Taking maternity leave earlier than originally intended

[mountainboo]

I notified my employer when I want to take maternity leave, back in November, but I'm now finding it increasingly difficult and wondered how I can take my maternity leave sooner. Was due to take it from mid Feb but want to take it A.S.A.P. Should I ask my employer or get a doctors note? Thanks

[Psychick]

I believe you should are supposed your emloyer 28 days notice of the change of date. If you feel you cannot continue for a further 28 days, speak to your doctor and he may be able to sign you off sick until your maternity leave starts. I know exactly how you feel with the struggling. I was originally going to work until mid to end of January. Im due to go back to work tomorrow following the christmas holidays but was struggling so much before the holidays, I put tomorrow as my start date and I am so glad I did because I dont feel as rested and well after the holidays as I was expecting.

[mountainboo]

Hi psy. I feel silly really, because your much further than me and I can't even cope this early on. I will go to doc and see what he says. By the way, I've got another question in the usual section. I think I should hire you and red to be my personal advisors ha ha

[Lore]

I ended up having to take the last two weeks off sick with my now 14 month old.
I thought I could keep going until a week or two before I was due, but it's not always the case and if you're either on your feet a lot or have a stressful job then it makes it all the more difficult to face the days ahead.

Go and see your GP, they might be able to sign you off, Just be aware that some employers can start your maternity leave earlier if you're off sick due to pregnancy related issues.

Hope it all goes well for you and you too Psychick.

My mat leave doesn't start till May :( new term begins tomorrow - booooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!

[Psychick]

Are you a fellow expectant mum Lore? If so, congrats and when are you due?

mountainboo dont feel at all silly about needing the time off now. I had been struggling since 6 months or more and was barely managing a full week before christmas. My boss actually started getting very funny about it and even asked for something in writing from the doctor one time even though I had only had a couple of days off. That worked in my favour though because just one mroe day and I would have been ok to go back but the doctor signed me off for another week lol

As for the advice, Im glad I can help but I rely on the advice for others a lot as its 6 years since I went through all this and this time is so different as well. I even had to ask about braxton hicks the other day! lol

[mountainboo]

Thanks lore. New term tommorrow, don't envy you there, but hope it's not so bad. Good luck with yours to lore. I'm okay with them starting my maternity leave early rather than actually being off sick if it comes to it.

[mountainboo]

Oh yeah, forgot about that. Hope the braxton hicks have calmed down now? your resting as much as pos I hope

[Psychick]

Yes and no lol I think Ive just got used to them but plan on calling ym midwife for a chat in the morning. I wish I could rest! Even though my daughter goes back to school and the day is mine with my leave starting, I have so much to do to get ready for babys arrival! No rest for the wicked eh?

[Goodsoulette]

Depends on your reasoning, if you get a doctors note and are past 28 weeks then they will just start your maternity leave. I started mine early because of pre eclampsia with my second, I was at work one day got all the lightning flashes in my eyes, sweeled up like a balloon and just said I wont be in again.

Its only mid feb though MB, it's not that far away. ASk for another risk assesment to be performed and tell them what you aren't comfortable with doing when they do it. It might just make your workload easier and more time off after the baby arrives which is when you will really need it.

[Lore]

I am, Psychick, I'm due 3rd July. I'm taking my mat leave from the end of the May half term so I have a few weeks to spend with the little one before the new bubs arrives.
And.... I won't be going back to work until the following Feb

whooOOOOPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Are either of you on bounty? (pregnancy forum) www.bounty.co.uk
My name's Lore07 on there, it'd be nice to hear how you both get on. x

[Psychick]

Lore I havent actually joined any forums yet but probably will start from tomorrow as it will help keep my mind ticking over over the next 7 weeks!

[Lore]

I hang about the due in July forum and 13 - 18 months forum as they're most fitting just now.. there's lots of ladies in our position all with raging pregnancy hormones, comparing notes . :)

[mountainboo]

That makes sense goodsoulette. My partner thinks I should just stick in there and wait until Feb. As much as I'm finding it hard I will endevour to see it through.

[redcrx]

If you want to take it now and really cant go on then do so. Theres no point in struggling and making things tough for you.

Im very lucky in the fact that although I cant take time off because of the size and nature of the business, being family I can rest as and when i need to. Im also lucky in the fact that my last pregnancy was very easy and this one isnt too bad so far. I think my dad would have a fit if i said i wanted 12 months off pmsl.