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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Maternity Leave

20 replies

owmn · 30/10/2018 14:30

Hi all,

So I’m currently 35 weeks pregnant (due on 2/12), and I’m now definitely starting to struggle at work!

I’m struggling a lot with sleep now (I’m lucky to get any 🙄), am generally just very uncomfortable and tired, and work involves long shifts and long stints of sitting down.

I was originally due to finish work on 18th November however I’m in a job that can be fairly flexible in when I’m able to begin my leave.

I’m basically wondering if it’s lazy and unreasonable for me to consider finishing this week or next, so 4/5 weeks before baby is due?

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Eminybob · 30/10/2018 14:33

No of course it isn’t! I finished at 35+4. To be fair, I probably would have gone on for a bit longer but needed this week off for half term childcare for ds.
I’m bloody exhausted though and was definitely ready for it. I’m ready for the baby to come too!

Hopehope20 · 30/10/2018 14:45

No! I finished 6 weeks early, 2 weeks annual leave and 4 weeks mat. I have 2 weeks left until due date now and have not regretted it one bit. Done so much nesting and last minute jobs. As well as lots of napping and seeing friends. I was worried about going so early But I too completely stopped sleeping and struggled so much. I decided looking after myself so I am well and ready for my baby was the most important thing. Trust your gut x

AB95 · 30/10/2018 18:33

Don't feel bad at all! I'm due 29/11 and finish on Friday - I cannot wait!! I am growing an oversized baby but honestly I'm just too tired to be there now.

FrazzyAndFrumpled · 30/10/2018 18:38

I’m due in April and am considering going on mat leave already if you feel like you’ve had enough, then bring your leave dates forward. You need to prioritise yourself and your baby. Congratulations and good luck!

PotteringAlong · 30/10/2018 18:39

I wouldn’t, because I’d rather have 7 extra weeks with my baby st the other end.

RowenaDedalus · 30/10/2018 18:40

Finish whenever works for you. I worked until 40 weeks and was relieved that I had because baby was 2 weeks over, so I would have been bored otherwise. However, I really struggled for the last four weeks of working and probably should have stopped (baby was 11lbs so no wonder I was so tired!)
So basically- do whatever is best for you.

AssassinatedBeauty · 30/10/2018 18:47

There's nothing "lazy" or unreasonable about it. You do whatever suits you best.

It is worth thinking about the amount of time you'll have with your baby before returning, though, as others have mentioned. If you go overdue then that will cut it down further.

Alanares89 · 30/10/2018 19:03

Due to sickness, tiredness and buying a house I went on mat leave at 30 weeks, although i took my annual leave upto week 35 so mat leave didn’t actually start until then. Do what’s best for you!
I have zero regrets! Lol x

emwithme · 30/10/2018 19:35

I'm due the same date as you and tomorrow is my last day in the office.

I know I won't be allowed to go overdue, and may be being induced a bit early so it gives me up to a month at home to get everything sorted.

Part of the reason for going early is my commute - it's only a 25 minute drive if you do it in the middle of the night but can take up to an hour in rush hour (and more if there's an accident). I just have NO patience for stop start traffic any more!

MemoryOfSleep · 30/10/2018 19:41

I worked until 37 weeks and had baby at 39 weeks. Quite glad that I won't miss that time with baby on the other end. I also got really bored on mat leave! It doesn't make you lazy if you do go off though, do what you need to.

Darkstar4855 · 30/10/2018 19:42

I have an active job with long shifts and lots of time on my feet. I’m finishing on Friday at 35+4 and can’t wait! Looking forward to having a few weeks to relax a bit, get some batch cooking done and put the finishing touches to the nursery.

I’d say go for it. Better to be well rested and ready for the baby than exhausted and miserable.

LordDavos · 30/10/2018 19:46

I’m due on the same day as you and finishing next week. It’s been a big struggle and I could quite easily finish this week! My
job isn’t physically strenuous but the early starts, commutes, mental strain and sitting at a desk all day have been getting to me.

Can’t wait to have some time to myself before baby arrives! I wouldn’t get bored at all, relaxing at home with box sets and books is my favourite thing to do

DrWhy · 30/10/2018 20:34

I’m 37 weeks tomorrow and I really wish I was finishing now. I’ve got one more week to go. My previous baby was late and I actually really enjoyed the month to myself but I felt a bit lazy taking the time off. This pregnancy has been much harder. I’m shattered chasing around a 2 year old when not at work, no early nights or lie ins. I’ve just started a new role at work which is much more interesting but also much more pressured and I’m just done with it all now.
I really hope the baby isn’t early or she’ll have no cot bedding, the freezer won’t be stocked and I’ll be too exhausted to function!

snowone · 30/10/2018 20:39

I'm planning on working until 39 weeks - I would rather have the time afterwards with my baby than sit at home just waiting. Each to their own though - good luck with your new arrival

SparkyBlue · 30/10/2018 20:47

It's absolutely not lazy to finish up work now. I really regret not finishing work earlier on my second pregnancy. I was exhausted and miserable. Every pregnancy is different and you need to look after your health. If you feel that you need to rest up then that's exactly what you should do.

Soiree · 30/10/2018 21:30

I went at 33 weeks, I was struggling with spd, back pains and no sleep. My baby is 3 months old now and I don't regret it one bit, I'm less tired now than I was when i was pregnant!

Thetimehascometo · 30/10/2018 23:24

DD came at 34 weeks so every day of my maternity leave has been with her. It’s getting towards the end and I still want to spend longer with her ☹️ I think I would have regretted any time off without her. But that’s just me... and a very different situation. Do what is right for you!

applecatchers36 · 31/10/2018 06:18

Definitely not lazy growing a whole new human being is tough! I think being tuned into your body and needs is the most important thing. Taking time to rest, nest and mentally get ready for a baby is also important. Do what feels right for you.

MsHopey · 31/10/2018 08:47

I worked in a supermarket, near the end the bad customers were pissing me off, the staff were pissing me off. I had SPD which meant I was permanently on the tills, better than walking round all day but still uncomfortable and couldn't stretch my legs.
My maternity leave started 3 weeks before baby was born.
But I'd saved all my annual leave for before (I knew I wasn't going back to work) and my last day was when I was 32 weeks pregnant.
People who work up until 38 weeks and similar are bloody troopers and I don't know how you manage it.
I do think when you book your maternity date at 25 weeks pregnant you don't have any idea how another 10 or 12 weeks of pregnancy is going to make you feel!

Original poster

owmn · 01/11/2018 16:44

Thanks for all the lovely responses; glad to know I’m not being a lazy oaf for considering it!

It’s so difficult to foresee how you’re going to feel when you devise a leave date, and I think I’ve probably just spent too much time comparing myself to other mums and when it’s deemed appropriate to finish, not giving myself enough credit for paying attention to my body!

I think I’ve probably spent most of my pregnancy doing that really, so I’ve decided to listen to myself and go ahead with the earlt finish!

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