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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Teacher - maternity leave 34 weeks

39 replies

studentvera · 08/11/2013 18:33

Hi there
Was hoping you lovely ladies would give me your opinion. Have told my work I will start my leave at 34 weeks - I'm a primary school teacher.
Do you think that's doable? I'm still early days but this is my first pregnancy and I have no idea what to expect!!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

CubanoHabana · 09/11/2013 19:30

I'm secondary, with middle management responsibility. Will be going 3 weeks after coming back after Christmas, at 36 weeks and going back last day of term, so then have summer holidays back on full pay. Originally was going to go day we break up for feb half term (39 weeks) but decided I couldn't do it and we could afford the extra weeks. Struggling now though at 25 weeks, and wish I could do same as chi and finish Christmas holis and start mat leave 6th jan but just can't afford it...

I do think some people don't realise how tiring teaching is though, you have to be constantly on the ball, break time is either preparing for next lesson or dealing with some issue that has come up with the little darlings (more often than not a fight), then there is the marking, revision classes, planning lessons... I get to school at 8am, lessons start 8.30,kids go at 2.45pm and I work until 5.30 before 1 hour commute home, then extra work at home...

Sorry, rant over!

Only you can decide when is best for you though!

Panzee · 09/11/2013 20:10

It's a complete myth that you have to come back for the last day of term to get summer pay. You can put whatever date you like in for your return.

Bkk13 · 09/11/2013 20:30

I'm a ks1 teacher and finishing at 36 and a bit weeks as I couldn't make up my mind! I'm knackered now at 33 and having to go up 4 flights of stairs in a Victorian school which is keeping me active but babies head is down now so it's more of a waddle and am starting to ache! X

Waitinggame8 · 09/11/2013 21:04

This is a great thread as I am at the start of my pregnancy and also as a teacher, frequently being asked by colleagues when I'll go off and how long will I take off.
I am in Scotland, secondary and a middle manager with responsibility for 3 depts, my own subject being PE. If I could I would go off now! (Currently just short of 10 weeks with my 1st and knackerred!)

I have decided that I will see what the midwife says and just listen to my body, I am in my late 30's, and as I can't stop at the end of a term, I will just make sure my students coursework has been sent in for the SQA - examination body in Scotland, and then I hope I can go off and relax.
I am planning on returning at the start of a term however, as I definitely think that makes a big difference to forward planning for everyone, including me.
Really good to hear everyone's thoughts, especially the experienced mums so thanks for starting this thread studentvera

Original poster

studentvera · 09/11/2013 22:23

So interesting to read everyone's replies thank!

OP posts:

Weareboatsremember · 10/11/2013 02:35

I'm secondary and worked up to 39 weeks, but I was exhausted and didn't have a timetable for the final week as my maternity cover started and I handed everything over to him. I'd have gone to 40 weeks, but I was being induced and wanted a couple of days at home to relax, do a final cinema trip with DH and have a posh meal out :)

vj32 · 10/11/2013 06:03

I worked until 29 weeks before giving up and going on Mat Leave. I was really ill, exhausted by the commute before I even got to work and some people at work were not supportive at all.(Other people were lovely!) As I knew I wasn't going back to the job as it was a temp contract I just left. Once I was home the pregnancy related problems I had stopped within a few weeks so stress was obviously contributing.

You really won't know until you get further along how you feel. Everyone is different. I would make plans but don't get upset if you have to change them.

LittleMachine · 10/11/2013 10:10

I teach Foundation Stage. Last time I went on ML at 34 weeks - it was half term so I put my leaving date as the following week.
I couldn't get up and down off the floor to play, I couldn't set up or tidy away outside, I was never at the right level for the children, I was teaching 2 classes and had just gone into senior leadership. I really struggled and I was so glad I went when I did.

This time I will be 36 weeks when I finish. I'm afternoons only and not on SLT anymore, so hoping I will cope a bit better.
Remember, it's not set in stone. You can leave before or after your given date. My TA managed her pregnancy wonderfully, and went to 38 weeks, she found the whole thing a breeze.

Wombat79 · 10/11/2013 11:31

I am 27 weeks at the moment and a musculoskeletal physio with 1 hour 30 commute and patients for treatment every 30 mins from 8-5.30 (bar 60 mins lunch). All the physio's I have worked with have managed up until at least 36 weeks and thats when I start my leave. I actually have a practical masters exam at 34 weeks so the pressure is on to stay fit and active (work should keep me in good shape hopefully). Fingers crossed. Its really up to you when you decide to start mat leave, there is no right or wrong. If you want to change your mind nearer the time due to health problems then that should not be an issue.

CubanoHabana · 10/11/2013 11:37

I'm only going back on last day of term so I can get info for September, eg class lists, SoW etc... Otherwise wouldn't bother. Also gives me an idea what child are will be like!

chibi · 10/11/2013 11:46

i stopped at 38 weeks with dd
i went into labour early with ds so didn't actually start mat leave til after he was born (was a v interesting call to the coverline!) this was at 34 weeks- i had planned to keep going til 38.

listen to your body, be good to yourself. good luck

ladymalfoy · 10/11/2013 17:37

I'm 33+3 and finding work not the least bit supportive. Also middle manager in school and come back to chaos after every appointment.
They are giving me more to do with tighter deadlines despite having my cover in school. She's a specialist and supposed to be the dogs bollocks but sits in my office texting and so far has done nothing I've asked her to.
I've had to episodes of reduced movement and intense itchiness which the midwives hinted heavily could be related to stress.
I fully intend to see my doc this week and get signed off for stress.

quackojuliet · 10/11/2013 18:27

malfoy, sounds like you have no choice. my mat cover is already in and is behaving similarly. some people will just take advantage.
sounds like they'll have a shock when you leave - their own fault.
might be a good idea get signed off for something 'pregnancy related'.

JustCallMeBaldrick · 10/11/2013 18:29

I worked until 32 weeks with my DTs! I did spend most of the last few weeks sitting down with my feet up on a little chair though!!

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