Pre existing conditions and sick leave

[Saucyd]

Hi,
I have a pre existing back condition, have had operations etc and pre pregnancy relied on big pain meds and anti inflamatories to be 'normal'. I can't take these during pregnancy and have been limited to codeine and paracetamol.
At 29 weeks the pain is now getting too much and is exacerbated by driving or even sitting in a car to go to work. I know that if you go off work on sick with a pregnancy related illness then at 36 weeks your mat leave kicks in. But if this is a pre existing condition and the only relation to the pregnancy is that it stops me taking medication am I able to stay on sick pay right up to birth if I go off on sick leave?

Thanks all!

Check you sickness policy. I know mine states that non pregnancy related illness will not affect your maternity entitlement and you don't have to take your leave at 36 weeks. Considering your condition is pre existing, I would say this shouldn't affect your ML. Perhaps your GP could advise on this too? But I do recommend you look at your sickness policy at work and clarify with HR.

Thanks. It does say that. I'm just concerned that unlike if I broke a bone and couldn't get to work it's clearly unrelated. Whereas they may argue pregnant women can get back ache so its much the same so tough!
GP Monday I think