th and I have 5 weeks holiday to use before my mat leave. I’m thinking of going on January 2nd and using up my holiday until feb and start my mat leave then. Do you think that’s too soon? Any advice welcome!

Doesn't sound that early to me. A lot of ladies I know went on maternity a few weeks early. It's nice to give yourself some time to chill out and get things ready. The only possible downside could be money depending on how soon you want to go back etc.

I went a few days shy of 35 weeks. I had a commute to cope with and a physical job so was struggling massively.

Do what you think is right op , going earlier than you would've liked can be difficult to get your head round but sometimes you need to listen to your body.

I'm going at 34 weeks this pregnancy, then will be having 4 weeks holiday. So really starting ML at 38 weeks.

Last pregnancy I went at 32 weeks as I had 7 weeks holiday to take so started ML at 39 weeks.

Perfect times for me.

I'm due 7 March. Im going on 21st Dec. As my job is so physical and in retail I know I won't cope as also have a few other issues.

In my head I was planning on going at the end of Jan. you’ve all made me feel a bit better about going earlier than planned so thank you! I’m a first time mumma so it’s all new to me!

Doesn’t sound early to me! I did the same due to pain. You’ve got to do what’s right for you and baby 😊.

Congratulations and enjoy it!

Just a thought OP but could you work from home? Do you get sick pay? Your GP can give you a note to say you're only got for work if certain conditions are met. During my pregnancy I was signed off for 8 weeks and then returned on reduced hours.

I don't think there's any right or wrong answer, it's about how you're feeling. I'm finishing imminently at 36 weeks (original plan was to work to 38 but getting induced at 38). But I feel really well and money will be very tight for us on ML so wanted to keep as much leave as possible to take before returning to work.

I wouldn't hesitate to finish earlier if I felt I needed to, do what you think is best based on how you're feeling.

@Sunshinegirl82 I don’t have the option to work from home which is annoying. I’m reluctant to go on sick leave again as I was off for almost 2 months due to my dad having terminal cancer and passing away and I’ve not long been back at work. I know I have to look after myself, but with losing Dad and all the pain I’m in, work on top of everything is getting a little too much. The sooner I’m off work the better!

First baby here...I'm finishing next week at 34wks.
I'm having 3wks Annual Leave then starting Mat Leave a week before I'm being induced (38wks) wouldn't have wanted more than a month off before as prefer the time off after baby arrives but can't be helped if you're struggling xx

I understand. Could you look into a cab to drive you the 15 mins? You might get a deal if you book it in regularly? I appreciate it's an expense but it's only fairly short term.

I went off at 36 weeks, was on annual leave for 2 weeks and then went on mat leave at 38 weeks. I was tired by then, don't feel bad about finishing early! Do what you need to do.

I’m going on annual leave for 2 weeks on the 20th November 37 weeks then start my maternity straight after something like the 5th December when I will be 39 weeks. 😀

@EmilyJ90 have you asked to see a physio? Sounds like you are suffering with SPD and a physio may be able to help

@TeaandHobnobs my midwife said there was a contact number in my preggo notes, it’s getting to the point I can’t even turn over in bed. I think I’ll give them a ring this week, I can’t carry on like this, it’s ridiculous 😫

You must - of course - do what's right for you, but just to put a counter point of view forward, last time I worked until 37.5 weeks, I thought it would be "relaxing" to have stopped and was then bored absolutely stupid for the two and half weeks (2 weeks of which were holiday) before DD arrived. And felt grumpy about it being "wasted" time that I could have tacked on to the end and had more time at home with DD (I needed to go back after 6 months). This time I am hoping to keep going a little bit longer - but little one may have other ideas! I am lucky enough to be able to WFH sometimes and I appreciate that makes it a lot more manageable for me. Good luck whatever you decide!

And definitely see if you can get physio. That sounds awful. Private would be faster if you're able.

I'm self employed and so it is a more complex decision as technically I could still work, but I've been strict with myself and stopped this week at 34 weeks.
Because quite frankly I'm knackered and I've veen slowing down (inadvertently) for weeks.

I'm only early on but planning on finishing early too. My job is pretty physically demanding, 12 hour shifts and not always time for breaks! I'm not due till end of May, so planning on taking annual leave I'm April then starting mat leave proper around 36 weeks. So hoping to finish about 32 weeks. I'm already counting down!

I finished at 36+5, she arrived at 38 weeks.

I think your plan sounds fine. I absolutely loved my mat leave before dc1 arrived. Saw loads of movies, met friends for lunch, had some late nights and was able to stay in bed for ages rhe next day, went for long slow walks, slept in, read books, did baby shopping etc. It was such a great break. I am good at finding ways to entertain myself though so rarely get bored! If you are in pain some of those activities may not be possible but it really was the last time of total freedom for me and I loved it. I also met up with my nct group before the babies were born. Such good memories now, 7 years, 2 dc and a couple of jobs later.

@EmilyJ90 Sorry to hear about your Dad :-( I lost my mum in June then my Dad in August ☹️ I’m due January 6th but starting Mat leave on 1st Dec. I have SPD and have an active job so really need the rest!!!! X