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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 did you start maternity leave?

31 replies

sarahpip · 15/08/2012 12:27

Due to start M Leave at 38 weeks. Just seen midwife and she said possibly finish a bit earlier. I am 31+weeks and already I only have enough energy for working and sleeping, so I am considering moving forward 2 weeks to 36 weeks if possible. We are also moving house at about 36 weeks (although I will only be taking on an advisory role!). I feel that people may think I am just being lazy and on the one hand I do worry that I might be giving up a little to soon at 36 weeks. The Midwife said longer off would give me a proper chance to get geared up and in the right frame of mind for what is about to happen - it made sense.

Can you share your experiences of when you finished - was it too early, do you wish you had more time off?

Thanks all xx

OP posts:

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booflebean · 15/08/2012 12:30

My last day is Friday at 35+2.

I am seriously struggling this week. I have a job that involves a lot of standing, carrying stuff and travelling though so that is probably why. Also have a 21 month old to contend with at home!

I think 36 weeks is about right. I am finishing at 35+2 rather than 36 simply because it is easier for me to finish on a Friday :)

Sastra · 15/08/2012 12:32

I'm starting at 34 ( including 2 weeks leave). Cannot come soon enough, I'm dying (am still throwing up)

heliotrope · 15/08/2012 12:34

36 weeks first time, 38 second, but was working from home then and pretty flexible. Both times I'd used holiday to cut down to 3 days per week before which was nice - having some time alone to shop / prepare, but not being toatally bored.
It's really hard to know, esp as babies might come at 37 -42 weeks.
This time, with my 3rd due at new year, I'm thinking it might be a bit hectic working right up to xmas and planning to make the break at 36 weeks at the latest. But I have a LOT to do in those last 4 weeks with stockings for the other two, school end of term events...
If you can cut down to part time at the end it is really a good compromise
GOod luck!

PogoBob · 15/08/2012 12:36

With DD I finished at 36+4, I had a really easy pregnancy (went to a standing only gig with DH at 39+5) but was glad to stop work when I did, if only that I could stop worrying about rushing in the morning to get ready for work. DD didn't turn up until 41+5 so I had a long break but I didn't feel it was too early as it gave me a chance to relax and finish my nesting!

This time I am planning on finishing at 35 weeks - this pregnancy has been a little tougher and I want to have some time with DD before having to juggle 2.

You need to do what suits you, whatever you choose some (ignorant) people will have an opinion, finish 'earlier' and your lazy, work 'late' and you're putting your baby at risk!

whatsoever · 15/08/2012 12:43

I'm 32+6 and I'm finishing 3 weeks on Friday, when I'll be 36+1. I am absolutely knackered already and I have a desk job, and a parking space at work at the moment, so not even a train journey/walking each day.

It's a fine balance and different for everyone. I think 36+1 is absolutely the latest I could manage but others say they finish at 40 and are bored for the few days they have before baby is born!

Zara1984 · 15/08/2012 13:16

I'm currently pg with my first and I'm due to finish bang on 38 weeks... not sure if I'm leaving it too late though?!

blackteaplease · 15/08/2012 13:18

1st time I worked up to the end of 37 weeks, was still walking 1.5 miles each way to work and was pretty shattered. But I went 12 days over and was very bored by the end.

This time I finish tomorrow (yay) at 35 weeks. elcs booked for 39 weeks so I have 4 weeks to rest.

snowchick1977 · 15/08/2012 13:27

I am 30 weeks pregnant and have finished work now with 4 weeks leave to take so my maternity leave will kick in at 34 weeks.

I work a 50 hour week and have a one year old. I have a 30 minute break at work (if I can find the time) and I'm on my feet all day.

I finished at the same time with my daughter last year when she was born.

It's early but I simply couldn't do my job easily.

bruffin · 15/08/2012 13:31

DS was supposed to start 34 weeks but got taken into hospital at 32 weeks with preeclampsia and didn't come home until he was born at 38 weeks.

DD worked from home from 34 weeks to go on maternity leave at 37 weeks. DD was born the night of my last official day working from home. I packed everything up and walked down post office to send paperwork back. DS was dropped homed by CM about 5 and went into labour at 6 something and DD was born 10.40.

Beans1977 · 15/08/2012 13:33

I am on leave! Started at 34+2 - but my first three weeks are annual leave as I haven't taken any this year, prob why I've been struggling a bit. So I guess I officially start mat leave at 37+2. We are moving from a one bed flat in London to a three bed house in the country in this time though, so I definitely need the additional time.

marge2 · 15/08/2012 13:36

I sit at a desk all day and don't do an 'energetic' type job so I started my maternity leave, what I thought was a week before DS1 was due. In fact I went into labour the Monday after the Friday I finished work!

With DS2 I was planning to stop at 39 weeks but was so knackered, what with running about after a toddler AND working, that I stopped at 38 weeks. I just called in on the Monday to say I wasn't coming in any more. They were fine with it. He was then a week late, so it ended up being 3 weeks before he came.

FluffyJawsOfDoom · 15/08/2012 13:38

I'm the same as you OP - I originally planned to work to 38 weeks, but I'm 32 now and exhausted so I've brought it forward to 36 weeks.

Original poster

sarahpip · 15/08/2012 13:45

Thanks for your feedback, it's making me feel like I am not a slacker for thinking about finishing early!
I can't see how I will get bored, with the house move, it'll be good to have some time to make the place seem a bit more like home.
it'll lose me a few quid, but I guess that these life events only happen once or twice (well that's my intention anyway!), so it probably needs doing properly...

Zara1984 It's my first too, and was very optimistic, initially I planned to work will my due date (which was insane), then I brought it down to 38 weeks, and now I think I am going to ask to work till 36.

I actually feel generally really well, I am just slowly getting more irritable, as at home I am sleeping when I am not supposed to be, or wide awake with early morning insomnia.

Huge respect for those that go through this and already have kids!!

OP posts:

ksrwr · 15/08/2012 13:47

i finished just before 36 weeks, and dd was 2 weeks late - 6 weeks of waiting ;-)
it was just what i needed.
i dont consider finishing work at 36 weeks to be early at all! go for it!

glittershoes · 15/08/2012 13:49

I finished at 38 weeks but had been planning to go to 39 weeks. I was persuaded by midwives and family to bring it forward a week which was good as I got to relax a bit and watch the entirity of the Olympics but now, at 40 + 1, I am bored stiff and wish I had gone with the original plan.

I think you have to listen to your body and trust yourself. It also depends on the type of person you are. I am awful at being bored and unoccupied and have felt really down at home by myself with nothing to do whereas I have friends who have revelled in it.

Good luck! x

MeghanMc · 15/08/2012 13:50

I stopped work on Friday at my 39 weeks as I was told by numerous mother that the first baby is always late. And my baby arrives the next day on Saturday!!!! So technically I only stop work a day before she arrives :D

Lesson to be learnt is get everything organised and setup a few weeks before the newborn arrives. I thought I have at least a week to sort out her wardrobe, oh well, she is 2 now and I am still sorting out her wardrobe ;)

oscarwilde · 15/08/2012 13:52

I finished at 39 weeks [first babies always come late yada yada] and went into labour at 39+1. I don't recommend it. :(

thebabywife · 15/08/2012 13:53

I'm finishing at 31 weeks. Just because I can and I don't want to be in a position where I'm exhausted and dragging myself in to work each day. I do get a few 'oh why' comments about it, but to be honest, I don't care what others think

MeghanMc · 15/08/2012 13:53

Forgot to mention, I didn't regret working right up to when she is born as it means I get to spend more time with her before coming back to work. I took four months maternity leave (3 months statuatory and 1 months on my accummulated holiday).

Hope this helps :)

LoosingBattle · 15/08/2012 13:59

Was planning to work to 39 weeks - DD had other ideas. Waters broke at 28 weeks, very difficult conversation to my boss from maternity ward explaining that I wouldn't be in that day and yes I did have the only set of keys for the safe in my handbag (I work an hour away from home and the hospital was an hour in the other direction so a 2 hour each way trip was required to get them).

thetigerwhocametoteax · 15/08/2012 14:00

Last time I finished at 36+3, a very, very physical job with lots of overtime. DS arrived 2 weeks later at 38+4 and I was very glad I had those 2 weeks at home before he arrived - everyone told me first babies arrive late etc but don't count on it. Was working part time this time with 2 year old, planned to go to 37 weeks but finished at 36 weeks due to a kidney infection, but also I was exhausted too. I am now 38 weeks and really enjoying my time nesting and enjoying my toddler before the madness starts again! Its a hard decision to make but I do think you need a good few weeks rest and getting in the right frame of mind. Good luck

Katienana · 15/08/2012 14:16

I was going to work till 37 weeks but then with SPD and feeling quite tired etc have decided to finish next week at 35 weeks instead. I would have liked to have worked for longer to maximise time with baby but I wouldn't be doing either of us any favours if I continued to drag myself into work.
I won't be bored at home, I have books to read, films to watch, baking to do, freezer to get stocked up and baby things to organise! Plus DH works from home so I'll have company and someone to share the tea round with.

8abyDust · 15/08/2012 18:45

I am 33+4 and so ready to finish work now! Actually start maternity leave when I am 36+1. If you're struggling and your midwife has advised it I think bringing it forward is a good idea. There is no right or wrong time to go on maternity leave because there is no textbook pregnancy.
Good luck!

charlottehere · 15/08/2012 18:48

24 weeks - sick first time, 29 weeks 2nd time, 3rd time had quit work, now on 4th still at home. Finish as early as you can especially with the house move, very brave. mad

Nightfall1983 · 15/08/2012 19:27

Well I'm currently 38 + 4 and will be working till 39 + 6 - the day before my due date (this is the Friday), but I've had a very healthy pregnancy and a very understanding and helpful boss/work. I also used holidays to take frequent breaks (haven't worked a full week since June) and am generally very organised so even if I had gone into labour at 35 weeks everything would have gone smoothly both at home and at work. However if I was moving at 36 weeks (!!) then I definately would have finished earlier, in your shoes stopping at 36 makes perfect sense, plus if this is what the midwife is recommending (mine is happy for me to work to 40 weeks) then I think it's a no-brainer - good luck!

PS I went through an exhausted week-and-a-half at around 31 weeks where all I could do was get home from work and collapse into bed, barely even ate dinner and thought I can't keep doing this but it passed and hasn't come back...

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