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Original poster

Maternity leave

9 replies

SapphireBlue89 · 14/07/2025 17:01

I'm 21+5... I work in a very physically and mentally demanding dementia care home. I've already dropped from 14 hour shifts to 7... And morning shifts from late shifts (my bump is big, heavy and sometimes painful in an evening and I was struggling physically) the job is mentally draining anyway, and both me and my husband have seen a negative effect on my health and well being since hitting 20 weeks-ish.... I really don't want to finish work early because I would be so bored at home before the baby comes. But what other option do I have. Ideally I wanted to work until the end of October (baby due mid November) but I honestly don't think I can. The thought of going to work makes me want to cry now, and surely the stress and anxiety of going to work isn't much good for me or the baby. Any advice?

OP posts:
stichguru · 14/07/2025 17:13

I stopped at the end of the Christmas term for a baby due in mid Feb. I honestly couldn't have managed working till 2-3 weeks before baby comes and that was not in a physically demanding job! I honestly think you need to plan to leave work a lot earlier (maybe early-mid Sept) and plan things to fill your time. There will be sorting out and cleaning etc to do before baby comes. You can relax and try to suss out things like parent and baby groups for after baby arrives!

Sjh15 · 14/07/2025 19:09

The only options are

  1. annual leave
  2. asking a doctor to sign you off
my first pregnancy I managed to finish work a few weeks earlier than planned as a doctor signed me off
Dinodoodle9545 · 14/07/2025 19:14

Has your work done a risk assessment? When I was pregnant I had to be switched to a desk job from my usual role. That was their maternity policy anyway though because my job had a risk of violence.
Your employer should do whatever is reasonable to find you work to do that is suitable for you (with the same terms/pay etc as your current role)

GabriellaMontez · 14/07/2025 21:20

Dinodoodle9545 · 14/07/2025 19:14

Has your work done a risk assessment? When I was pregnant I had to be switched to a desk job from my usual role. That was their maternity policy anyway though because my job had a risk of violence.
Your employer should do whatever is reasonable to find you work to do that is suitable for you (with the same terms/pay etc as your current role)

I was going to say exactly this. If they've not, ask them to.

SJM1988 · 14/07/2025 21:26

I could only manage to 36 weeks both pregnancies and I had a desk based job. Last pregnancy I was ready to finish at like 30 weeks but held out to 36 weeks....barely. I think its unlikely you will get to the end of Oct with your job.

First I'd ask work for a risk assessment to be completed. They might be able to move you to more desk based work in light of a risk assessment. I'm pretty sure they have to make reasonable adjustments
Second you could get signed off but you risk them starting you maternity leave at 36 weeks - I think its automatic if you are signed off for it to kick in at 36 weeks
Lastly you could use your annual leave to start maternity leave early.

Pherian · 14/07/2025 23:16

SapphireBlue89 · 14/07/2025 17:01

I'm 21+5... I work in a very physically and mentally demanding dementia care home. I've already dropped from 14 hour shifts to 7... And morning shifts from late shifts (my bump is big, heavy and sometimes painful in an evening and I was struggling physically) the job is mentally draining anyway, and both me and my husband have seen a negative effect on my health and well being since hitting 20 weeks-ish.... I really don't want to finish work early because I would be so bored at home before the baby comes. But what other option do I have. Ideally I wanted to work until the end of October (baby due mid November) but I honestly don't think I can. The thought of going to work makes me want to cry now, and surely the stress and anxiety of going to work isn't much good for me or the baby. Any advice?

Ask for modified duties. Find out what the process is for requesting it though - do it properly so it’s documented.

sarah419 · 15/07/2025 07:53

take medical leave? ask doctor to write a note

gemma19846 · 15/07/2025 14:36

Have they done a risk assessment? By law they have to. If youre still struggling i would go off sick. Theres nothing they can do about you being off sick whilst pregnant youre covered by law. Its not worth yours or your babies health to carry on

Original poster
SapphireBlue89 · 15/07/2025 16:02

Thank you everyone, I have asked for a risk assessment to be done, and for all communication in writing "just in case".
I am yet to discuss finishing because they won't do it until I have my matb1 form, which I've been chasing with the midwife. I am going to use annual leave for October then maternity will start after that. My husband and I are now trying to figure out financially if I can be signed off before annual leave starts.
I just feel a bit of a let down because with two previous pregnancies I was able to work right up as close as I could..... But I was 12 and 14 years younger then 🤣🤣

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