Physical job, when to go on maternity

[2preg]

I'm a manager of a busy bar, work has been great about changing my shifts and making me comfortable etc. I'm currently 24 weeks, and thinking of going on mat leave around 33/34 weeks. Ideally I would love to work right until the end but it's just not possible whilst working in such a physical job and especially having sciatica and pelvic girdle pain! Has anyone else gone earlier and regretted? I'm hoping to hear from other people so I could make my mind up as I'm so undecided :(

Not in your position but I doubt very much that anyone regrets going earlier. Years ago it was the norm to finish by then. I went at about 36/37 weeks for DC1&2 and this time I will go earlier.

The downside is less time the other side once baby has arrived but there are options like unpaid parental leave if you want more time off.

I also work a very physical job and am having complications like polyhydramnios and gestational diabetes that mean my bump is massive.
I'm 35+4 today and still have 2 weeks left at work. My obstetric doctor gave me a fit note for amended duties so I don't do much on my feet, mainly work sitting down and finish by 3.30pm each day. Also with midwife and hospital appointments that usually breaks up my work shifts.
Legally your workplace has to make reasonable adjustments around your pregnancy so I have taken this approach so I don't have to start mat leave sooner. Its working well for me.

I work in a similar role to yourself. I'm the manageress of a very busy bistro, on my feet all day, 5 days a week, I'm currently 31weeks pregnant and also have sciatic. I plan to keep working until a week and a half before my due date. I've found that keeping moving is helping my sciatica. It's affects me far more at home when going from sat/lying for a long time than walking around.
I'm not doing any heavy lifting in work anymore due to the sciatica and also a low lying placenta and also have rhesus disease so have to be super careful of bump (which is quiet big) I still have no intention of leaving work earlier than planned.
Only you'll know what you're capable of or not really... for me, it was far more important to work as long as I could beforehand to maximise my time when baby is here. But do what you feel is best for you xxxxx