Starting maternity leave early?

[Shortcake01]

Hi ladies. I've been suffering from pelvic girdle pain, had a total of 5 weeks off work and gone back on reduced hours so basically they are only paying me for what I work. I'm suffering badly this week plus I have cold, sore throat and cough. I'm only entitled to SSP which doesn't pay for the first 3 days.

I'm wondering whether to just give in and start my maternity leave early as feel it will be better for both me and employer but can anyone tell me if this is possible? I know usually you have to give 4 weeks notice.

One of the reasons I'm struggling is because I use public transport and I have a 3 hour round trip per day which is getting harder. Thanks for any help or advice ladies xxx

 

[Lozzy_Loo]

hey hun
sorry to here your not too good...im struggling with bad pelvic pain aswell so i know how you feel...

all i can say about leaving work early is that if you feel like your struggling, then definately go for it.
I took mine at 31 weeks and everyone said time will drag and ill really regret it, but honestly its the best thing i've done! The past 9 weeks have been the fastest in my whole pregnancy and its been great to just take time out to chill and prepare anything you need to...Also to have the last few weeks for a little "you" time before LO arrives xx

 

[Shortcake01]

I was also wondering how I would pass the time but I have plenty that I could be organising. The money side of it doesn't really bother me as I have budgeted for just the SMP and at the moment Im coming out with hardly anything due to being off sick. Not too long to go for you-hopefully your pelvic pain will ease once LO is here. Thanks for your reply, its nice to hear from others in the same situation xxx

 

[MummyNovember]

at my work place i can take maternity leave 15wks before my due date. At the mo i can take it at anytime i please an dont have to give them notice if i wanna take it say, next week! (they are supposed to be trainin someone in my place anyway and its thier own fault if thier not prepared). Look at any policy or contract you have been given an see what they say about maternity leave in it. They cant stop you taking it when you want to, especially if you are unwell!

 

[Shortcake01]

From what I recall it says 4 weeks notice however they have been amazing with all my sick time and reduced hours so they may consider it? I think it might be easier all round, would love it if I could just stop. Even if I cant finish early my actual finish date is 6th Oct so not too long to go xxx

 

[ttcnewbie123]

I think it really depends on your employer, they may have planned for you being there a bit longer yet, ask them! Obviously the bad thing about finishing earlier is you have go back sooner (if you are going back to work that is!)x

 

[Abbi808]

I would just take it! You have to put your health first. I will be leaving at around 32 weeks as I want some 'me' time before my lo is here. When the baby comes you will have so little time so it's nice to have a little break beforehand to prepare!

xx

 

[Shortcake01]

Im planning to be off 10 months in total using some annual leave at the other end, I could take an extra week and stick to the same date to return. I'll have a chat tomorrow, I work as a money counsellor so its not an individual role therefore they shouldn't really miss me! xxx

 

[DMG83]

I left at 30weeks and everyone said the same about being bored, not having anything to do etc. but the last 4.5weeks have literally FLOWN by.. We HAVE moved so that's kept us busy but i really think it would have gone quick regardless lol it's lovely to be able to just rest when your pelvis is hurting and to take time out for you before LO comes along.. I wouldn't change the date i took maternity leave for anything now, best thing i've done