Leaving work from 36 weeks...

[mcsquared]

Tell me it'll be OK! I've just spent ages thinking about how best to use my annual leave and maternity leave and have committed to dates on my forms. I've decided to use up my 3.5 weeks remaining annual leave and set my maternity leave to start on my EDD, which hopefully means as much time with the baby as possible!

I've felt great so far (only at 25 weeks so I know it can change) but having not been pregnant before, I have no idea of what my capabilities will be! However, I only work part time, 5-10minute bus ride from home + a little walking and although my job can be active, I tend to work in a pair so can get a colleague to do the bending/sitting on floor playing with kids.

I don't think it'll be that bad. But other people are putting me off. : (

Please tell me how well you all coped working right up until your due dates and that 3.5 weeks is more than enough!

Hi, I'm 36 +3 and I'm still working :-) I've said I'll work till 39 + 6!

There have been some rough patches and personally I'd say that a better use of your holiday is to have some half days / short weeks. So in your position I'd consider finishing at 38 weeks instead but only working every other day for the last month - if that's feasible for you that is.

I'm still doing fine at 36 + weeks and feel fine about working till 40 weeks, though starting now I've got half-a-day off every other day which helps

I finished for the Easter holidays at 38 weeks, and DD was born on her due date two weeks later. That was absolutely fine for me.

I think all you people working late in pregnancy are extremely lucky, and I am very jealous.

I am 29 weeks and luckily work term time, so have timed it so my mat leave starts at the end of the 6 wk hols. So effectively I have already finished.

I am exhausted (40 yrs old with a primary age child and toddler). My body hurts, I am out of breath a lot, with constant heartburn. By far the worst of my 3 pregnancies.

I am never off sick BTW, so never make excuses to leave work.

I left it to 37 weeks, although the last 3 weeks were working form home and I gave birth the night I went finished work!
My first birth I was going to leave at 34 weeks but ended up in hospital from 32 weeks until ds was born at 38 weeks.
One of my colleagues left work last friday and her waters broke half an hour later and gave birth that evening.