Maternity leave at 28 weeks

[eavery]

This is my second pregnancy and it has been so tough! I'm considering starting my maternity leave at 28 weeks as I just don't feel like I can sustain it anymore, should I try and push through? Is it a bad idea to start at 28 weeks?

It depends how bad you’re feeling, what work you do and how long you will get off with baby x

Totally depends on your finances really, what maternity pay you are entitled to and how much time you want to have off with your baby.

I would say 28 weeks is too early to start personally though, if nothing else you still have a whole third of your pregnancy to go and I would have been bored stiff sitting around for that long. I’m 36 weeks and finishing work in 2 weeks because I’d rather have all/most of my time off with baby.

I’d also say ask for your iron to be checked at your next appointment, it may well be that you have low iron and that will be making you feel so tired x

I finished work at 30 weeks and loved it! I don’t regret it at all, it was nice to enter motherhood feeling well rested.

Personally I'd see that as a waste as you'll lose time with baby, you could have another 14 weeks to go. But depends what job you do, your finances etc

Do what you think is best for you :)
If you think you can manage another week or so then push through, if not then listen to your body and stop.

Everyone has a different experience and pregnancies can vary. My first was so different to my current. I've had a rough time emotionally and physically with this one.

I left at 32 weeks, maternity didn't kick in until 36 as I was allowed to use up all my annual leave for the current period.

I will be returning to work earlier yes, but I am fortunate to go back part time.

Good luck OP

Are you unwell? Can't you just go off sick then mate leave will start at 34ish weeks

I've being signed off due to chronic hypertension since 25 weeks and will be signed off til 36 weeks then taking annual leave before mat leave kicks in.

I've been struggling a lot with lack of sleep, headaches, and severe hip pain, I'm also struggling mentally and I don't want to take it early but I'm so exhausted all the time

I think you will regret it when the baby is here and you have to go back early.

You can't go on sick leave if you're feeling that bad can you?

Can you speak to work about adjusting your hours or maybe add some wfh? I’m 28 weeks too and I’m struggling with pelvic and back pain but work have been really good. I’m not going on maternity leave until 38weeks as I want the time the other side. I get 26weeks maternity so I want to make the most when the baby is here. Like others have said it depends on your job and what total maternity you are gunna take really

Do you have any annual leave to take?

Go on sick leave instead. Pregnancy related sick leave is protected. Then you can save maternity leave for 36 weeks and time with baby.

@eavery have you had a pregnancy risk assessment at work to see what adjustments you need to keep you well through your pregnancy?
This is a legal requirement of them and you can have it updated as pregnancy progresses.
I would ask for things like shorter working day, more breaks, some working from home if possible.

Definitely see if you can have any adjustments made first. I would try and avoid finishing at 28w if you want as much time off at the end as possible.

If I remember rightly, you can take sick leave up until 36 weeks without it kickstarting your maternity leave. I'd consider having a few weeks at home to recover, going back for as long as you can manage and then starting your leave.

With my second, I didn't start my leave until he was born and am thankful that I have the time off with him. If you're not too bothered about returning to work sooner, do what feels right.

I would 100% go off sick now rather than use your maternity leave. speak to your dr

I started at 29 weeks with one of my pregnancies as was very drained and exhausting work schedule, was absolutely for the best, 37 weeks was fine with the next as totally different situation. Glad there is the option to start at 29 weeks if needed as stressful pregnancy not good for mum or baby in my personal experience. I went back to work when one of mine only 6 months but had chilled pregnancy and that was better for us both. Another pregnancy I slogged on to the end exhausted which resulted in going into motherhood exhausted with a very cranky baby

I finished at 32 weeks with both DC. I would not have been able to do my birth prep and worked. I took 12 months mat plus 1 month accrued leave off work. I did my 10 KIT days in the 9-12 months period which paid the same as stat may pay.