Thinking of starting mat leave earlier. What are your plans?

[HidingInTheUndergrowth]

I had planned on starting my mat leave at 37 weeks but I am seriously considering moving it a week earlier and also hanging onto a weeks holiday to take before I go so I would finish work at 35 weeks.

Now I don't really have any good reason or excuse to do this, I really am having quite a easy pregnancy and have a desk based job so not physically exhausting (though mentally rather trying at times). It's just that at 26 weeks I am already getting tired, annoyed and generally lacking all interest in work, so really just want to finish as soon as possible and do nice baby things.

Most of me can't help but think finishing 2 weeks earlier seems an amazing idea but there is a little bit of me that worries that I would just end up getting incredibly bored at home for 5 weeks, or longer if the baby is late.

So, I thought I would consult with the great hive mind that is mumsnet and see what other people are planning on doing or did with previous kids?

Im due April 22nd, but have 2 weeks Easter holidays (5th-22nd) before my maternity leave starts.

When I had my DS a few years ago I finished at 34 weeks and spent seven weeks sorting the house out, sleeping and generally relaxing. Looking back this was a very wise decision because it was probably the only time I'll get for a very long time to relax and basically do sod all.

This time round, my contract finishes at the beginning of Feb and I've got two long months before my DD is due. Tbh, I'd rather work another month as I'm only getting stat pay this time round but secretly I'm quite looking forward to spending as much time as possible with DS and not having to leave the house at 7.30am each morning in the freezing cold.

I planned to work until 40 weeks but am now leaving at 39.

I will have a long Xmas break at 36 weeks , return for 4 days, have a weekend, work two days and finish.

If I could I would finish now 34 weeks but I can't.

My maternity leave officially started at 35 weeks, but I had lots of annual leave left over so I actually finished work at 32 weeks. A little early maybe, but I'm glad of it. My job involves a lot of sitting down and getting back up again and frankly I was getting knackered and fed up with a job that I usually love. This way I've been able to slowly sort out baby stuff, Christmas and relax and prepare myself mentally for labour and beyond (well, try to!). Every woman is different and I'm slowly learning not to constantly compare my own choices and decisions with those of other women.

I finished at 35 weeks, am now 39 so been off a month and I have LOVED it. Life is an endless round of lunch, seeing friends, doing Christmas shopping, massages etc. I have totally sorted my house out, my freezer is full of delicious home cooked food, all baby stuff sorted, pressies bought and wrapped. And I still have loads of lovely plans for the next three weeks (expecting a late baby). I think part of it is that this is such a nice time of year to be off if you like Christmas (I do) in that there is lots to do anyway and people want to socialise and see you and its not too hot to go for a lovely walk every day. I am really savouring this time as I know its special and I won't get it again.

I did until my due date last time (uni and placements) so was 40 weeks. This time finishing work 37 weeks.

I'm finishing on Christmas Eve Eve, I'll be 38 wks. Feeling tired now though and can't wait to finish. I work in pharmacy so I'm on my feet most of the day! I'm only having six weeks off altogether so I'm hoping the baby isn't gonna be too late!!