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Pregnancy

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Original poster

Office Job - When did you go on Mat Leave?

66 replies

Rooroo1012 · 06/09/2018 13:05

I work in an office, at a desk all day.

My Mat Leave doesn't start for another 6 weeks and I'm due in 7 weeks so working until I'm 39w.

My job is really easy but I'm finding the last couple of weeks so difficult. I'm extremely tired all the time and my brain doesn't seem to be working correctly. I'm so forgetful and have no motivation except to sleep.

I thought I'd have more energy to keep going until my Leave starts but I'm really struggling.

Anyone else in the same or similar boat?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

PasstheStarmix · 07/09/2018 07:24

My work didn’t ease my duties and I had spd. It was a hard slog until the end and me going above and beyond while understaffed and other people off sick. I was exhausted and it couldn’t come quick enough. I think it depends how you’re work is.

PasstheStarmix · 07/09/2018 07:24

your*

PasstheStarmix · 07/09/2018 07:25

My advice is to not care what others think and to go off when you’re ready. Enjoy the time to yourself while you can.

TillyTheTiger · 07/09/2018 07:26

I finished at 38 weeks but for the last few weeks I had the Wednesday working at home instead of going into the office, is that an option for you? It was more a break from the commute I needed, 2.5-3 hours round trip everyday in traffic jams was really taking it out of me!

Rednaxela · 07/09/2018 07:28

I went 1 month before due date.

Spent lunch breaks napping in break room or curled over a closed toilet bowl.

Wrote myself detailed step by step notes and followed them as best as I could!

Harrypotterfan1604 · 07/09/2018 07:28

I’m finishing at 32 weeks but taking 4 weeks annual leave so will be starting mat leave at 36 weeks. I’m a nurse though and don’t think I’ll manage to work much longer than that x

Blondiecub0109 · 07/09/2018 07:31

@PasstheStarmix thank you! I’m considering finishing up at 31 weeks which coincides with Chiristmas (using AL until the new Year) and a few people are aghast -‘won’t you be bored?’. This is a much awaited first baby and I’m due mid feb but already been titold to expect ELCS or early induction due to medical history. I also can’t the thought of battling into work in the snow ice and dark ( live in north east Scotland). I also don’t love my job and am very fortunate to be able to afford to do this.

lifechangesforever · 07/09/2018 07:38

Mine started on due date but I had all my annual leave to take so I left at 34 weeks - it was a god send, I couldn't do the bus journey another day and it was in June so slap bang in the middle of the heatwave!

My feet were that swollen I couldnt fit in shoes and j had PGP too.

I thought I might have been bored at home for 6 weeks but I really wasn't, I napped most of it and took myself out for breakfasts etc.

Justabouthadituptohere · 07/09/2018 07:43

37 weeks but I took annual leave - however that only lasted 4 days as baby came at 37+4 and I got paid my left over annual leave. Annoying I was hoping for a good 3-4 weeks off!

Justabouthadituptohere · 07/09/2018 07:44

Oh also the lift kept breaking in our office - I would generally go use another site (which was further but single floor) so no climbing. I had SPD really badly and was based on the 6th floor of a tall building and many steps!

Dandelion1980 · 07/09/2018 07:48

My official mat leave will start at 38 weeks but I’m taking the week before off as annual leave, so will be finished work at 37 weeks. Once I get to work I’m ok, though I get a bit of an achy bum/back sitting at my desk all day. The main issue will be my 1 hour 10 mins each way commute across London on busy trains which I find the most tiring.

meetthewildes · 07/09/2018 08:17

Last time? About twelve hours after my waters broke. My boss kept wandering past and saying things like, “Amber, you are making me very nervous and really must leave - oh, but can you book me an appointment with my tailor on Thursday and would it be possible to play a four ball of golf on Sunday?”. It was hilarious. The handover from the bath at about 5am the next morning was less funny though!

I must be a masochist because I’m planning to do the same again this time, or as close to as it comes. I only take two weeks off though, and according to statutory law these need to be after the baby is actually born.

PasstheStarmix · 07/09/2018 08:47

@Blondiecub0109 my experience and situation was very similar to your own, long journey in winter etc etc and other issues. People said to me very similar comments and I just said no I’ll enjoy the rest before baby comes along! I think people regret it more going off too late than going off too early. I’m so pleased I had that time to myself and felt it helped me feel fully rested for the Labour and birth. Good luck op and don’t like other make you feel you have to justify your choice

PasstheStarmix · 07/09/2018 08:47

others*

PasstheStarmix · 07/09/2018 08:47

let*

Girlwiththearabstrap · 07/09/2018 13:56

@passthestarmix There is no law saying you have to finish 2 weeks before your due date? I taught full time till 39 weeks with my second dc. The latest date you can give is your due date. It was hard work though, and had I not been so keen to have more time at the other side I probably would have finished earlier.

If you're struggling, ask to finish earlier. It's a very personal decision and you have to do what's right for you. Personally I couldn't have faced having up to 9 weeks off with no baby but a colleague of mine finished at 32 weeks and said she had a great time!

mumofmunchkin · 07/09/2018 15:09

I finished work at 36 weeks first time, 35 weeks second time, and will be 36 weeks this time - each time I've taken a couple of weeks of holiday so mat leave officially started at 38/37 weeks. Personally I'm knackered and incredibly unmotivated by that point, and like having a few weeks to potter around the house.

PasstheStarmix · 07/09/2018 18:52

@Girlwiththearabstrap there was that rule in my workplace and there is in a lot of workplaces I’ve heard of. I think it’s more company policy than law though.

PasstheStarmix · 07/09/2018 18:55

It’s great if you’re fit enough and having a good pregnancy and able to work longer. I couldn’t have thought of anything worse than risking having my waters break at work.

PasstheStarmix · 07/09/2018 18:56

As you say it a personal decision.

PasstheStarmix · 07/09/2018 18:56

it’s *

DryHeave · 07/09/2018 19:02

I finished at 37 weeks. Baby came at 41 weeks. For me that was just right.

Girlwiththearabstrap · 07/09/2018 19:15

@passthestarmix It is definitely not the law. In fact, I'm pretty sure it's not legal for a workplace to dictate when you start maternity leave, unless it's to do with being off pregnancy related after 36 weeks. It may be customary in certain workplaces to go at a certain time but not enforceable.

Peanut91 · 07/09/2018 19:18

I had planned to take 3 weeks of AL before mat leave at 38+5 but a spell in hospital meant my.last day in the office was 33+6. It could be a long few weeks but it is looking very unlikely I will make it to 40 weeks

PasstheStarmix · 07/09/2018 19:18

@Girlwiththearabstrap I said it’s policy in alot of places and yes it is legal for them to dictate when weighing up risk.

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