When did you start maternity leave?

[user6776]

I have an office job where I can WFH but starting to think about when I want to go on maternity. I'm due beginning of March. I don't want to start it too early, but then I also want at least a couple of weeks to relax and have time to get everything ready. I'm thinking end of January/first week of Feb?

This is my second baby so aware things may be different this time around. Last time I was pregnant, I was on sick before maternity leave so I was was off from about 31 weeks. It was good but I got pretty bored towards the end!

When did you start your leave?

I was supposed to finish at 38 weeks. Baby came at 37 weeks so I had no time to myself.

I'm due a week after you and will be going off at the end of Feb.

4 weeks before due date. Was nice having afternoon naps and popping to the shops. The calm before the storm!

37 weeks as my work HR were being difficult about me carrying over leave. DD born at 42 weeks so had around 5 weeks 'off'! However, it was actually a really blissful time. My energy levels felt best they had in months (perhaps due to no work stress), i was able to properly unwind from work, I did lots of cooking and managed 3 weeks worth of home cooking for freezer, lots of reading, walks and naps, and did lots of breathing work /birth prep. I felt very zen and as ready as I could be when labour arrived.

I was pretty fuming at being forced to finish earlier than I wished but it actually turned out well.

2 weeks before the due date. I had my daughter on ....the due date

Planned to go at 38 weeks. Baby came early so it was 37

I worked until 5 days before my due date but could have actually worked right up looking back as I sat about the house for 4 days waiting 🤣 I went into labour 2 days early and gave birthday a day early.

I felt fine to work right up (my job is mainly on your feet) but some of my colleagues stopped weeks before. Depends on how you feel. I wanted the time at the other end.

Company policy says you have to start mat leave by 38 weeks so I left then although ideally would have stayed until 40 weeks.

DS1 arrived at 40+12
DS2 arrived at 40+13

We only got 6 months mat leave back then so the first time I had a month bored at home waiting for the baby to arrive. I was busier the second time so didn't mind as much!

I had 4 weeks off which was fantastic. I had pampering sessions, enjoyed lazing about and felt very relaxed. Baby came day after due date which suited me.

The day before my induction was booked. I have a desk job and wfh so knew I’d actually be more rested being at work rather trying to do jobs around the house.

First baby I went off at about 33 weeks before a planned induction at 37 weeks. 37 weeks was early Jan and I wanted some time to organise Christmas plus I had an hour commute each way and just couldn’t be fucked anymore.

With my second I had another planned induction at 37 weeks (I’m a type 1 diabetic) and I worked up until 36 weeks. First day of mat leave was a Monday and I was induced the following Thursday.

I finished work 2.5 weeks before my due date but baby was a week late so I ended up with nearly a month off. I loved it tbh!

39 weeks. I think 37 when I was pregnant with twins.

You can always go off earlier!

36 weeks plus 2 weeks annual leave beforehand. I communted into London though.

DD was one week late, so in total I was at home for 7 weeks. But DD was a Summer baby so it was nice being able to be outside and enjoy the - for a change - nice weather.

DC1 at 37 weeks
DC2 at 37 weeks
DC3 at 32 weeks as I wasn't able to work anymore due to complications- I was a teacher for all three and on my feet all day managing teenagers.

I used 2 weeks holiday to finish my WFH job early and planned to start MAT leave from due date but both were early.

The day I gave birth!

1st Planned 36 weeks- stopped 34 weeks as was knackered - born at 41+5

2nd planned 36 weeks - stopped 31 weeks due to hypertension - born at 34+5 due to pre eclampsia