When did you finish work for maternity leave??

[mosschops30]

Just wondered what the general time was, and if it made a difference whether it was your 1st, 2nd baby etc and also your age?

I am currently considering finishing at 31 weeks, will take 2 weeks annual leave then mat pay starts at 33 weeks.

People I have mentioned this to have sniggered in a way that suggests they think Im a bit lazy or pathetic Im just finding it too physically draining, by 11am I am ready to go home and by the end of the day can just about walk to the car. Im massive this time round, its my 3rd pregnancy and am 34

[iateallthecreameggsyummy]

moss if your lazy then gd knows what I am! Im finishing at 29 weeks but taking 2 weeks holiday before so leaving at 27 weeks! Its hell there and ill be glad to get out!

You leave when you want to leave dont worry about what anyone else thinks!

[LionstarBigPants]

I took mat leave this time from 32 weeks, 36 weeks last time. This is mainly becuase as an it contractor my contract was due for renewal on 1st August and I couldn't be bothered renewing just for a few more weeks (only worked part time anyway). Do feel a bit lazy, especially as DD is still going to nursery 3 days a week . However I'm finding it really nice to have a chance to relax, and get on with all the jobs around the house that I've been putting off. Lots of family and friends want to visit too, so have a feeling the time is going to fly. Didn't get much chance to nest last time as DD arrived at 37 weeks!

[Sheeta]

34 weeks, but didn't have any annual leave to take and really had to drag it out. Wish I'd finished earlier though.

at those people who're implying you're lazy, grr.

[mosschops30]

well that was my original plan to work until 34-35 weeks, as I am self funding my maternity leave along with SMP it was a case of had to work as long as possible.
However i just dont think its physically possible to do it. A friend of mine who I a midwife saw me at 19 weeks and warned that if i didnt take it easy I would start contracting at 28 weeks and 'no-one wants that'.
Hey presto started contracting this week and ended up in the maternity assessment!

Thanks for positive posts, I think I need to listen more to my body and less to assholes

[NewbeeMummy]

I've currently booked my mat leave from 38 weeks, but am taking two weeks annual leave before that so I effectivley stop working at 36 weeks.

Honestly though, I could easily give up now, I'm just so hot and tired all the time and I am starting to really battle with concentrating during meetings.

Most women how have already had a baby are amazed I'm working so late, but I still get the you're being lazy from those who haven't had kids.

[arolf]

I'm finishing at 39 weeks, taking a week of holiday before though to make it 38 weeks. The next 3 weeks cannot go by fast enough though - I'm dragging myself into work every day, and achieveing virtually nothing, I'm so tired. My mum thinks I'm being lazy to take 2 weeks before baby is due, even though she gave up work at 12 weeks with me, and didn't go back until I was 11 years old!!

Just wish I could afford to take longer off...

[mosschops30]

arolf, what sort of job do you have? I take my hat off to you working until 39 weeks, I could do with that for money reasons but physically cannot continue to do my job.
Spoke to midwife who said only GP can sign me off, and that I need to speak to my manager and occ health to review things, but I honestly cant see how my manager can make my job easier unless I actually do nothing

[notjustapuppymum]

I've just finished and am only 29 weeks...my first baby so figure it's the last time in my life I'll be able to indulge in some serious 'me' time!

[IwishIwasmoreorganised]

I finished work both times at 36 weeks, first time my maternity leave started straight away and 2nd time I had 2 weeks holiday before it started. I was 29 and 32 and I work as a physio on busy medical wards.

[Antdamm]

I couldn't afford to stop working, because of rubbish maternity pay. So worked until my due date. First baby. Wasn't terribly tired or anything like that, I managed just fine - not trying to sound smug.

Can't believe people are implying it would be lazy. Some people have no clue do they?? If i could have gone off earlier, i would have. Probably at 36weeks.

[LittleSilver]

40 plus 1 with DC3. It was too much at that point since had BH from around 3am, spent two hours in bath wondering if this was it, then did full day at work.

[AchduLieberHimmel]

39 weeks with 1st pg. Had 3 days of mat leave before labour started. Needed the money tbh.

[surreylady]

38 Weeks for both which gave me the weekend before DS arrived unfashionably early - but I was able to work from home some days so had stopped racing commuters for the last seat everyday several weeks before - no right or wrong - nobody else business do what is right for you with no second thoughts

[ilikeyoursleeves]

1st pregnancy I stopped at 34 weeks with 3 weeeks AL before ML started.

2nd pregnancy I stopped at 35 weeks with 2 weeks AL (I think).

I worked as late as I could for money and also for more time the other end. Sounds like you should stop early and get lots of rest, ignore anyone who makes any comments about it! Good luck for the birth

[Hopeful2]

This is pg no:1 & I am already suffering with excessive tiredness. I'm 28 weeks today & I was looking at finishing end of Sept with 14 days A/L b4 maternity leave kicks in. So that would make me about 34 / 35 weeks when I actually finish work. Although I have to admit it depends how I go. I have reduced my hrs now to 6 hr days, but I have to drive 60 mile round trip each day & I don't honestly know if I will last till end of Sept..The only thing I know is that I will listen to my body. After having a mc last yr I am not taking any chances! I know it means less paid time off but what's the point if I am pushing myself & making me & baby suffer and that goes for any mum-to-be...