when to start maternity leave

[clareybaby87]

Most of the websites or books only talk about 9-5 jobs, working in an office. But what about people who work strenuous jobs aswell?
What does everyone do for work? and when do you plan on starting maternity leave?

I finished a month before my due date, and was glad, the last 2 weeks ay work were tiring. I work in a lab so lots of standing, getting hot in lab coat and gloves etc. Plus over an hours commute each way so a long day. Not sure how I'll face going back to it in July...

I was working with my first pregnancy in a pub and was going on mat leave as early as I could but ended up signed off work sick with SPD first. I think when you start struggling you know it's time to stop :)

I was features editor on a newspaper - went on mat leave at 37 weeks but had a week holiday before that so really 36 weeks. This pg it's twins but now I work in a school 30 hours a week. Babies are due in Sept so I won't go back after summer holidays. Mat leave starts on 1 Sept but I'll be off work from 31 weeks.

I'm a broadcast producer so very long hours, stressful and high pressure. A colleague of mine who went on mat leave when I was 20 weeks told me her top advice was to take 6 weeks off and now that I'm here she was totally right.

Today's my first day of leave (I had a weeks holiday to use too) and I'm Sooo happy as the last 2 weeks have been rough. Plus, it's about 90% men in the studio so very little sympathy!

I felt like a little bit of a baby for going at34 weeks but I figure if I had a 9 - 5 and sat down all day it would be a different story so I'm just enjoying it!

I work in a bank, long hours, long commute etc. I'm working until 36 weeks and couldn't begin to imagine working any longer. I'm finding it hard as it is and the only thing getting me through is knowing that my last two weeks are both short ones because of the holidays. I think if it wasn't for the commute I would find it easier though.

Hi,
This is my DC3 and I will be finishing work (P/T shift work) at 35 weeks (annual leave) starting Maternity Leave the day before my due date to maximise time off.
With each baby I have left about this time and felt it gave me the right balance but everyone and every pregnancy is so different so it's whatever feels right for you...
Also you can change your mind closer to the date if things change with your pregnancy so don't feel committed with no chance to alter things.
Take care x

I'm a nurse so spend a lot of my day running round! I'm not certain when to finish but I'm thinking of starting mat leave at 38 weeks but taking 3 weeks holiday before that so will actually finish at 35 weeks.
At the moment I work 14 hr long shifts - am planning to stop this soon ish but not sure exactly when - I like only working 3 days a week and its handy for appointments etc, but I doubt i'll manage to be on my feet for 14 hrs when I have a big bump (am 16 weeks at the moment)
Someone else has just gone on maternity leave and she finished at 32 weeks, so 35 might be a bit optimistic for me really.

I work as a rep so either long hours in the car or stuck at the desk and the crazy blood pressure fainting issues and SPD I finished work at 30 weeks and glad every day that I did as feel so much better and healthier!

I could have been signed off on the sick but I wanted to do a proper handover and let my customers know exactly what is going on.

I had lots of 'advice' and what to do from everyone who had an opinion which bugged me and I was judged by some as someone who does the same role stayed on til 38 weeks but I just smiled and said good for her after a while! It's your pregnancy and only you know what's best for you and enjoy it

i'm working in a fast paced busy kitchen, and have had alot of trouble with severe cramping (so much that i had to have lots of tests and an emergency scan) i'm really struggling, and was thinking of taking 9 months off, but starting my maternity leave at 29-30 weeks. My family are saying i'm being stupid, but they have no idea how much i'm struggling, and i do feel pretty wimpy but then again everyone says ever pregnancy is different lol not enjoying this pregnancy so far and i'm only 18 weeks lol.

i think in a busy kitchen you are being sensible. Last time round i left work at 36 weeks (day nursery) and it was just about right. Doing the same this time too. Can you not tag some holiday on the front?

I am HCP working on wards and I've really struggled since 30 weeks...worked until 38 weeks (student nurse so pretty relaxed!) with my first but was a much easier pregnancy as it's much harder being pregnant when u already have DCs.
I've had to stop working now but don't start mat leave for another 2 weeks. I wish I'd have started at 29 weeks!
hazelnut...you might not be the same as me but you may struggle doing those long days when you get further on! I work for agency so choose 5-6 hour shifts and my feet are massively swollen after that!
I'm glad i've finished now as can spend lots of quality time with my gorgeous 3yo before his sister gets here!

Should mention I'm currently 35 weeks pregnant!