Hi all
Just after a bit of advice really!
I currently work 30 hours a week Mon-Fri. It isn't a physically demanding job (desk job) however it is mentally tiring and at times quite stressful.
I am 24 weeks pregnant and for the past few weeks I have been struggling, feeling super exhausted all the time and I feel that I am starting to get stressed really easily over little things at work that wouldn't usually bother me pre-pregnancy. I am finding my concentration span is falling by the wayside and I am forgetting things and making little mistakes which is really unlike me.
I want to approach my boss and ask to condense my 30 hours into 3 long days working 8-6, so I get two days off in the week as well as the weekends off.
My problem is, I don't know whether to ask my boss if this is possible first or ask my GP to write me a note. I want to be honest and up front with my boss, but have a feeling if I just ask and explain my reasoning, she will say that we are too short staffed or give me a reason why condensing my hours is not possible. If I have a note from my GP would she still be able to refuse?
I've already planned in my head a work pattern to minimise the effect that it will have on the department (i.e. working on the busiest days).
I really don't want to go off sick OR reduce my hours, which I feel I will be forced to do if I can't condense my hours into longer days. I enjoy my job but I am just finding it difficult. I have 12 weeks left before my maternity leave starts and just the thought of carrying on doing 5 days a week is making me feel really low. I feel stupid for moaning as I know there are women who are pregnant and work full time etc.
Basically (I know I'm rambling), would you approach your boss first or would you go straight to GP and ask for a note to request change in work pattern? and can my GP even do that? is it a "thing"? I know they can write a note for reduced hours but that isn't what I want... 
thanks!