Struggling so much with work, advice needed

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I’m 30 weeks pregnant, I already have an 18 month old. I’m working full time as I couldn’t reduce my hours when I went back after having DC1 (requests rejected). I’m struggling so much! Looking for solidarity or practical advice?

My job is not physical but it is mentally draining, I work in ecomm for a brand and we’re entering the busiest period of the year with Christmas and Black Friday, so I’m working super long days and having to remember a lot/make a lot of decisions that I’m finding difficult. I used to have a team of 6 but my 2 most experienced members have left and been promoted to a diff team and there is a recruitment freeze until 2026, meaning more workload between less experienced and fewer staff which means loads more is on my shoulders. I’ve tried taking some AL to help but then my workload doesn’t reduce it just mounts up for the days I am working.

On top of looking after my DC1 and running a home etc I am EXHAUSTED. Is it normal to struggle so much at this stage? It feels too early go on mat leave as it would really shorten the bits with baby.

OP I found it extremely easy to get a sick note. Explained to the GP about some work stresses and how I was feeling. Said I felt like I needed some time out as I was struggling to cope and mental health suffering. Two weeks off signed off straight away, if I need two more just fill in a request online and they will auto accept.

Im sure if you say you aren’t sleeping and mention baby that will help.

Every GP will be different but it was super easy for me!

Look they aren’t going to fire a 30 week pregnant woman because it’s not worth the inevitable discrimination claim.

Work your hours.

I repeat. Just work your hours.

Tomorrow create a task list and rag rate each task. List in order of priority, from most to least important. Then work your way through the list during the day. Stop at 5/5:30 whatever your contractual hours are and try to rest.

Make your manager aware of the list- share a live copy with them and state in writing you have too much on your plate due to lack of staff and lack of expertise. You’ve made this spreadsheet and you’ve rag rated each task. Every day you’ll work through from the top down. But you’re giving him fair warning that the tasks lower down the list are unlikely to be completed. If they disagree with your order of priority then he can let you know any time. Say it’s a live doc so they can check where youre is up to at any time. If the manager has any time to chip in with the tasks you’d greatly appreciate it.

That way, more of this is on the manager. They cannot say that they didn’t know you had so much on. They cannot say you’ve prioritised something incorrectly. They cannot say the team is adequately staffed. Youve given them fair warning stuff will be missed. You’ve asked for help. If they haven’t helped you then that’s on them.

Stop working at the end of your hours. If stuff gets missed it gets missed. You’re not a brain surgeon. Life will go on.

Be careful about sick leave. As far as I know if it's after 29 weeks they can just make you start your mat leave unless you can prove it's not remotely pregnancy related. So don't go with tiredness for example.

My first child was born at 31 weeks, I was very stressed at work. Put your (and child’s) health first.

This is a load of shit, only at 36 week+ if off with pregnancy related sickness can employer force you to start mat leave. You could at least do a simple google before posting bullshit.

Have a realistic chat about your workload with your boss. Explain how you are feeling and see if there is anything they can do to make things easier for you. It's better that they do this or you'll be forced to take time off and that won't benefit them at all will it. At 30 weeks pregnant your work should be making some allowances or adjustments for you to carry on working.

Also consider taking a couple of days of leave to have a proper rest.

Also get your husband to do more of the childcare of your eldest child so you can rest more at home.

Good luck!

You’re coping with so much, but it’s too much, and you need to look after yourself, and your baby. I’d see your gp and get signed off on the sick if I were you. Hope you feel better soon xx

I received a fit note from my GP for a reduction in hours. I gave it to my workplace and told them the hours which I felt I could cope with and there was no issues at all.
I understand the poster who is a GP stating they wouldn’t do this, but it seems that the anecdotal evidence is that you will be able to get this. Fatigue can be all consuming in pregnancy and you need to keep yourself safe.
i am 22 weeks pregnant and have already reduced my hours at work due to struggling. X