Work and starting mat leave early - WWYD?

[Lila99]

So I assumed I’d be able to work until 38 weeks, put my intended last day in writing etc. I’m 35 weeks on Wednesday and am now realising this is going to be too much of a struggle - I’m like a zombie and my backs aching a lot and I have a 2.5 hour commute there and back daily. My bosses were very angry when I first told them I was pregnant and made things increasingly difficult for me - although this has died down now. I have already recieved in writing that if I wish to change my final date, it will need to be within 28 days notice. As they have form form for being awkward, I don’t think I should request to change my date as they will potentially say no and make things difficult. If I was to go to my GP, is it likely they’ll sign me off? Therefore triggering my maternity leave? (Sorry for no paragraphs, my phone won’t let me insert them for some reason!) TIA

I actually don't think this is true in terms of 28 days notice. Contact your HR and check but my sister had to finish work earlier than she intended too due to pelvis issues. She asked if she could and her manager said no as no replacement for her yet, a call to HR proved that they couldn't actually make her stay and she started 3 weeks earlier than originally thought. It's impossible with the best will in the world to know how you will be when you set a leaving date, especially if it's your first baby! So they must encounter this a lot! Find out your rights and don't worry about it :-) baby and your health are your priority now! Not work xx

Unfortunately I don’t have HR. I work for a family run firm where the owners are my bosses so not sure where I stand thank you anyway!

Perhaps I will speak to my midwife and see what she says!

If you have 3 days off work from 36weeks for pregnancy related issues your maternity leave will automatically start. Your boss is an arse! Good luck x

I don't know the legality, but I'm not sure how they can refuse. A woman in my office was planning to work until 37 weeks... baby unexpectedly came at 35 (with all the accompanying stress of an early birth). I mean, this happens. So signing off early seems a relatively straight forward thing to do. Having said that, could you ask for reduced days or working from home? I found it wasn't work that was the problem, but the bloody commuting. [sorry for weird spacing, enter not working]

I agree with the comment above, I’ve suffered with bad pelvic girdle pain and my midwife said if it got worse she could sign me off for the last few weeks of work before mat leave so make sure u go to the docs and take care of u and the baby, u are both priority over work , they can get stuffed. I also think that’s a load of rubbish the 28 days thing and that commute sounds very tiresome, I’m 34 weeks this week and already struggling and I only work 30 mins away. I would have a chat with ur midwife about it and see what she suggests. All the best for u and ur baby and I hope u can get some extra rest abs tlc x

Yes definitely do :-) this might help too www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/rights-at-work/parental-rights/maternity-leave-what-youre-entitled-to-and-how-to-get-it/

Yes the 28 days notice is legal. Either they have stated it in writing to let you know what the law says but may be flexible, or they may make you stick by it.

I had pgp in my second pregnancy (actually I had them in all 3) and the doctor signed me off from 29 weeks. My friends brother is a GP and she said they are very cautious when it comes to pregnant women.

If you cannot manage (and with that sort of commute I certainly wouldn't judge) you could go straight to your GP or you could self certify for the first week (and book an appointment with your GP for the end of the week) and then ask to be signed off. The end of pregnancy is gruelling. I was ok with my first and managed to work up to 38 weeks, but the 2nd and 3rd I had to stop at 29 weeks.

sorry to hi-jack - if you get signed off sick at say 26 or 30 weeks (basically at any point)!... due to pregnancy related issues - is it maternity pay or sick leave?? and if sick - when does maternity pay kick in???