Do any of you know how I would leave work on FMLA early?

(Attn: Some of you may not want to read this post because I will be complaining about pregnancy and I know some of you don't like that very much. Sorry!)

My FMLA starts on Xmas Eve but I don't think I can make it that long here are work! I am so uncomfortable and miserable! I get poopy sick like 6 times a day (which is NOT fun in a public restroom here at work!!!) and morning sickness! My hips are killing me and my pelvis feels like its ripping in 2! When I stand my girl parts feel like they are going to fall out of my body from all of the pressure. I am just soooo gosh darn uncomfortable! If I lay low and just relax on the couch I am just fine and I can handle that until baby decides to come but coming into work every day is really starting to wear on me! Do any of you know if I am allowed to leave work under my FMLA before I give birth or do I have to wait until labor starts? My HR rep here at work is out until Tuesday so I'm not really sure what to do... Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks ladies!

-Ashlie

Mine began the day my OB declared me on bed rest. So I didn't wait until the date we had set on the paperwork. My OB wrote a note that I was to no longer work, he faxed it to HR, and it began.

I don't know for sure because I'm not an HR expert but I think as long as your doctor says you need to be off work, you're good to go.  I'm sure your doctor would support that at this point.

Ashlie,

You can use your FMLA when you need to, just get your doc to fax HR for you like the pp stated...you can use FMLA for anything pregnancy related, even extreme morning sickness...
In fact, for me, we use Unum for our disability. They also approve FMLA for us. If I had to go out early, I'm supposed to call them to change my date to start FMLA. Does your employer use a 3rd party for disability? If so, give them a call to see what to do. Most likely you would notify them of starting FMLA early.

 I would call you OB and let them know whats going on and I'm sure they would write you a letter stating that you are 39 weeks and due to medical reasons need to start leave now. It's worth giving them a call and asking.I feel ya about the hips thing I was diagnosed with RA at 16 and it hit hard and fast. I was hospitalized a couple times b/c of it and I couldn't walk. Within a few month it was in every joint. So now pregnancy is taking a toll on my joints expecially my hips. My OB would like me to take higher strength pain meds than tylenol but I refuse b/c the baby. Only a couple more weeks! I hope you go soon!! I know you are getting miserable!!! i can't wait to get that text!! Did your OB say anything about inducing you past a certain time?Like 41 weeks? 
Jessica

FMLA can be used for a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform her/his job, so yes it can be used starting before the birth of the baby.  It will count towards your 12 weeks of FMLA during a 12-month period, so if you take off one week before the baby's birth, your time after the baby's birth will be 11 weeks maximum.

I am so sorry you are so miserable. I so remember that feeling with my last baby. The night I thought I could just not do it anymore, I went into labor. I had him via c-section the following morning.  You are almost done.

Good Luck and Hang in there,
Emily

Sounds like your body is maybe getting ready to go...the restroom issue alludes to that sometimes. Typically, at this rate if you ask your doctor to start your maternity leave now, or you request it, you can do so. Just keep in mind that this will subtract from your overall leave and FMLA balance. In my case, my son was born at 37 weeks. I had taken a few days off at 36 weeks because I did not feel well. I ended up delivering and not returning so they started my leave on the day I had gone out even though originally it was not for that.

Ashlie, complain away!!! 

I don't know anything about this FMLA but I do hope you find a resolve.  It sounds like you can't hold on  . .  . but if there is the slightest bit you can somehow, you can save the time to be with the baby.  The bottom line though is that if you don't feel well, you just don't feel well and there is an "exception" or "adjustment"  to every rule written.

Oh gosh,  you're 39 weeks  - sounds like it is time anyway

(((HUGS)))
Leila

Everyone said what I was going to. Your FMLA can be started anytime, you just lose time from when you are able to stay home with the baby. Unless you have some type of none FMLA leave you can use for a week then you won't lose any post delivery time. Otherwise, if you are that miserable, I would say your own state of mind prior to your delivery is important enough for you to use this one week to prepare yourself. Ask your doctor for a note and become that blooming couch potato. Hope all goes well.