Should I take my maternity leave early?

I work as a swimming teacher and my job tends to involve me picking kids up out the pool, supporting them in the water etc. Recently my pelvis has been AGONY and my lower back. Literally walking like there is a plank of wood in my hips and/or walking like I’ve shat myself.

Thing is, I’m technically self employed even though I work for a company. (Shitty I know but it is all for tax reasons, they save money by making people self employed) So I wont get any maternity pay.

Should I take my leave early to save the pain or keep working to save up money?

I’m conflicted.