What would you do re maternity leave?

[Wildflowersinthemeadow]

I’m on school holidays at the moment, and back on the 5th June (a week today) when I’ll be 33 + 5.

I am really struggling and have been for a few weeks but it’s getting worse in a way! I’m exhausted and wiped out, but in quite a lot of pain and discomfort from my back in particular. I slipped a disc a few years ago and my back has never fully recovered. I think it’s exacerbated from my toddler needing lifting and so on sometimes.

So as it stands my options are:

Option 1. Start maternity leave on the 5th June, I would then go back on the 3rd June the following year or more likely the 27th May as that’s the holiday. This seems the most honest thing to do somehow, the disadvantage is obviously the pay as I’ve budgeted in my own mind to have one more full pay cheque (we are paid on the 25th.)

Option 2. Be signed off: I know that maternity leave can start at 36 weeks but that’s not a problem as I was planning on starting then anyway.

Option 3, just work and carry on until my maternity starts. Have a day off if I need to.

I am inclined to option 3 but I am interested in what others might do. I work three days a week at present.

As you're part time, personally I would try and struggle on so you get more time with your baby if you can and rest as much as possible on your days off. Have they done you a pregnancy risk assessment (they should have)? You could discuss amended duties if your back is killing you, or more TA support in your lessons if there's capacity (haha).

Bare in mind option 2 might not be an option as maternity leave can be triggered if it's considered that your issue is pregnancy related rather than an old back injury. Personally I would try and continue for the scheduled 3 weeks

@gogohmm … I literally address this in point 2 😂

I have had a risk assessment but to be honest it’s lip service, I’m still expected to go do lunch, break duties and teach my classes, parents evenings (two in the three weeks before I go off 😩) obviously it’s part of what we do but it does feel daunting.

Yeah it's really hard and knackering. Every pregnancy is different, so I'd just finish when you've had enough.