When did you go on maternity leave?

[Mommabear20]

I'm currently pregnant with my 3rd baby and starting to struggle physically. I've been diagnosed with 'seriously' low iron levels resulting in dizzy/ fainting spells. I'm also having a lot of pain in my lower back and hips. My job is not difficult but it is physical and requires me to be on my feet for 8 hours. I'm 29 weeks, is this too early to go off on maternity leave? I'm worried everyone's gonna judge me as being lazy 🤦‍♀️

Sorry to hear that you're struggling OP. Have you spoken to your employer about reasonable adjustments or whether there is another role that you can do?

I went off at 36 weeks with DC1 and 37 weeks with DC2. I struggled towards the end with DC2 but wanted to have as much time with her once she was born. I think you need to do what's best for you and your little one.

The day before I gave birth! But my job is home based, if I had a job where I had to stand it would have been much earlier.

Don't worry about what other people think, your wellbeing is more important so do what is best for you.

OP I believe (might be wrong though) that your employer can automatically start your mat leave at 36 weeks if you're off with pregnancy related sickness at that point. Up until then you're still entitled to sick leave. The low iron leaving you dizzy and faint would surely qualify for sick leave? I'd speak to your Dr and get signed off for a while - self cert for a week then get a fit note for a few weeks until you're either feeling more up to it or hit 36 weeks and then go on mat leave. I got my info from here. maternityaction.org.uk/advice/sickness-during-pregnancy-and-maternity-leave/

I’m a pharmacist so on my feet 8 hours a day too! I had holiday left over so went off from 34 weeks as I was also struggling at the 29 week mark. I’m now 38 weeks and so glad I’ve had the extra weeks! Even if I didn’t have holiday I don’t think I could have gone past the 34 week mark.

38 weeks, DD was born at 40+12, I was bored rigid for a month!

but I had an easy pregnancy, which it doesn’t sound like you’re having OP 💐

I went off at 35 weeks and I have an 'office job' but was working from home even still, I was tired and wanted to get the house organised and also just rest before the baby arrived.
Do whatever you need, don't worry about what anyone may think :) xx

DD I went off the weekend before I was 36 weeks and with DS the weekend before 37 weeks.
I worked in an office but stressful job so needed the time to wind down x

I'm a teacher I'm planning on going off at 38 weeks. I'm currently 33 weeks and struggling. Don't know whether to power through or finish early. I haven't given my 28 days notice yet so will minimum will have to go to 37 weeks which takes me up to half term. Anyone been in a similar situation?

The day I have birth (literally - he was born 8:30am and I had a meeting at 9am). It wasn’t planned that way…

Finished on Friday at 38w, it felt super indulgent when I planned it. Although the pregnancy has been relatively easy I was struggling mentally and physically for several weeks towards the end even just WFH. Was really looking forward to a bit of.time off to get things in order but I've basically been diagnosed with Preeclampsia the day I finished, so that's scuppered plans and bought things forward

Listen to your body. I had a beautician on my NCT course who finished 2 months before because it was a struggle. It's totally unique to each of us.

38 weeks the first time round, this time will be 32 weeks - not worried about people thinking I'm lazy - have just told employer/ colleagues complications at the end of my last pregnancy mean I have decided to go off earlier this time. I had a complicated birth last time and this time around want to feel I have time to prepare without also juggling demanding job at the end of pregnancy. Also not planning to go back after - so last time left it late to have the time the other side, whereas this time just want to finish asap!

@Tasha123456 I think the 28 days thing is for when you plan to end your maternity leave not start, I initially said I'd work up to 40 weeks but it was too much so went off at 37, informed the head teacher at 33+3 but it was in the half term so she probably didn't see the email until I was 34 weeks.

Thanks all for your responses. I have a 2&1 year old(s) at home too so far less time to rest than in my previous two pregnancies. I've definitely not had a bad pregnancy, but think the physical aspect of having 3 in 3 years is taking its toll now 😭😆

I had to be signed off work at 28 weeks due to really awful pelvic pain - had a physical job in vet walking dogs, restraining animals, tons of cleaning, all bad things for aggravating the issues.

My maternity leave wasn't officially due to start until 32 weeks, but I wasn't able to return to work in-between, so was on leave from 28 weeks.

The reason I chose to start at 32 weeks was because I felt so horrendous physically and was really stressing about being unable to do my job. Felt like pushing myself to as late as possible just wasn't worth the pain and misery.

Baby was born at 43 weeks....so it was a long wait too!!

Anyway, officially you can start mat leave at 29 weeks (or 11weeks before baby due) although it really depends on your personal situation.
If it feels right for you to start at 29 weeks, physically and mentally, then go for it.
I'm sure nobody will think you're lazy, they probably won't care or realise how far along you are anyway (in the nicest way possible)!
Obviously if you start leave earlier you'll return to work earlier at the end.

I was 35 weeks and worked long days on my feet, I could definitely have gone earlier but tried to just power through. I did have quite a straightforward pregnancy though. With this one I have a more physical job than last time so I'm not entirely sure yet when I'll finish up but I'm only 11 weeks yet.
Definitely don't worry about being judged as lazy! Everyone's pregnancy is different and with a 2 & 1 year old at home I can imagine your exhausted already!

I recently finished at 34 weeks to use up annual leave first. Even though I WFH I'm knackered and my back / pelvis are painful. I'm better for not being sat at a desk 8 hours per day. Every pregnancy is different. Mine has been very anxious for various reasons, so I need to be off to rest.

I was meant to finish the Friday I would be 35+4 but have 11 days annual leave so finishing 33+3. 29 weeks today and counting down the days. Can't wait to properly nest ☺️ this is my first baby

I also have really low iron and totally relate to the dizzy spells and fatigue. Do you have any holidays you can take and finish earlier?

I’m a reception teacher so spending all day with 4 year olds. I’m finding it really tough going at the moment, so planning to finish at half term when I will be 34 weeks… counting down the days! 5 weeks to go.
I think if I had a less demanding job, I would try to stay longer but my job is both physically and mentally exhausting and I just want some time to chill before the baby comes.

The earliest we can take maternity leave at my work is 29 weeks but I plan to take it then if I have another one. I am doubtful if I’ll return so I’m not so worried about not getting it at the other side

@Laughingmole the hardest job in the world when pregnant! I taught reception when I was pregnant (during covid) and was told by management just to tell them to keep back from me… LOL 😂

39 weeks, 38 weeks, and 38 weeks this time, however I suck it out so I can have more time off once baby arrives .... you shouldn't care whether others think your lazy but that's 10 weeks less with baby before having to return to work :(

39 weeks. Gave birth that night. Was really annoyed as never got the mani-pedi and massage I had planned for the next day 🤣

The day I gave birth! I wanted maximum time after the birth off.

Currently 31 weeks pregnant and due to have 2 weeks annual leave at 34 weeks and start maternity at 36 weeks. I'm a nursing associate in a nursing home and work 12.5hr+ shifts on my feet pushing heavy medication trolleys and lots of bending down doing wound care. Stressful job in itself without added fatigue. It's not been ideal and I've been really feeling the strain the last few weeks. I would have liked to have stayed later as maternity pay is terrible, but sometimes money isn't worth it.