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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

When to start mat leave

12 replies

Beachcombergirl · 10/03/2012 09:00

Hi all
I'm due to start mat leave on 4 may. I'll be 37 weeks then. Now starting to fret that I'm not giving myself enough time to rest up before baby arrives. What if baby comes early?! How likely is this? I could definately do with a rest. Any advice on whether to start a bit earlier or not?

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MillyStar · 10/03/2012 09:06

I'd see how you feel will work be ok with you if you want to finish a couple of weeks earlier?

I'm due to finish on 30th march when I'm 38+1, my blood pressure is high tho so I've been told if it's not gone down by mon I need to finish ;(

I'm not a rester at all though I literally want to finish work and have the baby lol

KatAndKit · 10/03/2012 09:07

I'd say not, if you are still feeling up to going to work. If you stop at 35 weeks and then the baby comes at 41 weeks that's six long weeks! I've been out of work for ages and sitting around at home gets boring very quickly.
Also remember that any time you take off beforehand is time that you could have off with your baby afterwards. Have you got any annual leave you could use to get an extra week or so at the beginning of your maternity leave?

If you aren't up to working before you reach 36 weeks then you can be signed off sick. They can't force you to start your maternity leave before 36 weeks. So in many cases it is more beneficial for you to do this if you aren't coping than start your leave early and waste weeks you could have had off with your baby.

Weezie85 · 10/03/2012 09:42

I am stopping at about 35 weeks I think. My maternity doesn't start until my due date though. I had to use all my holiday before December 31st or get the money for it. Can't carry over to next year to use after the baby comes so decided to use it before hand.
I have a lot to do before baby comes though as I have a college assignment I want to get done before the baby comes.

patchesmcp · 10/03/2012 10:46

I'd stick with the date you've chosen. Completely agree with KatandKit that if you are overdue you could end up being very bored. I think as long as you have 2-3 weeks of time to rest up (and SLEEP!) and sort things out before the baby arrives you'll be fine.

Good luck!

EdithWeston · 10/03/2012 10:52

I'd stick with the date you've chosen tbh. If the baby arrives before, they'll just start your maternity leave earlier. Then you get maximum time with your baby once born.

That assumes you have a job which is not unduly tiring. I worked in an office a straightforward journey away. There wasn't that much difference between sitting and thinking there and sitting and pottering at home. You could perhaps find extra opportunities to rest by doing less in the evenings and weekends.

And good luck in your forthcoming delivery.

heartmoonshadow · 10/03/2012 16:10

Just to say I had planned to finish at 37 weeks with my first DC but at 34 weeks I was admitted to hospital with pre-eclampsia and had baby at 36+3 so no nice maternity rest for me and the stress of hospital! This time I am a SAHM and I have to say that although I am busy wih a toddler up and down all day it has been a much easier pregnancy as far as stress and eing able to rest is concerned I am 32 weeks now and a lot happier than last time. You need to listen to your body and decide which is the best option. Also you accrue holiday whilst on maternity leave so you could always use this years entitlement before you accrue it if you understand my meaning.

Hotpotpie · 10/03/2012 21:13

I planned 38 weeks but am finishing at 35, have got a weeks holiday so mat leave will kick in at the end of 36 weeks - Ive finished early because of the nature of my job, its stressful and I get shouted at a lot by members of the public so have been concerned that me and baby are getting no down time, im looking forward to resting up im shattered, and also doing my last few bits of pottering

Personally I think its down to you, there is no right and wrong and while it can be less time with the baby its also valuable time that you might need to get yourself ready for the upcoming months

Yummymummyyobe1 · 10/03/2012 21:18

I finish work at the end of the month. i have two weeks holiday and then two weeks mat leave in the run up to baby's due date on April 29th. I was going to go right up until the 27th but given I am tired and uncomfortable the pre baby rest should help.

aaahhhBump · 10/03/2012 21:26

Finishing at 39+3 for ML but stopping work this Friday as still have 2 weeks AL to take this year. Anyone doing anything interesting before the baby comes?

Hotpotpie · 10/03/2012 21:28

does sleeping count I wish I was doing something more interesting than decorating

aaahhhBump · 10/03/2012 21:30

I've been told studying the inside of your eyelids is important as when the baby comes you may forget what they look like :O

thejoanwilder · 11/03/2012 01:23

I finished work at 36+6 (last friday). I had lots of plans for my 3 weeks before she arrived. On tuesday I was sent straight to hospital from my regular appointment and she arrived wednesday afternoon. So, I would say don't stress too much about it, as who knows what might happen! As it is, get the big stuff ready (glad we did that now), and then just enjoy whatever time you get. 37ish was good for me, as I was just getting to the point where I was starting to feel a bit too huge and knackwered to get up every morning.

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