Aibu if I start my mat leave early?

[Onlyinanemergency]

I am 32 weeks pregnant and have two weeks to go until I start my maternity leave. The thing is, I've had really bad anxiety this pregnancy and feel on the brink of exhaustion. I love my job but I also have two young children, one of whom has started waking up several times every night and is difficult to get back down. This morning, after another broken night's sleep, I had a panic attack trying to get us all ready to go out. I would love to begin my maternity leave next week so that I can focus on reducing my anxiety and catching up on some sleep but feel I'd be letting work down. Any thoughts?

@Onlyinanemergency- you have to do what’s right for you. If you feel now is the time then so be it. I am going at 32/33 weeks, which feels right for me. I have set up a pregnancy anxiety support thread if you’d like to join? Xx You’ll find it towards the bottom of this page x

Absolutely do what is right for you and your baby, not your employer.
I started a week earlier than I'd originally planned and had a real struggle emotionally about it all at the time, but now a couple of weeks in, it's been the best decision for me.
Sounds like you already know you want to finish so my honest advice would be to trust yourself and go for it - good luck x

Thanks kate I'll check that thread out. I think it's partly the anxiety causing the guilt about starting early. And feeling like physically I'm still really able, as if that's the only thing that matters.

You're right, NewMama. I do need to think of my and the baby's health first.

Can I ask how you went about it? I'm not sure that I can actually change the date I start with such little notice but could take the week as sick leave.

@onlyinanemergency I'd definitely do what makes you feel best. I almost had a meltdown as I left the house this morning just because I'd forgotten dds coat so had to go back home to get it. Not an anxiety thing at all but just hormones so anxiety on top must be awful (I've suffered before but thankfully it has held off so far)

When I had dd I just got really tired so moved my leave forward a few days. I spoke to my manager to ask about it and explained my reasoning and it didn't cause any issues for them so they said it was not a problem.
I'd speak with your manager/HR team to ask and see what they say.
Take care of yourself.

You might need to check your employers maternity policy. I have to give 4 weeks notice to change my maternity start or end date.

If you are struggling with anxiety, would you qualify for taking a couple weeks sick leave? Would your doctor sign you off?

Legally you need to give more notice but your employer may well agree if they think the alternative is sick leave. Alternatively could you request any annual leave?

@Onlyinanemergency hope your feeling slightly better, why don't you have a week or two off on the sick you could get signed off and won't get penalised, seems unfair you have to start mat leave early but this way you have a little more time and won't be as stressed hopefully cx

Thanks for your replies everyone. My GP would definitely sign me off for a bit. I've talked it over with DH and I think I'll try to finish the week, then if I still feel like this take the following week as sick leave. I still feel like I'm letting work down but it's only one week and I need to put my family first.

Go for it! I started mine at 29 weeks. You could just go to the doc for sick leave and then blend it into your mat leave??