Early Maternity Leave

[OnMyJourney]

Hi,

So I'm 28 weeks pregnant and due to start Maternity Leave on the 16th of October, where I'll be 34 weeks + 2. I work in hospitality, lots of customers, lots of running around/standing around, taking in heavy deliveries, running birthday parties, it's a lot and now that summer is coming to an end weekends are going to be a living nightmare they're going to be so busy, it's going to be hard work. I feel so ready to go on maternity leave, I feel done with work, I don't know if it's the fact I don't like my job anyways or if this is just a normal part of being pregnant and waiting to go on Mat leave but I dread going to work, I really just don't want to go, I'm always exhausted and my body aches after working a shift. I've already agreed with my HR department that I'd be going off on the 16th October but would I be unreasonable to leave earlier? I know it's only just over a month away but I don't know if I can anymore! I feel so done, am I being dramatic? Should I stick it out so I have longer with the baby?

Hi,

I actually spoke about this with my midwife yesterday. I’m an assistant Headteacher in a secondary school. I should be going off on the 22nd December (Xmas holidays) with baby being due on the 16th January (although I am convinced he will come early due to family history). I don’t want to work up until that point and my partners work means financially I don’t need to. My midwife said to tell them you will finish on that date as lawfully you can bring it forward if you want to but they can be funny about you pushing it back if you want to stay. My view is if you can take the financial hit go off when YOU feel ready. You want to enjoy your pregnancy and be comfortable. At the end of the day a job is just that a job, I’d you left tomorrow you’d be replaced without a second thought, I know that sounds harsh but it’s true.

Hey, I would honestly be sitting down with your work and telling them this as if the work load of your day to day is too much on your pregnant body they need to make reasonable allowances that do not entail you taking so much time before your baby is here.
Start by going to the doctor, the doctor may right you a note to say allowances to be made. If you are in hospitality maybe they can find jobs which do not require you to be frantically running up and down or lifting anything heavy.

From experience, you will want every day possible with your baby before you have to return. Or, depending on your personal situation,before the payments reduce to statutory and you have to go back. Say you only get 6 months full pay, if you take 2 of those months before baby arrives you will only have 4 months paid leave with your baby before the payments reduce to an un-livable amount.

Can't you get your Dr to sign you off sick?

I started my mat leave at 32 weeks. Largely because I wanted to make the most of having time to myself... I had lie ins, walks, yoga, swims, bike rides and generally did what I wanted!! I hated my job at the time, so it was a relief! I was able to tag my accrued annual leave on to my mat leave, so I went back when baby was 11 months. Which was fine! Funnily enough I was very glad to go back to work by that point - for the change, adult conversation and not needing to be responsible. I remember dragging myself in when I wasn't well too, largely because it was easier than being at home.

Have you got holidays you can take? I went at 36 weeks with my first and honestly regretted it. I was so bored just sitting around waiting for labour and was so gutted I had wasted those weeks that I could have spent with my daughter. 2nd and this time I’m taking two weeks holiday at 38 weeks and starting maternity the week I’m due. My job is also very physical and on my feet for 9 hour shifts. I think you’d regret it if you went too early, I’d reconsider the 34 weeks or use your holidays up instead of starting mat leave

I really wouldn’t take leave any earlier than the 34 you have already put forward. Your baby could come at 42 weeks and then even if you take the full mat leave with 3 months unpaid you would already only have 10 months with the baby, and less if you go off earlier.

With my 1st I started Mat leave just before Xmas baby due start of March, much earlier than planned but like you I just couldn't manage due to exhaustion being on feet. I don't regret doing this. Next 2 pregnancies I did work later but wasn't on feet for such long periods so able to manage.

Listen to your body only you know how you are truly feeling.With my first I went off I think end of jan or early feb & son arrived beginning of March.Due date was end of March.Was mostly a sat down p/t job & i freelanced until a few weeks before son arrived as although more physical it’s shorter sessions.Glad I had a bit of time to myself before motherhood kicked in!

This time I’m due beginning of March and aiming to take mat leave the 11 weeks before due date so hopefully the week before Christmas.P/T job is a lot more physical & I can keep freelancing as late as possible.I’ve already been off sick with this pregnancy & just generally feel more exhausted so far with it & just know I’ll be done in by Christmas with a huge bump,a 4 year old,work & life!!

Depends on what your plans are for after baby arrives & returning to work & financial side of things. Definately get some time in for yourself your body needs rest before labour delivery.

I plan on starting my mat leave from my due date. I have a week of leave to use the week before hand aswell so I’ll be 38+3 when I go off. My job is quite sedentary though as been put on light duties due to pregnancy so just sat at a desk. I want as much time possible with baby after and don’t want to use my leave with no baby.

You can start you mat leave from 29 weeks onwards. They cannot stop you doing this. Speak to your HR department xx

If you need to go early do it. X