When would be the best time?

[EatingAllTheCrumpets]

Firstly let me assure you that I am fully aware that it's nigh on impossible to fall pregnant exactly when you choose, however is there a best time for me to try?

Let me expand;
I would take 12 months maternity (some of this may be holidays towards the end)
My works holiday year runs Jan - Dec, I get 4 weeks hols.
When "ideally" should baby be born to maximise time off and minimise lack of pay!?

I'm not keen on a winter baby, spring would be ok however people tell me that's bad for schooling as they'd be left behind (not sure how that works!)
September is crazy busy with birthdays and anniversaries but August or October would be do-able. Really don't want to spend December in labour either!

So, given all that, when should I aim to give birth! Again I am perfectly aware that just because I have a plan doesn't mean it will go smoothly!

I say just go for it, DTD as much you possibly can, and see what happens. Fate has it all in hand :)

Well, as you well know, fate has a hand. You could get pregnant month 1, or be trying for 6-12 months.

However, in a world where we could choose:

• Having a due date early in the holiday year is a pain if you plan to take the full 12 months and want to work until late in your pregnancy. This is because you generally have to use holiday in the correct holiday year in most employer. So say you are due in mid- February and have 5 weeks to use up, you will have to finish work at 34 weeks to take 5 weeks of holiday and then start mat leave at your due date.

• If your due date is later in the holiday year, you can use holiday to make 'light' weeks in the run up to going off and tack holiday from the next holiday year on the end of your leave.

• July/August babies will be just 4 when they start school. The pro of this is that it is one year less of nursery/childminder/nanny fees if you are working. But there is some evidence that, being so much younger, these children find school harder and achieve less well throughout primary.

But, as I said, mother nature cares not about that stuff.