I'm 24 weeks pregnant and I work in a store where more then 30people have had swine flu in the last 3weeks. My doctor has signed me off because I had 3 miscarriges last year and I'm already having braxton hicks contractions so me getting swine flu could be really harmful to myself and the baby but my maternity leave starts 22/08/2009 does anyone no if it would be acceptable if I didn't return to work because of the risk and if I decide not to what effect if any me being off now would have on my maternity leave.

I can't tell you what the effect it would have on your maternity leave as I live in the US.

I can tell you, as a maternity nurse, that braxton hicks contractions are common as early as 24 weeks, so you should not be concerned with that unless they become more intense and get closer together resulting in a regular pattern that will not go away with Tylenol, warm baths, and bed rest.

I would assume that a doctor's excuse would be all you need to start your maternity leave early.

Check out worksmart.org.uk... you can find out what your rights are in regard to maternity leave.